Kia ora! My name is Jacob Driver, and I am one of two graduates in the Sport NZ Ihi Aotearoa graduate programme for 2025 - 2026.

I was fortunate enough to grow up in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay where I had the opportunity to participate in a large array of sports and forms of recreation. From an early age I found a passion for sport and physical activity which eventually motivated me to study at the University of Otago where I completed a Bachelor of Science degree double majoring in Sport and Exercise Science and Psychology.

Upon graduating at the end of 2023, I worked at the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, as a Play Advocate. This role was a part of Sport NZ’s local play workforce project and involved influencing planning, design and decision making to create more equitable opportunities for play in the community. This role helped sculpt my passion for using physical activity to improve the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders, in particular tamariki and rangatahi.

What motivated me to apply for the graduate programme was the opportunity to deepen my understanding of the sector and exposure to incredible professional development opportunities. This grad programme is unique in the fact you are exposed to all parts of the organisation and get the autonomy to select both lead and support roles within projects based on your interests.

I would highly recommend anyone interested in a career in sport to apply for the graduate programme for 2026 – 2027.