Sector Update
Sector Update
Kia ora tātou,
It was great to see so many of you at the Connections Conference, the New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards, and the National Māori Sport and Recreation Conference. These events highlight how much our sector is achieving to support Aotearoa New Zealand with more sport and physical activity opportunities.
I also want to acknowledge those from across the sector recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours. Their leadership and significant contributions continue to shape a stronger, more connected system for Aotearoa.
Recent Government announcements on budgets and headcount are a timely reminder of the environment we’re operating in. For Sport NZ, we continue to work to be as operationally efficient as possible and remain focused on what matters most – supporting our partners, strengthening impact and continuing to evolve how we work to meet changing needs.
As we move into a new financial year, our planning has focused on what will drive the greatest impact and making that value more visible. There’s a lot to be proud of and plenty ahead that we can build together.
Ngā mihi,
Raelene
Latest news
Ngā kōrero o te wā
Winners – 2026 NZ Sport and Recreation Awards
Last week, we celebrated our award winners – individuals and organisations whose mahi is lifting communities, opening doors and creating stronger, more inclusive sport and recreation across Aotearoa.
Reducing Child and Youth Offending project
The Minister for Sport and Recreation announced the first $2.2m of Community Impact Investment, one of 3 investment streams of Sport NZ’s Reducing Child and Youth Offending project ($14.5m), supporting physical activity programmes for young people experiencing higher risk factors.
Changes to the Privacy Act
Organisations must tell people when they collect their personal information. New Privacy Act changes mean they must now also tell people if they collect it indirectly, like from another person or organisation, unless an exception applies.
National Sport Facilities Strategy paused
Work on a new long-term strategy to guide planning and investment in major sport facilities across Aotearoa New Zealand has been paused. The future of this work will depend on decisions made by the Government after the election.
Events and opportunities
Ngā kaupapa me ngā whiwhinga
Applications open for Te Au Mātāhae leadership programme
Applications are now open for Te Au Mātāhae Cohort 5, a Sport NZ programme for current and emerging sector leaders. Participants work through real leadership challenges, learn alongside each other and build connections. Apply by Friday 3 July.
Support safer online spaces for Netsafety Week
Netsafety Week is happening from 17-23 August. It’s a chance to support safer online spaces, with a focus on shared responsibility. This year’s theme encourages the sector to play its part and promote positive online behaviour.
New resources
Ngā rauemi hou
New insights into fan preferences
How are fan expectations of live sport changing? This report explores preferences in Aotearoa and globally – from social and digital experiences to smarter, more sustainable venues, and what this means for future sport facilities planning.
New Aquatic Facility Energy Efficiency Toolbox
A practical calculator and manual is now available to help facility managers understand energy use, costs and emissions. It also helps with planning efficiency and decarbonisation improvements.
Governance
Te mana whakahaere
Your responsibilities as an incorporated society
If your organisation has re-registered as an incorporated society, make sure you understand your legal responsibilities. This includes ongoing compliance, updating your registered details, managing changes to your constitution and meeting obligations if your society winds up.
Recruit board members with Appoint Better Boards
Appoint Better Boards is a free platform helping sport and recreation organisations connect with skilled women interested in governance roles. Search by region, skills and experience or create a profile to put yourself forward for board opportunities.
Community stories
Ngā kōrero mō ngā hapori
Ākonga driving change
At Saint Mary's School in Carterton, tamariki are leading climate action, choosing active, sustainable travel to reduce transport emissions.
