Kia ora, my name is Libby Davenport.

I was a Graduate with Sport NZ Ihi Aotearoa from 2021-2022, after graduating from the University of Otago with a Bachelors and Masters degree in Sport Development and Management.

During my first year of the Programme, I was based in the Active Recreation team and worked on various projects across Sport NZ. This helped me gain a deeper understanding of the sector and my areas of interest, and grew my network of connections within the play, active recreation and sport sector. These connections continue to be invaluable in supporting me, both personally and professionally.

I undertook two placements: my first at Christchurch City Council and my second outside of the sector with Leadership Lab, where I continue to support Puāwai, a programme that helps young people learn about their strengths, identity, and intersectionality, as the Activator and Evaluation Lead.

After the graduate programme, I became the Young People Participation Manager at Golf New Zealand, where I co-led the national Futures strategy and supported regional staff to develop and deliver quality golf experiences for young people. In early 2024, I began a new role at Sport NZ as the Programme Implementation Consultant – Education which sees me support the Education team to oversee the national implementation and evaluation of various initiatives into schools and kura, such as Healthy Active Learning. I am so excited to be back at Sport NZ working alongside many of those who supported me during my time as a Graduate.

I highly recommend applying for the Sport NZ Graduate Programme if you have a passion for improving the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi through physical activity and developing your leadership potential within this space. I could not think of a better way to develop the foundations for a career in the play, active recreation, and sport sector!