Sector Update
Sector Update
Kia ora tātou,
We are officially into the last few weeks of the year, so the countdown is on towards summer and a much-needed break for all, where we will be able to partake in our annual backyard challenges of beach cricket and frisbee force back.
While we look forward to the holiday season, and reflect on many positive things in 2024, I want to acknowledge the Coronial Inquest which took place over the last few weeks in Hamilton, and has now been adjourned until the new year. Our thoughts have been with all of Olivia’s whānau, friends and colleagues during this challenging time. Much has been done in the intervening years since 2021 to transform the high performance system and put the athlete and their wellbeing at the centre of what we do. The inquest is, however, an important step in helping us understand if what we are doing is enough, ensuring high performance sport is a place where all athletes can thrive.
As we look towards the Los Angeles 2028 Games, we are close to finalising the associated high performance investment process that will see us through the next four-year cycle. I want to thank all who have been involved in this, as there is a lot involved in formulating strategic plans and budgets, alongside the usual day to day mahi that keeps us busy. The outcomes of this process will be communicated pre-Christmas.
I made mention of Dame Lisa Carrington in our last update, and I couldn't pass up this opportunity to congratulate Dame Lisa again. As New Zealand’s most successful Olympian, she capped off an exceptional year by being named the Albie Pryor Memorial Māori Sports Person of the Year for the seventh time at the 34th Trillian Trust Māori Sports Awards in Mount Maunganui. Congratulations to everyone who was recognised at the awards night which you can read more about in this update.
This is our last Sector Update of 2024, and I believe there is lots for us to celebrate. The resilience, the impactful partnerships and the positive mahi we have seen every day is a constant reminder of this, and I want to thank everyone for the part they play in ensuring our communities remain happy, healthy, active and connected.
I hope you all have the chance to rest and spend time with whānau and friends over the break. Thank you again for everything you do!
Mānawatia a Hineraumati – have a happy and restful summer.
Nā, Raelene
Latest News - Ngā Kōrero O Te Wā
Read about the latest news across Aotearoa.
Sport NZ closedown dates
A reminder that Sport NZ offices will be closed over the holiday period. Our last day for the year is Wednesday 18 December 2024. We will be back onboard from Monday 6 January 2025. Our kaimahi are looking forward to recharging during this time to be refreshed and ready to take on a new year.
A roadmap for navigating the future
The world we live in continues to change, and the sport and recreation sector in Aotearoa is no exception. From technological advances and shifting social norms, to evolving economic and political forces, nearly every aspect of our landscape is impacted and challenging us to adapt.
This alternative futures report aims to provide a roadmap for navigating the road ahead for a more resilient and sustainable future for sport and recreation in Aotearoa.
Read the alternative futures report.
Events and opportunities
Read about the latest news across Aotearoa.
Celebrating Māori pride at the 2024 Māori Sports Awards
The 34th Trillian Trust Māori Sports Awards took place in Mount Maunganui on Saturday 30 November. The event celebrated 80 athletes across 13 categories. Highlights included Dame Lisa Carrington clinching both Senior Māori Sportswoman of the Year and the Albie Pryor Memorial Māori Sports Person of the Year awards, and Codie Taylor winning Senior Māori Sportsman of the Year. The NZ Māori Rugby Development Team was acknowledged for their dedication to developing rangatahi Māori as the Māori Sports Team of the Year.
Read the full article on our Sport NZ website.
NGĀ IKA Ā WHIRO | Māori Sports Team of the Year New Zealand Māori Development team – whutupōro | rugby. Maori Sports Awards, Mercury Baypark Arena, Tauranga on Saturday November 30 2024. Photo credit: Stephen Parker / www.photosport.nz
Get ready for the Z Manu World Champs!
The Z Manu World Champs are back again, and they are bigger and better, now in more cities. Let's encourage our communities, whānau, and friends to get amongst all the action. Plus, give it a go on the day during the free Push Play sessions. Manu is the ultimate way to get active and have fun in the sun this summer. Don't miss out!
Check out the official Z Manu World Champs website for a full list of locations and dates.
New resources
Gender pay gap tool kit - available now!
Manatū Wāhine Ministry for Women has released a new toolkit that supports organisations to measure and take action to close their gender pay gap. The toolkit includes an online calculator, a downloadable customised action plan, and supporting guidance and resources.
Check out the gender pay gap toolkit on Manatū Wāhine Ministry of Women's website.
Sport NZ facilities planning tool
Discover a new tool for sport and recreation planning in Aotearoa. The Sport NZ facilities planning tool is designed to streamline the process of planning regional facilities, making it more efficient and cost-effective. With access to a comprehensive database of over 11,000 facilities, you can gain detailed insights into local, regional, and national overviews, ownership, and user types. Whether you're involved in facility planning or just curious, this free tool is your go-to resource for smart planning.
See how it can save you time and register for a login on the Sport NZ website.
New concussion guidelines for community sports
ACC, in collaboration with national sporting organisations, has released national guidelines for concussion in sport. These guidelines aim to standardise the recognition and treatment of concussions in community sports. Concussions can have serious long-term effects if not managed properly. These guidelines are designed to create a safer sporting environment for everyone.
Read the full guidelines on concussion in sport.
Stay ahead with the quarterly disruptor scan
Discover potential disruptors to sport and recreation over the next 2 to 5 years with our quarterly disruptor scan. This essential update is designed to spark discussions on future impacts and necessary adjustments.
Dive into the detail on the significant shifts for July to September 2024.
Community stories
Here are some stories from the community we didn’t want you to miss.
Whakapapa in the suburbs: Empowering Māori wellbeing
The Iwi of Origin kaupapa is a wonderful example of community-driven success, aligning its efforts with Sport NZ's strategy and Te Whetū Rehua framework. Celebrating Māori health and wellbeing, this initiative fosters whanaungatanga (a sense of belonging) and pride through play, active recreation and sport. Supported by He Oranga Poutama, Iwi of Origin empowers Māori across Tāmaki Makaurau to engage in physical activities that enhance their holistic wellbeing. This synergy strengthens cultural identity and promotes healthier lifestyles, embodying the essence of Sport NZ's vision for an active Aotearoa.
Read the full story on the NZ Herald website.
In case you missed it
Celebrating disabled leaders on International Day of Disabled Persons
International Day of Disabled Persons was on Tuesday 3 December. This day is an opportunity to promote awareness, understanding, and inclusion of the more than 1.1 million disabled people in Aotearoa. We celebrated the day by highlighting some amazing disabled leaders in the play, active recreation and sport sector.
Check out the series on our Sport NZ Instagram and LinkedIn channels.
Disability Plan Progress Report - now available in alternate formats
Sport NZ’s Disability Plan Progress Report, released in September, is now available in 5 alternate formats: NZ Sign Language, Easy Read, Braille, audio, and large print.
See the alternate formats of the Disability Plan Progress Report on the Sport NZ website.
For guidance on making information accessible, check out Sport NZ’s Accessibility Hub.
Stay updated on LinkedIn
Follow us on LinkedIn to keep up-to-date with the latest news, events, and initiatives across the play, active recreation and sport sector.
Governance
Resources for incorporated societies
All incorporated societies must re-register under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 by April 2026. To assist you with this process, we have developed national, regional and club templates and updated FAQs. Additionally, the External Reporting Board provides webinars and videos that you may find helpful.
If you have any questions, please email: governance@sportnz.org.nz
