Sector Update
Sector Update
Kia ora tātou,
It was great to see so many of you in Wellington for Connections 2025. Over 2 days, we reconnected, shared ideas and explored how we can support the next generation. Whether you’re a Baby Boomer or Gen Alpha, we all bring something valuable and that spirit of collaboration is what makes our sector so special.
We also celebrated the outstanding finalists and winners of the 2025 New
Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards. Their energy and commitment to getting people active continues to make a real impact in communities across Aotearoa.
Another reason to celebrate – 27% of sports news coverage last year focused on women's sport. That's nearly double since 2020, when our media and gender study began. As I said in this LockerRoom article, it feels like our new baseline and a sign of what’s possible.
Lastly, you may have seen recent coverage about the Guiding Principles for the Inclusion of Transgender People in Community Sport – there’s more on that below.
Ngā mihi,
Raelene
Latest news
Ngā kōrero o te wā
Update: Guiding Principles for the Inclusion of Transgender People in Community Sport
Sport and Recreation Minister, Hon Mark Mitchell, has directed Sport NZ to withdraw the Guiding Principles for the Inclusion of Transgender People in Community Sport and remove the document from our website. Our Inclusivity Hub links to organisations offering guidance on including transgender people in sport and recreation.
Connections 2025: Connecting Generations
Connections 2025 explored intergenerational leadership and learning – and fresh ways to engage younger people with respect and innovation.
New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards winners
The 2025 awards celebrated champions of change in play, active recreation and sport – recognising lifelong contributions, emerging leaders, Māori wellbeing, innovation and inclusion.
2024 Annual report: Media and gender study
The fifth annual Sport NZ-Isentia report on gender balance in sports news coverage is now available, highlighting trends and insights from 2024.
New report: AI in sport and recreation
Explore how AI is transforming sport and recreation in Aotearoa. Discover practical uses, challenges and future scenarios to help your organisation prepare and lead with confidence.
Events and opportunities
Ngā kaupapa me ngā whiwhinga
Webinar: AI for sector leaders
Join our webinar on 10 September and discover how AI is being used across the sector and what it could mean for your organisation. Designed for leaders, planners and technology leads in sport and recreation organisations who want to explore the opportunities that AI presents.
List your role with us!
List your sport and recreation roles for free on our Careers website. This is an easy, effective way to boost visibility and attract the right candidates across our sector.
New resources
Ngā rauemi hou
Explore our Accessibility Hub
Reminder: Our Accessibility Hub is packed with practical resources to help you make your events and communications more inclusive. Explore checklists, videos and tools that support accessible information across the sector.
Community stories
Ngā kōrero mō ngā hapori
No Limits Netball: Everyone belongs on the court
Netball NZ is helping centres create fun, inclusive spaces for disabled tamariki and rangatahi through No Limits Netball, supported by Sport NZ’s Disability Inclusion Fund.
The power of play at Paekākāriki School
With support from Nuku Ora and their Healthy Active Learning Advisor, Paekākāriki School is creating active, playful breaktimes that help tamariki build confidence and strong social connections.
Nonoke Wheelchair Ki-ō-Rahi: A first in Aotearoa
dsport made history with their game of Nonoke Wheelchair Ki-ō-Rahi, which blends rugby and tradition, connecting disabled athletes through whakapapa and mātauranga Māori.
Governance
Te mana whakahaere
Important reminder for Incorporated Societies
Societies must re-register under the Incorporated Societies Act before 5 April 2026 otherwise they will cease to exist in law. Check the consequences for missing the deadline outlined in our new guidance, plus constitution templates and tools to help.
