InterAktive December 2021

InterAktive
December 2021 - Our eMagazine showing Aktive and our partners in action

Contents
December 2021
Message from the CE 3
Your Voice : Nicole Post, Basketball New Zealand 5
COVID-19 Sector Support 7
Tāmaki Makaurau Sector Support Fund 9
Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa in Tāmaki Makaurau 10
Women’s Leadership Development Programme 14
Good Sports ® building momentum 16
Healthy Active Learning 18
Say yes to play 21
Auckland partners recognised at Kūmara Awards 22

Message from the CE
Welcome
Kia ora and welcome to the
latest issue of InterAktive
It’s hard to believe that it’s December, and we continue to navigate
COVID-19 with our whānau, workplaces and as a sector. Although
uncertainty about the future remains, it is heartening that some
freedoms are starting to open up and that together, we’re well
poised to ensure a smooth return to play for our communities.
JENNAH WOOTTEN
Chief Executive
We know a collaborative approach is vital to these next steps and to
get the best results for Auckland and Aucklanders. For us at Aktive,
we are proud to continue to work alongside Sport New Zealand,
Auckland Council and our partners CLM Community Sport, College
Sport Auckland, Harbour Sport, Sport Auckland and Sport Waitākere.
Together, we are committed to supporting the sector through the
ongoing challenges of COVID-19 and working towards our vision for
Auckland to be the world’s most active city: Tāmaki Makaurau – te
tāone ngangahau rawa o te ao. If this latest lockdown has taught us
anything, it’s that our collective strengths and combined workforce
are our competitive advantage. This, coupled with our desire to
help and serve our communities, bodes well for what is possible in
Auckland into the future.
To achieve what is possible, we must remain focused on
collaboration, communication and be disciplined about where we
invest and how we work. A number of the articles in this issue of
InterAktive showcase fantastic examples of this in action from right
across the region.

Message from the CE
This issue also includes an update on COVID-19 support for the
sector u , Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa details u and the latest
on our play mahi u. Another significant inclusion is Your Voice u,
featuring a Q&A with Nicola Post, Basketball New Zealand’s recently
appointed Community Lead for South Auckland who is also on the
Aktive Women’s Leadership Development Programme u.
Thank you to our partners who contributed to this issue and
continue to be pivotal to our collective mahi. We would also like
to acknowledge our funders who continue to show confidence
in Tāmaki Makaurau and our approach, particularly Sport New
Zealand, Auckland Council, Foundation North, New Zealand
Community Trust (NZCT), The Lion Foundation and Water Safety
New Zealand whose unwavering support even during uncertain and
difficult times has been greatly appreciated.
2021 and this latest lockdown have once again shown us that
physical activity is vital for our health and wellbeing. As we work
through these unusual times together and strive to serve our
communities, can I encourage you to also recognise the importance
of looking after your own physical and mental health. The art of
prioritising this shouldn’t be underestimated.
So, on behalf of the Aktive team, we wish you a safe, enjoyable
and relaxing break with whānau and friends. We look forward
to embracing the opportunities and challenges of 2022, and
continuing to work with you to maximise play, active recreation and
sport opportunities for Auckland and Aucklanders.
JENNAH WOOTTEN
Chief Executive

Your Voice
Nicola Post, Basketball New Zealand
We’re excited to bring
you this Q&A with
Nicola Post – Aktive
Women’s Leadership
Development
Programme participant
and recently appointed
Community Lead for South Auckland
with Basketball New Zealand, based at
the organisation’s new regional hub at
Bruce Pulman Park.
With a long-standing passion for sports
participation and a career covering various aspects
of community sport, Nicola is all about creating
connections, ongoing learning, and inspiring and
empowering others.
Tell us about your sport and
recreation ‘journey’
I jumped straight into the sport sector fresh out
of a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation and Post
Graduate Diploma at Auckland University of
Technology, but I wouldn’t say that is where my
journey began. I was the typical ‘give everything
a go’ teenager and was never interested in being
an elite athlete, however I did experience some
success with my rowing. There was something
about being behind the scenes and providing
sporting opportunities that really drew me to
the sector.
During my time in rowing I picked up coaching,
took on committee roles and now, looking back
on my time, I was a strong female leader and role
model within my club as a 20-year-old – I really just
wanted to give back wherever I could.
Although I have dabbled in other organisations as
part of my studies, I have spent the past nine years
with Franklin Basketball Association in various
roles – board member, club and representative
coach, referee coordinator and, most recently, as
Schools and Clubs Development Officer.
It really has been far more than just a job for me,
and I am sure others in Franklin feel the same. We
have a tight knit organisation and community who,
over the last 12 years, have developed an area
with no basketball into a club and, in 2019, the
regional sports organisation for the Franklin region.
The milestones, experiences and relationships I
have been a part of is what sport is all about, and I
can’t see myself leaving the sports sector anytime
soon . . . if at all.
What has your experience been like
on the Aktive’s Women’s Leadership
Development Programme?
I nearly missed the application deadline for
the Aktive Women’s Leadership Development
Programme! I was indecisive about putting my
name forward out of fear of not being accepted,
to the point that I left it until the very last minute to
submit. Ultimately my reason for hitting that submit
5

utton was to challenge myself. I was feeling a bit
stagnant after dealing with the pandemic in 2020
and, having been in the same role for a few years, I
felt like I needed something else.
I have really enjoyed making connections and
growing personally and professionally alongside the
other programme participants. I got a lot out of the
two-day workshop in March, was able to draw on
the experiences of the other participants and gain
some perspective on my own situation and role.
The Aktive Women’s Leadership Development
Programme has also introduced me to some
tools and approaches which have enabled
me to be a more engaged leader within my
role working with coaches, referees and other
volunteers. Overall, the programme has pushed
me to challenge my thinking and be open to new
opportunities and experiences, knowing there is
a network of women leaders willing to support each
other. I can honestly say that I don’t think I would
have taken on my new role with Basketball New
Zealand if I wasn’t involved in
the Programme.
Congratulations on your new role
with Basketball NZ! What does this
role involve and what are you most
excited about?
I am really stoked about my new role as
Community Lead for South Auckland, mainly
because of how knowledgeable and passionate my
fellow South Auckland community Leads are, the
wider Basketball New Zealand Community team
and our partner organisations Auckland Basketball
Services and Franklin Basketball Association.
The role itself has been established to help
bring to life the Strengthen and Adapt Plan at
the community level in the wider South Auckland
region. Our roles will focus on growing the game for
women and girls, club development, spaces and
places, and the development of officials
and coaches.
I’m looking forward to helping to build capability
and bring more cohesion to basketball. There
is work to be done, and our South Auckland
Community team is itching to get into our
community (as opposed to our home offices!) to
connect with the basketball community and see
what we can do to support them as our sport
continues to grow.
What advice would you like to
share with other women in sport
and recreation?
Coming from a small organisation it is easy to
get caught up in what is only going on in your
organisation or sport, to the point that we find
ourselves too time poor to explore what is going on
in the wider sport and recreation sector.
I have often felt on my own as a female in a
male dominated sport, so I really urge females to
reach out and get involved in sector wide events,
networking opportunities and experiences like
the Aktive Women’s Leadership Development
Programme. The issues that you may be facing
might be new to you, but the chances are someone
else has likely walked in your shoes before and
may be able to provide guidance, support or even
resources for you to tackle that same issue and
actually give you time back in the long run.
I also think as women we need to back ourselves
more and be confident in our abilities, skills and
experiences – know that our skill sets as women
are a valuable commodity, and the sport and
recreation landscape is starting to change to see
our value, so it is time for us to see that value in
ourselves as well.
6

COVID-19 Sector Support
It’s been an incredibly tough 100 plus days for
many people for many different reasons, particularly
in Tāmaki Makaurau. With the support of our
partners, we’ve been committed to working
together to ensure the successful and safe return
of play, active recreation and sport under the
COVID-19 Protection Framework.
NZCT supporting the safe return
of community sport
The safe return of community sport in Tāmaki
Makaurau is in good hands thanks to the generous
support of NZCT.
A grant of $85,760 from NZCT saw Aktive and
our partners CLM Community Sport, Harbour
Sport, Sport Auckland and Sport Waitākere
facilitate the distribution of 800 return to play
packs, with each pack containing one box of
sanitiser (24 bottles) and four boxes of masks
(200 total).
Aktive Chief Executive Jennah Wootten says the
packs will make a huge difference for volunteers
and community-based staff who are committed to
the safe return of sport for participants.
“The current COVID-19 situation continues to have
a significant impact on Auckland’s play, active
recreation and sport sector. Engagement with
our stakeholders identified that the provision of
sanitiser and face masks would alleviate some of
the financial burden and remove a potential barrier
for local and regional organisations to get their
communities engaged in physical activity as soon
as possible.
7

Sector Support
“On behalf of community sport in Auckland, we
can’t thank NZCT enough for their generosity and
support. These packs will make a huge difference to
volunteers and staff working to resume community
sport in Tāmaki Makaurau and enable Aucklanders
to get active again, quickly and safely.”
The 800 packs have been distributed under
COVID-19 conditions to 522 organisations across
Tāmaki Makaurau, where they have been met with
great appreciation.
Eastern Suburbs AFC, Operations Manager, Tracey
Kingdon says: “Thank you so much to NZCT for
supporting community sports clubs getting back
out there. Having the packs will make a huge
difference not having that extra expenditure for the
masks and sanitiser.”
These sentiments were echoed by Annette Tossell,
Club Development Officer, Counties Manukau Rugby
Union: “On behalf of Counties Manukau Rugby
Union, our rugby clubs send grateful thanks to
NZCT for the support packs to our clubs. This will
enable our players, coaches and all our participants
to safely deliver and play rugby. The generous
support of NZCT packs have also assisted financially
as in today’s environment having masks and
sanitiser is a must and would have been at the cost
for our clubs – massive thanks.”
Toolkits, tips and templates
This can certainly be a confusing time – thankfully
we’re all in it together and can support each other.
Sport New Zealand’s COVID-19 website
section u includes information and guidance on the
COVID-19 Protection Framework with details around
play, active recreation and sport under red, orange
and green, FAQs, and My Vaccine guidance.
Complementing this information, Aktive has
developed a COVID-19 Vaccination Toolkit
comprising sector-specific resources that
organisations can tailor for use. The toolkit
includes: a vaccination decision making guide; risk
assessment; policy letter; COVID-19 policy; FAQs;
policy implementation letter; and RSO letter.
These documents have been reviewed by Simpson
Grierson; however, please be aware that the
content may need to change or may become
outdated as further announcements are made by
the Government. We’ll aim to keep an eye on this
and update the toolkit as and when this is required
but ask users to remain mindful of this as you work
through the resources.
As the COVID-19 situation evolves, we’re continuing
to review, revisit and add to the support we provide.
We’re here to help so please don’t hesitate to reach
out if you would like to talk through any of this
information and/or there is any aspect we can assist
with.
For the latest COVID-19 information, financial
support and resources and templates for the
play, active recreation and sport sector in Tāmaki
Makaurau visit https://aktive.org.nz/covid-19-
resource-hub/covid-19/ u
HERE TO HELP
For further details on Sector Support, contact:
Luke Morriss
022 010 4532
luke.morriss@aktive.org.nz u
8

Tāmaki Makaurau Sector
Support Fund
Tāmaki Makaurau
Sector Support Fund
The Tāmaki Makaurau Sector Support Fund aimed to provide financial
support to organisations based in the Auckland region and delivering play,
active recreation and sport opportunities in the Auckland region that
experienced financial hardship in the period 17 August to 18 October 2021
as a result of extended time at Alert Levels 3 and 4.
This Fund was provided by Sport New Zealand and administered by
Aktive together with partners CLM Community Sport, Harbour Sport,
Sport Auckland and Sport Waitākere.
He waka eke noa | We are all in this together
Funding distributed:
Covering: fixed administration
and operating costs
$1,675,413.25
$1,675,413.25
Total number of
recipient organisations:
373
Sport 306
Sport Hubs 16
Play 1
Active Recreation 50
Funding levels: up to $5k
and up to a maximum of $25k
Period covered: From 17 August
to 18 October 2021
Focus: Those most in need
Evidence required:
Proof of hardship
Untagged cash reserves
are no more than 40% of
last year’s expenses
Action taken to minimise
financial impact
of latest lockdown
9

Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa
in Tāmaki Makaurau
Applications will be open Monday 24 January
2022 for the next round of the Tū Manawa Active
Aotearoa Fund – for community-based programmes
and projects helping tamariki and rangatahi most at
risk of missing out or being less active.
The fund is managed and distributed on Sport
NZ’s behalf in Tāmaki Makaurau by Aktive, with
support from our partners CLM Community
Sport, Harbour Sport, Sport Auckland and Sport
Waitākere. Programmes or projects can be new
or already operating, and funding can be provided
for up to 12 months.
Successful applicants from round 1 will be loaded
on our website shortly; in the meantime, here are
the key dates you need to be aware of for the next
Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa Regional and Local
funds in Auckland:
Fund Opening date
Regional Fund Round 2
Closing date
Monday 24 January 2022 Monday 28 February 2022
Local Fund Round 2
Monday 24 January 2022 Monday 7 March 2022
10

Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa in Tāmaki Makaurau
Who is it for?
Funding is available to a wide range of groups
and organisations who are planning to or already
deliver a programme or project to help children
and young people get active.
We know from research that there are some
groups who are more at risk of missing out or
being less active, including those living with a
disability, in higher deprivation communities and
girls and young women. Programmes or projects
that reach these groups will be prioritised for
funding.
What can be funded?
Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa is an activation fund
to help cover programme or service delivery costs.
This includes costs of:
• Programme or project delivery (e.g. venue or
equipment hire, transport to event)
• Equipment (as part of a programme or project)
• Officials (where these are required for the
delivery)
• Delivery staff wages (e.g. activity leader,
coordinator).
What does it look like “in action”?
Here are some examples of Tū Manawa Active
Aotearoa fund ‘in action’ and making a positive
difference across a number of our communities:
StarJam Auckland – creating
community connections
StarJam provides community connections for
youth inactive or isolated by disability through
dance workshops.
This unique organisation assists tamariki and
rangatahi aged 6 to 25 living with disabilities to
reach their potential, providing the means for them
to participate fully in their communities through
music-based workshops and performance
opportunities not freely accessible to this
demographic. These workshops focus on
enhancing physical and mental wellbeing for
these often-marginalised people through dance,
movement and music.
Thanks to Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa, StarJam
has received additional funding to support its
valuable mahi.
11

KOTAHI ATU LTD
Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa in Tāmaki Makaurau
Plenty of play at Sunnyvale School
From twister and scooter board race tracks to
handball and hopscotch, juniors, seniors and
teachers from Sunnyvale School are all loving their
new play zone and equipment.
The Sunnyvale teaching team spent time prior to
receiving Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa funding to
complete professional development focusing on
play-based learning and researching the benefits
of free play for their students.
Now with the funding, the school community has
a range of games and equipment to enjoy – roll
on 2022 for even more fun!
After school programme supports
Māori culture and recreation
experiences
Based at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani
Waititi, Kura Ahiahi is a three hour after school
full immersion Reo Māori programme that instils
tikanga and continues to value the philosophy of
Te Aho Matua.
With Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa
support, the tauira enjoy plenty of
experiences including dodgeball,
indoor touch, go home stay home,
Kī o Rahi and recreational hīkoi.
This allows them to continue to
thrive in upskilling their natural
skill sets, dexterity, resilience and
their hauora.
KURA
AHIAHI
Update Project Report
Programme organisers say the Kura Ahiahi
programme has been a blessing and a god send
for whānau to support them in these trying times:
“Our tamariki are active and enjoying life after
kura . . . they receive lifelong lessons of fortitude,
whakapau kaha (maximum effort), resilience, a love
for whakapakari hauora, leadership, and so many
other qualities under the guidance of all the Kura
Ahiahi kaimahi.”
Botany Downs Secondary School –
successful social sport
When Botany Downs Secondary School identified
that “young people want to enjoy their sport and
have an opportunity to participate without the
pressures of interschool competitions”, they knew it
was time for a new approach.
Through school surveys, inactive students identified
what sport they would like to compete in with
basketball, volleyball, badminton and touch the
top choices.
Before COVID-19 interrupted the project,
basketball and volleyball were successful in
engaging with over 200 inactive rangatahi. Karl
McLennan, Director of Sport, Botany Downs
Secondary School attributed the success to
removing equipment and travel barriers, as well as
allowing rangatahi to grab a group of friends and
enter in social competitions.
12

Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa in Tāmaki Makaurau
the club’s coaching pathway, these coaches were
upskilled and certified as NZ Cricket Foundation
coaches – a definite win-win.
Through the Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund,
the school delivered these social competitions
to inactive rangatahi, with the intent to carry on
providing different opportunities in the future.
More girls, more cricket, more fun
at Takapuna District Cricket Club
Takapuna District Cricket Club spotted an
opportunity to get more girls to play cricket,
secured Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa funding and
delivered a popular project that was well received
by new players and families. So how did it happen?
The combination of surrounding suburbs and
non-playing sisters of brothers playing at the club
provided a strong pool of potential players. The
club recognised this and, with the support of Tū
Manawa Active Aotearoa funding, established a
social ‘learn to play programme’ for under 11 girls.
The programme introduced the girls to a fun and
safe environment where they could learn the skills
of cricket and play the game. The club also knew
the time and day would be crucial to the project’s
success, so sessions were held on a Friday night
during the summer, allowing for a social setting for
both players and their families.
Thanks to the funding, Takapuna District Cricket
Club was also able to appoint 10 youth girl players
to be the coaches of the programme. Through
“Thanks to Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa funding,
we were able to organise and run a successful
cricket programme for junior girls. We were very
successful in attracting 40 young girls to the
programme who were new to the sport.”
Amita Weerakoon, Director of Cricket, Takapuna
District Cricket Club
“Our daughter took up cricket due to this
programme and made lot of friends and had lot of
fun. She has a team now who are a great bunch
of mates – girls from school and new girls she has
met through cricket. It’s a tonne of fun with a real
chance to develop and enhance those formative
cricketing skills in a relaxed, family orientated
environment . . . She’s looking forward to the new
cricketing season ahead – bring it on!”
Parent of participant
Where do I get more info?
For more details, including what information is
needed to make an application, how to make an
application and who to contact to discuss u
You can also email funding@aktive.org.nz u
HERE TO HELP
For more information, reach out to:
Trudi Bridges
Funding Manager
021 145 2965
funding@aktive.org.nz u
13

Women’s Leadership Development
Programme provides dedicated opportunity
A diverse group of 24 current and emerging
women leaders from Auckland’s sport and
recreation sector has come together this year to
take part in a new initiative – Aktive’s Women’s
Leadership Development Programme – and,
despite the challenges of COVID-19, the group
has gone from strength to strength.
Providing a unique opportunity and environment
for learning, the 18-month programme began
earlier this year with a two-day workshop at AUT
Millennium on Auckland’s North Shore. Workshop
two was shifted online with part one completed
in September and part two delivered via a
combination of individual and small group tasks,
followed by an online group summary ‘korero.’
Jennah Wootten, Chief Executive Aktive says: “It’s
incredible to see these amazing women embrace
this opportunity, develop their confidence and
leadership competencies, and increase their
impact and influence in the sport and recreation
sector”.
“Each of the women continue to work with their
mentors, and we have seen a number of them
take on new roles, including board appointments
– all while navigating the unique challenges of
COVID-19 both professionally and personally.”
Sarah Cowley-Ross, a programme facilitator
describes the programme as being created to
“increase the number of women in leadership
positions and work collectively to promote gender
equality and empowerment of women and girls in
sport and recreation.”
The 2021 Women’s Leadership Development
Programme participants hail from a range of
organisations including Blind Sport New Zealand,
NZ Rugby Union, Women in Sport Aotearoa and
Yachting New Zealand.
Alysha Jensen, Netball NZ, reflects on her
experience of the first two Women’s Leadership
Development Programme workshops.
“I got real value out of the networking with all the
experienced women from around Auckland. It
really felt like we were developing a supportive
sisterhood in sport which really helped with building
my confidence. I loved having the space and time
to reflect on my own leadership behaviours and
what I can take back to put into practice in my own
workplace.”
Another participant, Nicole Terrill, Bruce Pulman
Park said: “I was lucky enough to be accepted into
the Women’s Leadership Development Programme.
Having the opportunity to be in a room with likeminded
women was incredibly refreshing and really
positive. The facilitators were inspiring and relatable,
and I’m looking forward to what the future brings.”
Looking to 2022, next steps for the programme
include the final one-day workshop scheduled for
March where participants will present back the
Special Project work they have been undertaking.
Later in the year we will also be seeking applications
from women for cohort 2 of the Women’s
Leadership Development Programme – we look
forward to sharing this information in due course!
HERE TO HELP
For further details on Women and Girls,
please contact:
Simone Spencer
027 220 0560
simone.spencer@aktive.org.nz u
14

Women’s Leadership Development
Programme participants
Alysha Jensen National Programmes Manager Netball New Zealand
Amanda Cox General Manager Board Member WeAreTenzing and Auckland
Rugby Union
Bernie Tovio Community Sport Manager CLM Community Sport
Casey Flint Education and Programmes Manager Blind Sport New Zealand
Gayle Vaughan Coach Development Manager Tennis New Zealand
Heidi Wilde Funding and Partnership Manager Paralympics New Zealand
Jessica Baker Sports Team Leader The University of Auckland
Karla Matua Kaiwhakahaere Aktive
Karyne Ross Community Netball Manager Netball Northern Zone
Kirsten Spencer Associate Professor in Sport Coaching and Performance
Analysis
Auckland University of
Technology
Leah Marelic Senior Cricket Administrator Auckland Cricket
Leilani Fuemana Aquatic Educator Drowning Prevention Auckland
Lisa Walker Acting General Manager Archery NZ
Liz McKinnon Talent and Coach Development Officer Golf New Zealand
Maddi McLean Board member and Participation Programmes Coordinator The Shift Foundation and
Golf New Zealand
Nicky van den Bos Programme Director Women in Sport Aotearoa
Nicola Post Schools and Clubs Development Officer Franklin Basketball
Association
Nicole Terrill Marketing and Sponsorship Manager Bruce Pulman Park
Raynor Haagh National Sport Development Director Yachting New Zealand
Rebecca Annan Partnership Manager for Netball NZ Netball New Zealand
Robyn Neil Finance Director and Board Member Auckland Hockey
Sarah McIlroy Women's Rugby Participation Manager NZ Rugby Union
Sian Clancy General Manager Athlete Services Drug Free Sport New Zealand
Tamara Pereira Junior and Youth Cricket Coordinator Auckland Cricket Association
Programme Team
Kirsten Hellier Facilitator
Sarah Cowley-Ross Facilitator
Hannah McLean Facilitator
Pauline Harrison Facilitator Support
Sophie Parker Admin Support
Simone Spencer Programme Lead and Facilitator
15

Good Sports ® building momentum
An initiative focused on better engaging and
supporting parents to create positive sporting
experiences for tamariki and rangatahi is building
momentum around the country.
Working closely with Sport New Zealand, Aktive’s
Good Sports ® is being expanded through nine
national and regional sport organisations –
Badminton NZ, Golf NZ, NZ Rugby, Swimming
NZ, Nuku Ora, Sport Gisborne-Tairawhiti, Sport
Hawkes Bay, Sport Otago and Sport Taranaki.
Good Sports is well aligned with Sport New
Zealand’s Balance is Better philosophy and is
being used as part of Sport New Zealand’s national
parent approach.
Aktive Chief Executive Jennah Wootten says
Balance is Better and Good Sports are a natural fit
and the initiative is creating important understanding
in sporting communities right across Aotearoa.
“Good Sports focuses on raising adults’ awareness
about their behaviours, how these impact youth
sport experiences, and what parents can do
differently. We are thrilled that the organisations
involved in this initiative are delivering project
plans and encouraging Good Sports in their
communities.”
Sport NZ Chief Executive Raelene Castle says Sport
NZ is proud to be working with Aktive to roll Good
Sports out around New Zealand.
16

Good Sports building momentum
“Having watched the success and impact
of Good Sports under Aktive’s leadership,
we’re pleased to be making this a key part
of how we all work with parents to gain
their support for Balance is Better and
how parents can advocate for changes to
youth sport experiences. The organisations
participating in the national rollout is an
important step toward that outcome.”
One of the involved organisations
is Swimming New Zealand which is
promoting Good Sports at events, through
internal education to its staff, and in regular
engagement with its partners.
“Good Sports has been a great conversation
starter within our organisation and regions,
particularly around what a positive sporting
experience looks like for swimming and what
more can we do to help our tamariki and
rangatahi,” says Dale Johnson, Head of Participation
and Events, Swimming New Zealand.
“The programme has also been a great opportunity
to provide further education about Sport NZ’s
Balance is Better approach and how this can help
encourage positive experiences.”
Further supporting the connected Good Sports
and Balance is Better messages, a recent Balance
is Better webinar looked at setting our kids up for
success and what it takes to be a Good Sports
parent with Olympic Canoeist Alicia Hoskin’s
parents Toni and Craig.
Available online here, the webinar provided an
enlightening discussion about what we can do to
be great sports parents, and ultimately set our kids
up for a success in and through sport – definitely
worth checking out!
And, while supporting parents, we’re also
committed to building our knowledge and the
sector’s. Professor Camilla Knight from Swansea
University talked about mastering the art of sport
parenting with national Good Sports Leads.
This webinar outlined the various strategies that
parents can employ to:
• Increase the chances that their child reaches
their sporting potential
• Enhance their child’s likelihood of having positive
sport experience and developing a love for sport
• Support their child to get positive developmental
benefits from sport.
With reflections from Good Sports Leads including
“this helped me understand the why of the
parent as well as the child/young person” and
“it’s important to place value on sport parents
and understand the pressures they face,” this is
another one to add to the viewing list!
HERE TO HELP
For further details on Good Sport, please contact:
Simone Spencer
027 220 0560
simone.spencer@aktive.org.nz u
17

Healthy Active Learning
Committed to the wellbeing
of our tamariki and rangatahi
A joint government initiative between Sport New
Zealand and the Ministries of Health and Education,
Healthy Active Learning is focused on improving
the wellbeing of children and young people,
through healthy eating and drinking and quality
physical activity.
Aktive and our partners CLM Community Sport,
Harbour Sport, Sport Auckland and Sport
Waitākere are proud to be part of Healthy Active
Learning. This sees us supporting primary and
intermediate schools to create healthy and active
learning environments and better connections to
their local communities.
Here’s a great example of this
connectedness and ‘joined up
thinking’ that Healthy Active
Learning is generating:
Nga Iwi School in Māngere has enjoyed the support
provided by the CLM Community Sport Healthy
Active Learning team in supporting its journey to
improve the wellbeing of tamariki through healthy
eating and drinking and quality physical activity.
Teachers have been receiving support around
the delivery of the Health and Physical Education
curriculum through staff professional development,
mentoring and modeling of good practice.
experiencing them during Physical Education
lessons. After seeing the increased engagement
in students, the school submitted another Tū
Manawa Active Aotearoa application for two
Magic Play Boxes to provide junior students with
more opportunities for unstructured play, which is
currently not catered for.
Both Healthy Active Learning support and the use
of the Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund has had a
positive impact across the school. The majority of
teachers now enjoy teaching Physical Education
and are delivering Physical Education lessons
multiple times a week, which has never happened
before – and the tamariki are also much more
active during the day, including morning tea and
lunchtimes.
Following positive discussions with staff and the
Deputy Principal, a Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa
application was submitted to gain funding for
equipment to enable more play and active
recreation opportunities for students during break
times.
With the additional equipment now available
in the school, students are now recreating the
games themselves during their break times after
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Healthy Active Learning
Here is a snapshot of more of the mahi our
region wide Healthy Active Learning team have
been working on across the year to serve our
communities – some pre COVID-19 restrictions
and some during Tāmaki Makaurau’s most recent
lockdown:
Supporting the team to support the
community
A recent regional online hui saw our Healthy
Active Learning team focus on connecting,
sharing, reflecting and learning. Sessions
promoted critical and creative thinking and
centred on understanding and responding
to the needs of schools and communities.
Opportunities like these enable the team to
strengthen how we support schools and kura.
Ōtara Schools Festival Day
Prior to the current lockdown, the CLM Community
Sport Healthy Active Learning team collaborated
with the Ōtara Sport Cluster Committee to develop
and deliver the Ōtara Schools Festival Day. The day
was dedicated to providing students with inclusive,
fun, and safe opportunities to participate in a range
of new and familiar physical activities.
With community group and stakeholder support,
the event highlighted the importance of quality
experiences and opportunities for students and
the benefits of well-designed inter-school events.
Students played for the Alan Lyth Manaakitanga
trophy with schools scored on how they
demonstrated kindness, support and coachability.
Watch a video of the Ōtara Schools
Festival Day u
Connection with the Ministry of
Education
We have been working with the Ministry of
Education in Auckland and sharing insights
around what schools are experiencing and
needing during lockdown restrictions. This
mahi included the establishment of a Wellbeing
in Education partnership group focused on
improving the wellbeing of tamariki in education
settings. This engagement enables us to better
connect, understand and explore efficiencies and
opportunities for collaboration. We are grateful
for and excited about this engagement and how
it informs our mahi.
Online Scavenger Hunt and
Community Amazing Race
To promote and support quality physical activity
and play opportunities during lockdown restrictions,
the Harbour Sport Healthy Active Learning team
utilised social media, running a scavenger hunt
and amazing race online. The team encouraged
tamariki and their whānau to get active in both their
homes and local community spaces. The initiative
also promoted the four dimensions of Te Whare
Tapa Wha, and the Mental Health Foundation’s
Five Ways to Wellbeing u through the variety of
challenges set.
Engagement across the two events was superb,
with more than 550 post engagements and over
12,000 people reached with plenty of adventures
shared through comments and photos.
View the wrap up video u
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Healthy Active Learning
Lockdown resource for schools
A weekly Health and Physical Education
publication has been going to 78 schools across
the Central Auckland region thanks to the Sport
Auckland Healthy Active Learning team, reaching
well beyond the Healthy Active Learning schools
in the area.
Speakers of this insightful event included: Scott
Duncan, Associate Professor, AUT University;
James Glen, Lead Advisor, Halberg Foundation;
Thomas Hinz, Founder, Circability; and Darrio
Penetito-Hemara, CEO, Toi Tangata.
With the aim of helping teachers to plan during
this uncertain time, the resource is a collation of
ideas from Advisors and Community Connectors.
Themes include environmental, indoor, outdoor
and traditional Māori play, and content aligns with
campaigns such as Play Week Aotearoa 2021 and
Mental Health Week.
View the latest Healthy and Physical
Education and Physical Activity resource u
Next steps – Healthy Active Learning
national rollout phase two
Now in its third year, Healthy Active Learning will
be extended to a further 500 schools and kura
across Aotearoa from 2022 to 2024.
Building on other government programmes across
physical activity and nutrition, this voluntary
initiative continues to be delivered at no cost
to education providers which is an incredible
opportunity.
Our wider Healthy Active Learning team is excited
to connect with even more schools and kura
across Tāmaki Makaurau and take this initiative
from strength to strength. A huge thanks to
Sport New Zealand for affording this amazing
opportunity to Auckland.
Read the Government update here u
HALO Day
Healthy Active Learning Opportunities Days
(HALO) bring teachers together to participate,
engage and inspire. Prior to current restrictions in
Tāmaki Makaurau, Sport Waitākere facilitated this
opportunity for Healthy Active Learning teachers
in West Auckland. The day was centred around
the value of play for tamariki and the importance
of inclusive practices to ensure all tamariki can
access and participate in play, sport and physical
activity that meets their needs and aspirations.
HERE TO HELP
For further details on Healthy Active Learning in
Tāmaki Makaurau, please contact:
Kathryn Jones
Primary & Intermediate Schools Manager
021 405 6997
kathryn.jones@aktive.org.nz u
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Say yes to play
Fun, joy and laughter – play allows children to
experience these crucial aspects in way that’s
important to them. It’s also where they develop
and practice life skills.
At a deeper level, active play is essential for
growth in cognitive, physical, social and emotional
development. It develops fundamental movement
skills and knowledge, fosters creativity and
innovation, and builds an ability to identify and
manage risk.
These moments in time are arguably the most
important part of the day for our tamariki (5 to 11
years) and rangatahi (12 to 18 years). Moments
they can be themselves - free from structure,
judgement and expectations, where freedoms are
celebrated, and most importantly, when they are
happy. When tamariki and rangatahi are happy
they can achieve amazing things. There are no
failures, just lessons, success and escapism from
the real world.
Aktive, alongside Auckland Council, CLM
Community Sport, Harbour Sport, Sport Auckland
and Sport Waitākere, are collectively working on
a Regional Play Framework for Tāmaki Makaurau
to ensure all tamariki and rangatahi are provided
the time, space and permission to play. Play
contributes to children’s lives, as well as the
wellbeing of their families, whānau, and our wider
community. The Regional Play Framework is
expected to be completed early 2022 and we
can’t wait to share it with you!
In the meantime, you can view our Playful
Communities Guide u – full of ideas and
examples of how you can add more play to your
community for a healthier Tāmaki Makaurau.
HERE TO HELP
For further details on Play, please contact:
Luke Morriss
022 010 4532
luke.morriss@aktive.org.nz u
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Auckland partners recognised at Kūmara Awards
Premiered in 2020 in Tāmaki
Makaurau Auckland, the
Kūmara Awards is on a
mission to celebrate fabulous
placemaking happening across Aotearoa. Big or
small, permanent or temporary, it is a communitydriven
showcase of exceptional placemaking
projects.
This year He Oranga Poutama ki Tāmaki
Makaurau, Aktive, Sport Waitākere, Healthy
Families Waitākere, Community Waitākere and
Papaya Stories were recognised for their collective
community activation: Moana, Marae, Maunga 2
Moana, Marae, Maunga Te Atatū.
The group was honoured with an award in the
‘Looking Back to Move Forward’ category for
celebrating places of cultural significance through
an immersive storytelling experience about the
taiao and tangata through whanaungatanga and
mātauranga Māori.
Moana, Marae, Maunga 2 Moana, Marae, Maunga
Te Atatū is a free Hīkoi that saw whānau immersed
into the world of Māori narratives and nature,
interwoven with iwi and local stories.
Lynette Adams, Chief Executive, Sport Waitākere
says it’s an honour to have this valuable initiative
recognised.
“For those who have taken part in this hikoi, the
voyage of discovery has been inspiring with the
opportunity to hear mana whenua stories and to
learn about the history of the region. Receiving the
Kūmara Award is further recognition of the role this
initiative plays in supporting the pursuit of knowledge
for both Māori and non-Māori, and all while
encouraging physical activity, health and hauora.”
Aktive would also like to take this opportunity
to recognise Sokols Swanson Fruit Shop, Sport
Waitākere, Healthy Families Waitākere and Sport
New Zealand for the ‘From Little Things Big
Things Grow’ award for Gear Up/Play Portals. This
initiative enabled everyday fun, creativity and play
among local children in many local (and sometimes
unexpected) places.
Congratulations to all involved for such positive
experiences in our communities!
For more information visit https://www.
placemaking.nz/kumara-awards u
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Funding Partners
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