Kia ora, my name is Cheycoda, and I am one of two graduates in the Sport NZ Ihi Aotearoa Graduate Programme for 2024-2025.

I’m originally from Masterton, where I was privileged to have had the opportunity to play in a wide range of sports and physical activity. Growing up I played every sport under the sun until I found my passion for Golf.

I loved participating in physical activity so much that I decided to study a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise majoring in Sport Development at Massey University in Palmerston North. Post my studies I worked at Sport Manawatū with various roles and found an interest in understanding how the wider sector can support more New Zealanders to be active.

I applied for the Graduate Programme to build on the experience I had gained through working at a Regional Sports Trust. I have found in my short time that there are various cogs behind the machine, and they all play an integral part in advocating and influencing change across the sport sector. Another reason for joining the graduate programme was the various opportunities that we get to connect and learn from those within and outside the sector.

I would highly encourage anyone with an interest in the sector to apply, even those who may not have necessarily studied physical activity specifically. This programme will allow you to learn and grow to hopefully lead the sector into the future.