Our Graduate Programme

It is a unique opportunity that enables graduates to identify and develop areas for personal and professional growth, gain valuable work experience, contribute to a diverse range of projects, and build professional relationships whilst working alongside leaders in the sector.

The Sport NZ Graduate Programme is informed by the Mana Taiohi principles; a bi-cultural framework for positive youth development created by Ara Taiohi, the peak body for youth development in Aotearoa. Sport NZ is taking this strengths-based approach to ensure the graduate programme is mana enhancing and that it supports the personal wellbeing, as well as professional development, of those on the programme.

More information the Mana Taiohi principles, and Sport NZ’s partnership with Ara Taiohi can be found here.

Sport NZ recognises the mana that graduates bring to the programme through: 

Mauri – Their life spark, values, beliefs, skills and talents  

Whakapapa – Their histories, genealogies, culture and heritage 

Hononga – Their connections to people, land/whenua, spirituality and the digital world 

Te Ao – Their world, influenced by social and economic contexts and dominant cultural values 

Sport NZ supports and enhances the mana of graduates through: 

Whanaungatanga – Taking the time to build and sustain authentic relationships 

Manaakitanga – Acting with kindness, ensuring a welcoming environment that supports wellbeing 

Whai Wāhitanga – Providing opportunities for graduates to actively contribute and assume agency 

Mātauranga – Providing access to rich and diverse information that is useful and timely