Kia ora, my name is Libby Davenport.

I was on the Sport NZ Ihi Aotearoa Graduate Programme from 2021-2022, after graduating from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Sport Development and Management, and a Masters in Sport Development and Management.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Sport NZ. During my first year I was based in the Active Recreation Team and took up opportunities to lead various projects across the organisation. This helped me gain a deeper understanding of the sector and what areas I was interested in exploring further. Working with different teams across Sport NZ and external organisations helped me make many connections that have already been invaluable in supporting me, both personally and professionally.

My first placement was at Christchurch City Council, where I was involved in developing unit-wide plans and gathering insights for the Recreation, Sports and Events Unit. I then became the Impact Lead at Leadership Lab for my second placement, which was an amazing opportunity to step outside of the play, active recreation and sport sector to learn more about marginalised communities and collective leadership.

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 Education Implementation Consultant, which sees me support the Education team to oversee the national implementation of Healthy Active Learning, Active As, and other Sport NZ led initiatives into schools and kura. I have also been fortunate to continue my mahi with Leadership Lab, as the Activator and Evaluation Lead for Puāwai – a programme that supports young people to learn about their strengths, identity, and intersectionality.

I highly recommend applying for the Sport NZ Graduate programme if you have a passion for improving wellbeing 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!