Sector Update
Sector Update
Kia ora tātou,
Welcome to our first issue of Sector Update for 2025. I hope you all had a chance to rest and spend time with whānau and friends over the summer break.
I’ve enjoyed following the action from events across the motu during January including the Waka Ama Sprint Nationals, the Z Manu World Champs, the Māori Golf Nationals, the ASB Classic Tennis Tournament and the National Māori Basketball Tournament. What a great start to the year!
It was also very special to see a number of contributors from our sector celebrated in the New Year Honours list for 2025. A special mention to Dame Lydia Ko who became the youngest person to be named a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to golf.
The new year brings a new Minister for Sport and Recreation with Hon Chris Bishop picking up the transport portfolio (but staying on as an Associate for Sport & Recreation) and Hon Mark Mitchell now leading the Sport and Recreation portfolio. We will be meeting with our new Minister in the coming weeks.
You will no doubt be keen to get an update on the Independent Rapid Review commissioned by our previous Minister. A final draft was delivered by Brendan Boyle last year.
We have viewed a draft of the Independent Rapid Review report, which we must hold in confidence until we have discussed the findings and recommendations with our Minister, which will now be Minister Mitchell. We will also get agreement on how and when the review can be shared with the Sport NZ Group and the sector. In some ways it is useful that the review exists, as we build a relationship with our new Minister, given it reflects an impartial view of our business.
Lastly, this issue includes a link to 'Active Bodies, Active Minds', a brand-new report which includes both national and international research that highlights how physical activity can improve learning for tamariki and rangatahi.
Thank you to all the contributors of this report which gives the sector some important evidence around the connection between being physically active and more engaged students.
I’m looking forward to working with you all in 2025 to deliver impactful mahi which ensures our communities stay active and healthy.
Ngā mihi nui,
Raelene
Ngā kōrero o te wā – Latest news
Active Bodies, Active Minds report
In line with the Sport NZ strategic priority, ‘Active schools and kura’, we’ve released a new report that highlights how physical activity can improve learning for tamariki and rangatahi. The report shows clear evidence that physically active students engage more in learning, stay in school longer, reach higher levels of achievement, and have better mental wellbeing.
Read the Active Bodies, Active Minds report.
Ngā kaupapa me ngā whiwhinga – Events and opportunities
Webinar series on sector governance
We’re offering a series of webinars focusing on key elements of board work and governance.
- Unlocking Strategic Potential: The Board’s Key Role – 19 February 2025, 12.15pm -1 pm.
- Artificial Intelligence in NZ Sport and Recreation: The Board’s Key Role – 26 March 2025, 12.15pm -1 pm.
- Incorporated Societies Act and Clubs – 15 April 2025, 12.15pm -1 pm
Find out more and register for a webinar.
Get active this summer with free Push Play sessions
Hundreds of whānau have been getting active this raumati (summer) in the free Push Play sessions as part of the Z Manu World Champs happening across Aotearoa. With three towns still to come, grab your mates and whānau and head along for some epic Manu action. Don't miss out! Reheko - Let's go!
Upcoming locations:
- 1-2 Feb: Kirikiriroa Hamilton
- 8 Feb: Ōtautahi Christchurch
- 15, 16, 22, 23 Feb: Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Visit the Z Manu World Champs website for all the details.
Discover exciting opportunities with Asia New Zealand Foundation
The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono has a variety of incredible opportunities tailored to young New Zealanders passionate about sports and cultural experiences. Apply for the Community Sports Fund and Student Sports Fund to travel to Asia and immerse yourself in authentic cultural experiences. Plus, don't miss the chance to intern in Singapore with Sport Singapore. Applications close soon!
Read more on the Sport NZ website.
Ngā rauemi hou – New resources
Sport and recreation hub development guidance
To keep ahead of financial and regulatory expectations, as well as those from participants, it’s helpful to think innovatively about how sport and recreation is delivered.
This Sport NZ guide has been developed to share learnings from previous hub projects across the country. Many of these projects have been collaborations between organisations and the communities they serve and, in many cases, have resulted in sustainable, increased participation.
Find out more information and register to access the guide.
Ngā kōrero mō ngā hapori – Community stories
Serve, spin, smash! Para table tennis pilot a hit with participants
Paralympics New Zealand teamed up with other organisations to improve access to Para table tennis opportunities for disabled New Zealanders. The pilot supports organisations to offer inclusive and quality community Para table tennis experiences in Auckland, Canterbury and Waikato.
Read more about the Serve, spin, smash pilot here.
Fishing initiative gets rural Southland community active
A new fishing initiative in the rural community of Upper Mataura is encouraging the community to be more active and make the most of the world-famous natural resources available at their backdoor. The region is known for its trout and salmon fishing, but many in the community don’t have the skills or resources to fish themselves, or to teach their tamariki and rangatahi to do so.
That's changing, thanks to the support of Active Southland’s Healthy Active Learning team, Tū Manawa, and local parent, Shona.
Check out the full story here.
Te mana whakahaere – Governance
Re-registration for Incorporated Societies
All incorporated societies must re-register under the Incorporated Societies Act by April 2026. If you haven’t started making the necessary constitutional changes yet, now is the time to begin to ensure compliance by the due date. To assist you with this process, we have developed various resources, including national, regional and club templates and FAQs. We have also updated our guidance on the pros and cons of being incorporated.
Canoe Slalom NZ awarded with the Governance Mark
Congratulations to Canoe Slalom NZ for earning the Governance Mark last month. This award recognises their robust strategies and structures and good governance practice in the play, active recreation and sport sector.
We encourage other organisations to also set themselves the challenge of external governance evaluation and prioritising their board’s development.
Mēnā kāore i kitea – In case you missed it
New Year Honours 2025
The New Year Honours list for 2025 celebrated notable contributors from New Zealand’s sport and recreation sector for their remarkable achievements and decades of service. Honourees included Lydia Ko, who was made a Dame Companion of the NZ Order of Merit, and former All Blacks coaches Ian Foster and John Hart, who were made Companions of the NZ Order of Merit. Marguerite Christophers and Sam Whitelock were made Officers of the NZ Order of Merit. We congratulate all recipients for their outstanding service.
Read more and follow Sport NZ on LinkedIn for updates.
