Zayde Francis

My name is Zayde Francis, and I am fortunate to be part of the Sport NZ Ihi Aotearoa Graduate Programme for 2026–2027.

I grew up in Milton, a small South Otago town of around 2,000 people, where sport sat at the heart of the community. I played almost every sport I could, with rugby becoming my main focus at a competitive level. From a young age, sport gave me more than a love for physical activity. It showed me the power of sport as a vehicle for connection, belonging, and community growth.

This passion led me to study at the University of Otago, where I graduated in November 2024 with a Bachelor of Commerce and Science, majoring in Sport Development and Management, and Marketing.

After graduating, I took a leap into the unknown and moved to Tūranganui-a-Kiwa, Gisborne, to work as the Game Development Manager for the Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union. In this role, I worked at the heart of the rugby community, supporting the growth and development of the game in a high-deprivation region - similar to my own hometown. This experience was pivotal for building my sector capability and deepened my commitment to using sport to support communities.

This commitment led me to apply for the programme, which has already broadened my understanding of the sector far beyond what I initially expected. Being part of an organisation filled with passionate, knowledgeable people who are invested in developing your skills and supporting your growth has been an invaluable experience, and one I would recommend to anyone considering a career in sport!