Sector Update
Sector Update
Kia ora tātou,
I hope you’re all keeping well as the weather cools and winter sport gets into full swing.
Youth Week starts today. This update includes resources to support how we listen to young people – something that sits at the centre of our work. You can see what this looks like in communities like the GI Eagles in Glen Innes, where young people show up as they are, build confidence and feel they belong. Environments like this help keep tamariki and rangatahi active and connected.
This is reinforced in Student Voice 2025, which shares what young people are telling us about being active at school. It shows confidence and enjoyment can drop as ākonga get older, and highlights the need for quality, inclusive experiences to keep them involved.
We’re also recognising the finalists of the 2026 New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards. It’s good to see the work happening across our communities, building connections and creating more opportunities in sport and recreation. Thanks to everyone who put forward nominations. It reflects the care and commitment across our sector to help more New Zealanders get active.
Ngā mihi,
Raelene
Latest news
Ngā kōrero o te wā
2026 NZ Sport and Recreation Awards finalists announced
Meet the finalists for the 2026 New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards, recognising the people and organisations making a difference in communities across Aotearoa.
What young people tell us about being active at school
The new Student Voice 2025 report shares what tamariki and rangatahi say about being active at school. It shows confidence and enjoyment drop with age, and why inclusive, quality experiences matter.
New financial reporting obligations
After re-registering under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, societies must follow XRB financial reporting standards unless classified as a small society.
The future of PE in secondary schools
What might physical education look like in 2040? This foresight paper explores 4 plausible futures to help the sport and recreation sector think ahead and plan for the future of physical activity in secondary schools.
Online Casino Gambling Act is now law
The Online Casino Gambling Act came into effect on 1 May. With new funding for communities and changes to the market ahead, here’s what sport and recreation organisations need to know.
New case study: Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025
This new case study explores media coverage of the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 and what it means for the sport.
Events and opportunities
Ngā kaupapa me ngā whiwhinga
What’s on this Youth Week
Youth Week is here! Rangatahi are leading events across Aotearoa, celebrating who they are and what matters to them. This year’s theme focuses on making sure youth voices are heard. See what’s happening in your region and support young people to lead the way.
New Mana Taiohi learning module
Explore our online module introducing the Mana Taiohi framework – a positive youth-development approach that can support your work with rangatahi. Developed with Ara Taiohi, the module includes practical examples and reflection prompts to support your mahi. Complete it at your pace.
Help us improve the Sport NZ website
We recently refreshed our website homepage and now we’re testing how people can find the information they need. This 10-minute test includes a few simple tasks and runs from today until Friday 22 May. Your feedback will help us improve the experience for everyone who uses the website.
Applications open: Sport NZ Graduate Programme 2027/28
This paid, 2-year programme offers mentoring and placements across the sector. Apply by 7 June 2026 or join the upcoming webinar to learn more.
New resources
Ngā rauemi hou
Strengthening research with young people
When young people are genuinely heard, it helps build trust and connection, and leads to better outcomes. Our new resource shares creative ways to engage young people in your research.
New Organisational Inclusion eLearning modules
In response to sector feedback, 6 free, self-paced inclusion modules are now on Sport Tutor, with facilitator guides to support more inclusive workplaces.
Helping schools open their facilities to communities
This practical toolkit helps schools confidently open their sport and recreation facilities to the public. It includes clear guidance, templates and real examples to support partnerships and community use.
The value and global reach of sport and recreation
New evidence briefs highlight the economic value and global reach of sport and recreation in Aotearoa – with insights to support investment, planning and storytelling across the sector.
New case studies on sport and recreation facilities
A new collection of case studies highlights a range of community sport and recreation facilities across Aotearoa. These examples share lessons learnt, strategic decisions and key insights to help inform future spaces and places projects.
Legislative Compliance Manual
This updated manual reflects recent legislative changes to health and safety, privacy, integrity in sport and incorporated societies. It also includes guidance on limited partnerships and key issues for sport and recreation organisations.
Community stories
Ngā kōrero mō ngā hapori
Building belonging through basketball
See how Auckland’s GI Eagles Basketball League creates belonging and pathways for tamariki and rangatahi, with support from Sport Auckland and Tū Manawa.
Tamariki design and build a Christchurch playground
From ideas to action! Tamariki in Ōtautahi Christchurch designed and built their own play space with support from their community.
In case you missed it
Mēnā kāore i kitea
Action required: Incorporated societies that are charities
Re‑registering under the Incorporated Societies Act doesn’t automatically update your charity record. You must also tell Charities Services about any changes (such as rules, officers or legal structure) no later than 3 months after these take effect.
Incorporated societies: Missed the re-registration deadline?
If you missed the deadline to re-register under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, find out what this means and how to restore your society.
Empowering young people in decision-making
Explore our online course designed to help you embed youth voice in decision-making. There are practical scenarios and interactive activities you can work through at your own pace, designed for sector kaimahi, boards and leadership teams.
