Sport NZ Ihi Aotearoa is helping to ensure sport and recreation is inclusive for everyone with the launch of a new Inclusivity Hub.  

The Inclusivity Hub equips everyone working in play, active recreation and sport – from coaches and club administrators to sector leaders and policy makers – with the resources and knowledge to cater for diverse groups of participants. The resources include practical guidance, policy templates, case studies and training opportunities. 

Sport NZ Group People and Culture Manager Bron Hall says the Hub will enable better understanding of young people’s experiences so more inclusive activities are provided. 

“It’s important that all tamariki and rangatahi feel safe and supported to engage in physical activity in the ways they’d like to. Inclusion is a big part of our mission at Sport NZ, so we’re really pleased to launch this new resource to help support that.” 

Sport NZ partnered with experience design consultants DNA following sector feedback that more guidance was needed on DEI and that it was time consuming to search online for relevant resources. The Hub brings this information together in one place so organisations and individuals can better apply it to their mahi. 

Young people are front and centre on the Hub, with each topic featuring the personal stories of rangatahi.  

Aotearoa New Zealand is diverse and is becoming more so every year. Recent data shows 24% of the population identify as disabled and 4.4% identify as LGBTQIA+. There are six major ethnic groups, with 27% of the population being born overseas and over 160 languages spoken across the country.  

Sport NZ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant Rebecca Scott says sport and recreation should be representative of New Zealand’s diverse communities and proactive about inclusion, which starts with an openness to learn. 

“We know that having a diversity of perspectives and experiences leads to better outcomes for everyone. By taking the time to learn about people’s unique experiences and any barriers they face, we can actively work together to eliminate these. It’s up to us to make people from all backgrounds, ages and abilities feel welcome, respected and that they belong.” 

The Hub supports Sport NZ’s vision that no one is missing out on the benefits of physical activity, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or where they live.  It will continue to grow, with more resources added over time. 

See more resources and stories on the Inclusivity Hub.