Board gender diversity
Supporting good governance through board gender diversity
In October 2018, the Government launched its strategy for Women and Girls in Sport and Active Recreation. At the same time, Sport NZ launched its response to this strategy, which included a commitment to supporting funded partners to make organisational change and achieve a board gender diversity target.
This initiative has been highly successful. As of December 2021, 65 out of 66 qualifying Sport NZ-funded partners have achieved a gender balance on their boards of 40 percent or more self-identified women.
Introducing a circuit breaker
International research confirms women’s and girls’ participation in sport and recreation is increasing, but women remain underrepresented in leadership and governance roles.
A core function of boards is to consider issues from a range of perspectives. What we know through evidence is that diversity, including gender, supports this function by bringing a breadth of perspective. This results in better decision-making and creates stronger and more sustainable organisations.
There are many women with the skills and experience required for appointment to boards, but we knew there was a ‘demand’ issue — new board members were being recruited by incumbent members with mainly male networks. A ‘circuit breaker’ was needed.
In 2018, Sport NZ announced a policy requiring qualifying partner organisations to have 40 percent self-identified women on their boards by December 2021. Sport NZ has been working with partners to meet the new requirement, which is now a formal condition of investment.
Measuring the impact of board gender diversity
In September 2022, Sport NZ commissioned an independent report to evaluate the outcomes of the policy’s implementation and record the progress made towards achieving board gender equity across the sector.
The insights and recommendations in this report will be carefully considered and will inform future Sport NZ strategies and areas of prioritised investment.
Gender diversity - starting the journey
Sport NZ will continue supporting our partners to take a leadership role in introducing and maintaining diversity, equity and inclusion within their organisational cultures and boards.
Sport NZ can assist partners with an approach to achieving board gender diversity. For more information, please contact your Sport NZ Partnership Manager in the first instance.
To learn more about the Sport New Zealand Governance Evaluation System Email: governance@sportnz.org.nz
Resources and publications
Supporting material
Why is diversity on boards important?
Institute of Directors Diversity resources
Case studies
New Zealand Cricket
The New Zealand Cricket Board is taking a governance leadership role. View their research and resources.
