Sector Update
Sector Update
Kia ora tātou,
I hope you had a restful break and got to spend time with friends and whānau. As we get into 2026, there’s already a lot happening around the motu.
Many people in our sector were recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours for their services to sport and recreation. Congratulations! Your mahi shows the real impact our sector has every day.
Nominations for the Sport and Recreation Awards are now open. These awards are a great way to recognise those making a real difference for participants, volunteers and communities. Please take a moment to think about who in your network should be put forward.
On the other side of the world, the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games are just days away, with the Paralympic Games to follow in March. We send our best wishes to all athletes competing, as well as everyone working behind the scenes to support them. I know many of us will be staying up late to watch and cheer them on from home – I will certainly be suffering from sleep deprivation.
Ngā mihi
Raelene
Latest news
Ngā kōrero o te wā
2026 Sport and Recreation Awards entries open
Celebrate excellence! Entries for the 2026 New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards are now open. Nominate inspiring individuals and organisations shaping active lives. Submit via the Awards Portal – winners announced 8 June.
Last chance: Re-register under the Incorporated Societies Act
The deadline to re-register under the new Incorporated Societies Act is fast approaching. A last-minute scramble could put your organisation at risk. Start today to complete your re-registration before the 5 April 2026 deadline.
Events and opportunities
Ngā kaupapa me ngā whiwhinga
3 March: Webinar – Designing streets for tamariki
Join global urban design leader Skye Duncan and Sport NZ’s Scott Mackenzie for an impactful webinar on designing streets that put tamariki first – with strategies to create safer, more active and playful cities across Aotearoa. If you’re interested in how to shape child-friendly communities, join us online 11am-12pm, 3 March.
7 March: Athletics NZ Track Stars
Enjoy this brand-new evening of track and field action featuring some of New Zealand’s biggest stars – on and off the track. Get amongst the action in-person at Trusts Arena in Auckland on 7 March. You can also watch live and free on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+.
Youth Week grants now open
There are grants of up to $1,000 available to support youth-led events during Youth Week (18 to 24 May). Led by Ara Taiohi, the grants help rangatahi plan and deliver events that amplify their voices and create meaningful connections in their communities. Applications close 15 March.
Auckland Council’s Te Ara Urutau – Climate and Emergency Ready Fund
Auckland-based sport and recreation groups can apply for funding to reduce emissions, boost emergency readiness and adapt to climate impacts. Applications close 8 March.
Ngā Niho Taniwha wānanga
Join Recreation Aotearoa and Hawaiki Kura for a 3-day noho wānanga about how we see, practice and lead recreation in Aotearoa. Informed by mātauranga Māori, this immersive experience creates space to learn, connect and grow. It takes place in Blenheim this March, with scholarships available for 2 rangatahi.
New resources
Ngā rauemi hou
Empowering young people in decision-making
Explore our new online course designed to help you embed youth voice in decision-making. Work through practical scenarios and interactive activities at your own pace – perfect for sector kaimahi, boards and leadership teams.
Social Return on Investment (SROI) insights
See how smart investment in sport, recreation and play facilities benefits communities. Explore SROI reports about the proposed Tairāwhiti Indoor Multipurpose Centre, Taranaki Indoor Aquatic Facilities, and the Social Value of Spaces and Places. More insights and support coming soon.
In case you missed it
Mēnā kāore i kitea
New Year Honours 2026
Congratulations to the athletes, coaches and administrators recognised in this year’s New Year Honours: Greg Barclay, Eroni Clarke, Brian Davies, Rod Dixon, Sir Scott Dixon, Martin Guptill, Judith Hamilton, Shirley Hooper, Malcolm McKee, Lorraine Moller, Jenny Nahu, Iain Potter, Tony Quinn, Valerie Smith and Gary Whittle.
Free Push Play Manu sessions all over NZ!
Whānau fun, confidence and the ultimate vibes. Don’t miss the free Push Play Manu sessions happening across the country this summer. Easy, active and for everyone!
