Sector Update
Sector Update
Kia ora koutou,
I’ve just returned from the Commonwealth Games, where I spent time alongside New Zealand athletes, coaches, support staff and fans. Seeing Zoe Hobbs win the 100m and Emma Foy, alongside Jessie Hodges, win 2 gold medals on her return to cycling were real highlights among numerous outstanding performances from our whole NZ Team. Some moments had the whole venue on its feet and others you could hear a pin drop. That shared emotion is one of the reasons so many of us love sport.
It also reminded me that sport’s impact reaches well beyond the field. Last month, we welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Auckland and celebrated 100 years of sporting connections between New Zealand and India. We signed a Joint Action Plan on Sport, showcased our sporting innovation and cricket, football and bowls fixtures were confirmed as part of the 100 Years of Unity through Sport programme, showing what’s possible through strong international partnerships.
Another recent highlight was releasing our latest Healthy Active Learning 5-year impact report showing the value of helping tamariki and rangatahi be active at school. For every $1 invested, the programme is generating $2.10 in social and economic benefits for communities. I’d like to thank the whole Healthy Active Learning team who continue to deliver such critical work in schools and kura across the motu.
Sport and physical activity’s greatest return isn’t always measured on a scoreboard or the metrics. It’s found in the connections we build, the opportunities we create and the positive impact that can last for years to come.
Ngā mihi,
Raelene
Latest news
Ngā kōrero o te wā
Lessons from Dame Sophie on building better sport experiences
Fresh from covering the Commonwealth Games, Dame Sophie Pascoe reflects on the people, experiences and sense of belonging that helped her sport journey.
Healthy Active Learning: 5 years of impact
Healthy Active Learning’s 5-year impact report is now live, showing how over 1,000 schools, kura and early learning services across Aotearoa are supporting tamariki and rangatahi to be healthier, more active and better connected.
The countdown is on: 100 Years of Unity through Sport
Cricket, football and lawn bowls fixtures are confirmed as New Zealand and India count down to a November celebration of 100 years of sporting ties.
Lottery Fund details confirmed
More details about the reshaped Lottery Fund are now available, including focus areas, committee structures and funding rounds. Sport and recreation are confirmed as 1 of 5 priority funding areas. Applications for the first round close on 18 August 2026.
Events and opportunities
Ngā kaupapa me ngā whiwhinga
Explore global ideas at the play conference
Hear local and international perspectives on active play, inclusive recreation and community wellbeing at the International Play Association World Conference in Christchurch this November.
Kia orāna, let’s celebrate together!
Celebrate te reo Māori Kūki ’Airani: learn a greeting, share a phrase, explore resources and strengthen language, connection and belonging across our sector.
Have your say on police vetting
NZ Police is consulting on proposed changes to the Police Vetting Service, which is used across the sport and recreation sector and could affect costs for some organisations. Read the proposals and make a submission - consultation closes on 25 August.
New resources
Ngā rauemi hou
How play, active recreation and sport can strengthen trust
Our latest futures paper explores how play, active recreation and sport can help rebuild trust and social cohesion in Aotearoa. It offers practical questions for boards and leaders to test whether their current models work in a lower trust environment.
New guidance to support accessible indoor facilities
New guidance is available to help make indoor sport, recreation and aquatic facilities more accessible. Developed by Recreation Aotearoa, in partnership with Sport NZ and BarrierFree, it includes practical ways to improve accessibility in both new and existing facilities.
Planning for growing demand on sports fields
Updated sports field guidance helps councils, schools, clubs and other providers understand local needs, use existing spaces well and plan future investment. It includes practical tools and examples to support planning as demand, costs and community needs change.
New girls’ and young women’s participation spotlight
Our new spotlight highlights key insights on girls’ and young women’s participation. It includes questions to help organisations discuss what the findings mean for them and identify opportunities for action.
Community stories
Ngā kōrero mō ngā hapori
Students helping students get active
Student voice and teacher leadership are helping Pakuranga Heights School create more active, inclusive break times and strengthen physical activity across the school.
