sport and cultural diversity - Sport New Zealand

certain sports. But in 1986/87, when New Zealand altered the country preference requirements
in immigration policy, a very different effect was seen as immigrants now came from a variety
of source countries and regions. Some, such as those from South Africa, had a history of being
involved in sports that were almost identical to those of New Zealanders. But much more
obvious were those from Asia, parts of Europe and the Middle East, whose sporting
involvement was very different. It is hard to exaggerate the magnitude and importance of post-
1987 immigration, especially in the Auckland context. As we look out into the medium term
(the next 10 years), the cultural diversity of Auckland will continue to increase, both because of
continued immigration but also because of the natural increase in these now resident
populations. How responsive have sporting organisations been to this new and enhanced
cultural diversity? What have they done to respond to these new immigrants and what might
be required of them in the future? What do the communities themselves see as necessary and
desirable?
This report is a modest contribution to answering these questions. It is a complex area that is
not going to be completely covered in a report such as this. It is also an evolving situation that
requires ongoing discussion and consideration. But we hope that it provides ARPASS and its
constituent organisations/sponsors with some insights into an interesting and challenging
aspect of sports in Auckland in the first half of the twenty-first century.
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