Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

SPORT AND RECREATION
Our vision
Sport and recreation is an ingrained part of the Kiwi psyche. At the grassroots level,
participation in sport and recreation helps to bind our communities and our country. At the
top level of sport, New Zealanders achieving on the world sporting stage lifts our national
pride.
The sport and recreation sector is a vibrant and constantly changing area that holds
immense potential for New Zealand as a country. That is why it is vital we aim high and
work to improve the way we do things - both in the way our sports are organised and
managed, and in the way we encourage people to get active and participate in sport.
Physical activity is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Labour believes that the
Government can and should play a leadership role in encouraging people to be physically
active, because of the benefits that brings at an individual level and the health dollars it will
save at a national level.
Labour recognises that New Zealand faces many challenges to keep sport and recreation
relevant to our communities. Our biggest challenge is ensuring that sport and recreation
continue to have a central role in people‟s lives from both participation and performance
perspectives. To rise to this challenge, Labour believes we must build capability and
capacity in the sector.
Sport and recreation must be accessible for all New Zealanders, including those with
disabilities. Labour is committed to ensuring New Zealanders with disabilities have
opportunities to participate and excel in their chosen sport and recreation activities.
Labour is committed to fostering a competent, connected sport and recreation sector and a
healthy, active nation.
Grassroots sport
An investment in sport at the grassroots level will pay dividends. It will pay dividends at the
community level because of the health, social and economic benefits that a high level of
participation in sport and recreation activities provides. It will also pay dividends on the
international sporting stage, because an investment in community sport is an investment in
our elite sportspeople of the future.
Labour will continue to invest in community sport and recreation to encourage
widespread participation and to help our local clubs thrive.
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