Graduate programme 2020 - 2021

Kia ora, my name is Brittany White, and I completed the Sport NZ Ihi Aotearoa Graduate Programme in 2020-2021. I’ve always had a passion for physical activity, having studied a Bachelor of Physical Education with Honours (majoring in Physical Activity and Health) and a Master of Science (specialising in Sport, Exercise and Health) at the University of Otago before starting the Graduate Programme.

I applied for the Sport NZ Graduate Programme because of the breadth of opportunities it offers. The opportunity to develop personally and professionally as a leader within the sector was a significant driver for me when applying. Highlights from my first year of the programme at Sport NZ include co-leading a scoping project alongside the Sport NZ Disability Consultant to articulate the roles and responsibilities of organisations delivering play, active recreation and sport opportunities for disabled people, to provide a foundation for disability specific investment decisions. Another key project I was involved in was the Sport NZ Futures work, which looked to provide a range of innovative reforms and options that guide the sector to remain relevant, fit for purpose and regenerative.

During my two years on the Graduate Programme I also spent time at Paralympics New Zealand and Sport Northland and valued the range of experiences and insights I had at each of these organisations. After completing my time on the Graduate Programme I took up a role with Sport Northland as Sector Strategy & Community Funding Lead. In this role I led a small team working with external stakeholders on the implementation of Northland’s regional strategy for play, active recreation and sport: Kōkiri ai te Waka Hourua. My team also provided leadership and support across Sport Northland's Community Funding arms. This role allowed me to work at a strategic level, whilst still being connected to what was happening on the ground.

I have recently taken up a role at Tennis Northland as General Manager. In this role I am responsible for all aspects of leadership, strategy implementation, and programme management, with a drive to increase tennis participation across the Northland region. Outside of my paid work, I proudly serve as the Chair of

Generate NZ, a network dedicated to nurturing emerging recreation professionals through networking, mentoring, and professional development opportunities. My role as Chair also extends to a seat on the Board of Recreation Aotearoa as an Aspiring Director.

The Sport NZ Graduate Programme provided me with a solid foundation to build my career from. The insights I had from the various organisations I worked with, and the connections I made throughout my time on the Programme, have been invaluable moving forward into the next steps of my career.

I’d highly recommend applying for the Sport NZ Graduate Programme because it is an incredible opportunity to learn how the play, active recreation and sport system operates, as well as providing the support and experiences to develop your capability as a future leader in our sector.