Sector Update
Sector Update
Tēnā koutou e te motu,
Last week marked a milestone for sport in Aotearoa with the launch of the Sport Diplomacy Strategy 2025–2030. The event brought together sector leaders and the Ministers for Sport and Recreation Hon Chris Bishop (Associate) and Hon Mark Mitchell. They spoke on how sport can connect nations, grow our economy, and showcase our culture globally.
We're also gearing up for Play Week – a nationwide celebration of play and tākaro. Led by the play workforce and community partners, events across the motu will highlight the role of play in building healthy, connected communities.
It's been an inspiring few weeks for New Zealand sport. Congratulations to the New Zealand athletes and teams competing internationally for their outstanding efforts on the world stage.
To celebrate these achievements, we've launched a new marketing campaign with national sports organisations. See it on billboards and social media. Thanks to everyone behind our champions.
Enjoy this update.
Ngā mihi,
Raelene
Latest news
Ngā kōrero o te wā
Game on! Sport Diplomacy Strategy launched
On Friday, the New Zealand Government launched the Sport Diplomacy Strategy 2025-2030. It shows how sport will help achieve New Zealand’s goals in foreign affairs, trade and culture, with different government agencies working together to make it happen.
Sport NZ and ACC backing active communities
Sport NZ and ACC have a refreshed 10-year partnership to make play, active recreation and sport safer and more accessible – helping more people stay healthy and physically active for life.
Events and opportunities
Ngā kaupapa me ngā whiwhinga
Seminar: Physical activity and mental health
With Mental Health Awareness Week approaching, take the opportunity to join us and Te Hau Kori at 1pm on 9 October for our upcoming seminar: ‘Physical activity and mental health: Translating research into practice.’
Webinars: Rangatahi peer crowds in Aotearoa
Join us for a 2-part series exploring peer crowds research – a new way of understanding rangatahi and their physical activity. The first session introduces peer crowds, while the second dives into Active NZ survey results on activity across peer crowds.
Iwi of Origin returns: 18 October
Iwi of Origin brings whānau together, uplifting whakapapa and participation. Whanaungatanga starts on the field – celebrate iwi pride through sport.
Let’s play, Aotearoa! 20–26 October
Play Week celebrates the power of play across Aotearoa, with tamariki and whānau enjoying events and an online campaign full of movement, laughter and connection.
New resources
Ngā rauemi hou
The power of nature to boost wellbeing
Just 5 minutes in nature can spark a real change. Our new report shows how being active in blue and green spaces – beaches, bush and parks – helps boost young people’s health, happiness and connection.
Supporting rangatahi through active recreation toolkit
Our new toolkit – featuring illustrated domains, a dynamic video and ready-to-use presentation – will help energise your mahi and support rangatahi to thrive through active recreation.
Securing the future
The funding landscape for play, active recreation and sport is changing. This report helps sector leaders plan and act with recommendations to strengthen funding resilience.
New cultural confidence modules
Grow your knowledge of te ao Māori and cultural confidence with Tū Te Wana – free online learning modules are now available. Sign in with your email to access practical, self-paced modules for all levels. Start your journey today!
New guidance for Honours nominations
Know someone in sport or recreation doing great things? Our new guidance makes it easier to nominate them for a New Zealand Honour. The King’s Birthday Honours will be announced in June 2026 – now’s the time to prepare your nomination.
Community stories
Ngā kōrero mō ngā hapori
Mau Rākau: Building strength and identity
In Nelson-Tasman, rangatahi are embracing Mau Rākau – supported by Te Tai o Awatea, Sport Tasman and Tū Manawa – to build confidence, cultural connection and lifelong skills.
Empowering disabled paddlers across Aotearoa
Supported by Sport NZ's Disability Inclusion Fund, Canoe Racing NZ shares what they’ve learned on their journey to make paddling more inclusive – offering practical insights and inspiration for other sports to follow.
Active As fuels student energy
Thanks to Active As, Ashburton College rangatahi are energised! Student-led activities, mentoring and challenges are creating teamwork, new experiences and revealing hidden talents during lunchtime.
Governance
Te mana whakahaere
Congratulations to recent Governance Mark recipients
Congratulations to Softball New Zealand, Squash New Zealand and Waka Ama New Zealand on earning the Governance Mark. This recognises their ongoing commitment to sound governance practices in support of their organisation’s success. Learn more about governance evaluation below.
