InterAktive_June23

June 2023 | An eMagazine showing our communities in action
InterAktive

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Contents
3 Message from the CE
6 Your Voice: Matt Ngametua
– Functional Adaptive Movement Ltd
13 Water Skills for Life: Making a
difference
14 Healthy Active Learning in action
8 Celebrating the faces of sport and
recreation in Tāmaki Makaurau
18 Auckland Flood Response: Emergency
Relief Fund and community support
9 Inclusion Training in Tāmaki Makaurau:
Ecouraging accessibility and
engagement
11 Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa:
Empowering Tamariki and Rangatahi
in Tāmaki Makaurau
20 Supporting our wāhine toa
23 Growing Cultural Understanding:
Aktive’s Māori Cultural Competency
Programme
25 Resource Hub
2

Message from the CE
Kia ora
Welcome to the latest issue of InterAktive
JENNAH
WOOTTEN
Chief Executive
It was a difficult start to 2023 with devastation across so many
communities following extreme weather events. Many in our sector
and communities are still battling with the impacts from these events
and we are committed to doing whatever possible to support them
through. To all those who supported others, our sincere thanks.
Tāmaki Makaurau’s sport and recreation sector certainly knows how
to pull together for each other and our community in times of need.
This edition of InterAktive covers a range of topics including: a fuller
recap on our sector support response to the Tāmaki Makaurau Weather
Events; our recently developed Inclusion Training Programme; Cultural
Competency Training that our RSO Network is currently enjoying; the
special partnership Aktive, CLM Community Sport, Harbour Sport, Sport
Auckland and Sport Waitākere have with One NZ to showcase and
support our volunteers; and much more. Each update is a snippet that
demonstrates progress towards our vision of Auckland becoming the
world’s most active city.
As we head into the second half of the calendar year, Aktive will be
progressing the development of our refreshed Strategic Plan for the period
of 2024-28. A key input to this refresh is a Strategic Foresight report which
is informed by three sessions recently held with representatives from the
sector, facilitated by Dave Adams from Sport New Zealand. A sincere
thanks to all who attended these sessions and helped us explore the future.
While there will be aspects of our strategic refresh that are new, some
critical focuses of our 2020-24 Strategy will flow through. A good example
of that is our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how we use the
progress made to date to achieve more impactful outcomes for Māori into
the future.
3

Message from the CE
Another area of focus in our 2020-24 Strategy that will flow through to 2024-
28 is spaces and places. There are a number of reasons why this focus
must remain, including the acute indoor court shortage in Auckland. There
is a need for easy-to-access, well utilised and future-proofed sport facilities
for our sector and ultimately the community. We need considered planning,
innovative design and collaborative funding models to achieve this. To
help accelerate conversations with Auckland and Government decision
makers and wider key funders, we are about to start the development of an
Auckland Facilities Priorities Plan. This Plan will be a powerful tool available
for use for the refreshed Funders Forum, facilitated by Aktive.
We know that Auckland Council is working hard to address the challenging
financial position they find themselves in. Council remains the preeminent
contributor to our sector, so next year’s Long-term Plan will be one of
the most significant budgets since Auckland Council was formed and
advocacy into this process will be a priority focus for Aktive. Stay tuned
for more on our thinking in this space as collective voice and action will be
vitally important.
Switching gear, it has been an exciting time on the netball court for Tāmaki
Makaurau in recent weeks – how fantastic it was to see two Auckland
teams in the final! Congratulations to the Northern Mystics for taking out
the title, and to Phil Vyver, Chief Executive of Netball Northern and the
Netball Northern team on a very successful season.
We would also like to acknowledge some recent sector appointments:
Pippa Sommerville, Manager Sport and Recreation at Auckland Council
and Antionette Aalbers, Community Sport Manager at Sport Waitākere.
It has been great already spending a fair bit of time with both Pippa and
Antionette, seeing first-hand the impact they are already making in their
teams, organisations and our sector.
In addition to celebrating these contributions to the sector, we are also
celebrating National Volunteer Week between 18 and 24 June 2023.
The week honours the collective energies and mana of volunteers in
Aotearoa; and this year’s theme is ‘Time to Shine – He wā pīataata.’
To help celebrate we are proud to again partner with One New Zealand
to celebrate the Faces of Sport and Recreation in Auckland, specifically
our generous volunteers – read more about this campaign here u
4

Message from the CE
No issue of InterAktive would be complete without recognising the long
standing, foundation support we receive from valued strategic funders who
continue to support Tāmaki Makaurau and our approach, specifically Sport
New Zealand, Auckland Council, Foundation North and NZCT. We also
recognise the ongoing support of our Programme Partners, Water Safety
New Zealand, Auckland Council and the Four Winds Foundation. Ngā mihi
nui for the trust you place in us to continue making a difference working
with communities and organisations right across the region.
On a final note, it is almost time to welcome the largest event ever to
Aotearoa’s shores, the FIFA Women’s World Cup. This is a once-in-alifetime
opportunity for our city so if you aren’t already across the match
and festival activity, have a look here u. Match tickets are affordable and
there will be a range of fantastic activities on Queens Wharf at the festival
site which are completely free of charge. Don’t miss the moment to be a
part of this once in a lifetime event!
JENNAH WOOTTEN
Chief Executive
5

Your Voice
Matt Ngametua
– Functional Adaptive Movement Ltd
Matt Ngametua has
dedicated almost half of
his life to helping others
– but he still gets a thrill
every time he supports
people with an impairment or disability
to achieve their life goals.
As a volunteer support coach alongside
FAM (Functional Adaptive Movement
Ltd), Matt is able to combine his love of
being active and helping people with
impairments or disabilities.
It’s something he’s been doing for 21
years now, including roles as a teacher aide
at two special needs schools, and as a support
worker for a disability support service provider.
Matt, who has mild Cerebral Palsy, hemiplegia and
diplegia, loves to keep active, and decided to study
to become a personal trainer in 2018. “I’ve been
in the gym for years,” he says. “I studied [personal
training] to be a better support person for people in
the disability community.”
FAM is a strength and conditioning program
for all people, “but targeted at the disability
community,” says Matt. After learning
about FAM during his studies, Matt
joined the programme as an athlete,
before recently making the move to
become a volunteer coach.
6

Your Voice: Matt Ngametua – Functional Adaptive Movement Ltd
“After I completed the course I went straight to
FAM, and I really liked it,” says Matt. “Now that
I’m a volunteer coach, my role with FAM is
like being a teacher aide for the gym. I work with
students who have a wide range of impairment or
disability, and support them the best way I can.”
It’s a passion that Matt says never fades, and
one that’s fuelled by his determination “to make a
difference in the lives of others.”
“Each student is different, and you have to work
with them to figure out how to work best with
them. You have to learn about the person first
before you can work with them – to find out what
they can and cannot do.”
The FAM programme, which was established
in 2018, is supported by eight gyms across the
Auckland region, including OTB in Takanini where
Matt teaches. The programme is currently training
500 athletes, either in one-to-one sessions or as
part of more than 30 group classes per week.
For Matt, volunteering is not just a career choice; it
is a calling that found him. He attributes his passion
for helping others to the people he interacts with
daily.
“The one thing I enjoy the most about volunteering
is the people. It always comes down to them,
and helping others. Working with the disabled
community humbles you in a way that no other job
has done for me. I like making my students smile,
making them laugh… but their life experiences
really humble you.”
“If you’re thinking about volunteering in sport
and recreation in Auckland, just do it. You don’t
know until you try. That’s what I did, and I ended
up loving it – and I’m still going strong. There’s
something about it that makes you feel good.”
7

Celebrating the faces of sport and
recreation in Tāmaki Makaurau
Volunteers are the cornerstone of community
sport and recreation.
In Tāmaki Makaurau, there are more than 300,000
volunteers giving their time, knowledge and
skills each year, committed to the people, clubs
and facilities in their communities – and we all
understand the importance of these individuals who
generously give up their free time to help others.
To celebrate some of the many thousands of
awesome sport and recreation volunteers in
Tāmaki Makaurau, One New Zealand, Aktive, CLM
Community Sport, Harbour Sport, Sport Auckland
and Sport Waitākere are working together on a
special partnership.
This partnership includes three key components:
• A Volunteer of the Month programme with
volunteers in each part of Auckland recognised
for their contribution to community sport and
recreation
• An annual ‘Faces of Sport and Recreation in
Auckland’ campaign, acknowledging those who
make community sport and recreation possible
• Regional events for select volunteers to be
celebrated for their outstanding efforts.
Understanding community contribution, fun,
enjoyment and making social connections are
key motivations for volunteers. That’s why CLM
Community Sport, Harbour Sport, Sport Auckland
and Sport Waitākere celebrate a local One NZ
volunteer, every month, for ten months of the year.
Nominations are called for monthly and carefully
considered, with an individual in each part of the
region selected as the lucky winner of a prize pack.
If you haven’t already, check this out and nominate
a deserving volunteer in your community who helps
make their sport or activity happen.
We’re also celebrating National Volunteer Week this
week, 18 to 24 June 2023, honouring the collective
energies and mana of volunteers in Aotearoa. This
year’s theme is ‘Time to Shine – He wā pīataata.’
It’s a time to recognise and celebrate volunteers.
So, we’re again shining a light on the efforts of
volunteers and the roles they play in their respective
communities, following on from the popularity
of last year’s ‘Faces of Sport and Recreation’
campaign.
You can read about these community
contributors, their roles and motivations
here ş and hopefully get inspired to take your
own plunge into volunteering!
Thanks to One NZ, we’ll also be recognising a
group of outstanding volunteers by hosting them
in Home Base at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart to
cheer on the One New Zealand Warriors on Sunday
16 July. Keep an eye out for pics!
8

Inclusion Training in Tāmaki Makaurau:
Ecouraging accessibility and engagement
We believe play, active recreation and sport
opportunities should be accessible to all,
regardless of where in Auckland you call
home. That’s why we’re committed to helping
create a supportive environment for the
disabled community and building the sector’s
understanding of inclusion and accessibility
for all impairments.
Our recently developed sector training programme
aims to support our team to fully realise this
commitment, and, through the implementation
of the ‘Skillet’ platform, we’re actively promoting
inclusivity in sport, active recreation and play to
communities across Auckland.
Let’s have a closer look at these two areas and
the impact they’re having:
Supporting the sector
Aktive has developed a comprehensive six-month
training programme for the internal workforces of
Aktive, CLM Community Sport, Harbour Sport,
Sport Auckland and Sport Waitākere. This is
underway and feedback has been positive.
The purpose of this training is to grow the
knowledge, confidence, and skills of our workforce
so we can better support people with disabilities.
We hope to lead by example by demonstrating how
to effectively engage with the disabled community
and improve our understanding of inclusion and
accessibility for all impairments. Through this
enhanced capability we’re ultimately striving to help
increase participation opportunities for people with
impairments in sport, active recreation and play.
The training workshops have covered topics
ranging from disability as a concept to different
types of accessibility. The training programme
is also enabling participants the opportunity to
engage with inclusive sport and active recreation
providers in the region. This hands-on experience
allows interaction with tamariki and rangatahi
with impairments, provoking personal reflection
and inspiring changes in approaches in how we
traditionally have worked.
The next phase of the training programme will see
participants use this reflective feedback to develop
12-month plans on how their individual roles can be
more inclusive of the more than 300,000 members
of our disabled community in Auckland.
9

Inclusion Training in Tāmaki Makaurau: Encouraging accessibility and engagement
Feedback from participants has been hugely positive:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for these students to
enjoy exercise in a fun and safe environment. They
are able to challenge themselves as much or as
little as they would like while learning new skills.”
“Different children have different needs, and they
will often lead themselves and it’s for volunteers to
get to know them/follow their lead. The participants
had a great time overall, and the more volunteers
there are, the ‘smoother’ the session went.”
“How vital it is that ALL members of society have
access to such opportunities. Smiles, laughter,
aroha.”
Building on the positive response to our Cultural
Competency Training Programme, Aktive is looking
to provide an opportunity for this Inclusion Training
Programme be rolled out to the sector. Keep
an eye out for more detail on this in the not-toodistant
future.
Skillet
Skillet is focused on improving inclusion,
accessibility and social connectivity for all New
Zealanders through different software solutions.
For our sector this comes to life with Skillet offering
a new, fully digital accessible platform for sport
and active recreation providers to promote their
inclusive programmes for youth.
This digital solution also offers a unique opportunity
for providers and clubs to learn about the physical
accessibility of their environments through an
auditing system, further expanding knowledge of
accessibility across the sport, active recreation and
play sector.
Aktive is excited to be underway with a 12-month
pilot programme with Skillet for ten providers. In
phase one, providers are conducting accessibility
audits on their sites, with collected data being
uploaded onto Skillet, making it available for the
public. In subsequent phases, beginning in August,
users will be able to explore an interactive map
featuring inclusive programme information on
Aktive’s website. They will be able to learn about
the different programmes available and register for
activities for free through the Skillet app.
Through these software solutions, we aim to
increase awareness of inclusive programmes
and enable individuals to easily access information
about these programmes, promoting participation,
engagement and inclusive opportunities. Check
out Skillet here >
A huge shout out to Sport New Zealand for their
support of our disability and inclusion mahi,
including providing funding to support bringing this
Skillet initiative to life.
HERE TO HELP
For further details on Play, please contact:
Jenna Baxter (she/they)
Inclusion Advisor (Disability)
027 201 8279
jenna.baxter@aktive.org.nz u
10

Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa:
Empowering Tamariki and Rangatahi
in Tāmaki Makaurau
Together with our partners CLM Community
Sport, Harbour Sport, Sport Auckland and
Sport Waitākere, Aktive is proud to manage
Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa on behalf of
Sport NZ in Tāmaki Makaurau.
This funding initiative is dedicated to communitybased
programmes and projects helping tamariki
and rangatahi most at risk of being less active or
missing out. Programmes or projects can be new
or already operating, and funding can be provided
for up to 12 months.
Since July 2022, there have been 296
approved projects to the value of $5,015,084.41.
These initiatives are expected to benefit a
considerable number of tamariki and rangatahi
across Tāmaki Makaurau, with the distribution
of approved projects among sport, active
recreation, and play as follows:
• 114 Sport (38.51%)
• 148 Active Recreation (50%)
• 34 Play (11.49%).
11

Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa: Empowering Tamariki and Rangatahi in Tāmaki Makaurau
Successful applicants to date are listed on our
website, providing visibility and recognition for their
valuable contributions to our community.
A new Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa funding year
will kick off in July 2023. Here are the key dates to
keep in mind for the upcoming regional and local
funds in Tāmaki Makaurau:
Fund Opening date Closing dates
Round One – Local
Fund (Harbour Sport)
Round One – Local
Fund (CLM Community
Sport, Sport Auckland
and Sport Waitākere)
Round One – Regional
Fund (Aktive)
Monday
3 July 2023
Monday
17 July 2023
Monday
17 July 2023
Monday
31 July 2023
Monday
28 August 2023
Monday
28 August 2023
Fast Fund applications for under $10,000.00 open
for applications on July 1, 2023.
Who is it for?
Funding through Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa
is available to a wide range of groups and
organisations that are planning to or are already
delivering programmes or projects to help tamariki
and rangatahi get active.
Through research we know that there are certain
groups that are less active or missing out, including
those living with a disability and those in higher
deprivation communities, as well as girls and young
women. Projects aimed at engaging these groups
will be prioritised for funding.
In action:
Let’s check out Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa
‘in action’ and making a positive difference in
communities:
Proudly supported by Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa
funding, the team at Kī-o-Rahi u Tāmaki
Makaurau teach Kī-o-Rahi in te reo Māori at
kura across Auckland; Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o
Piripono te Kura Whakahou ki Ōtara is one of them.
Marama Nepe, Principal, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o
Piripono te Kura Whakahou ki Ōtara says Tū
Manawa funding has helped tamariki get more
involved with active play: “There are lots of benefits
of playing ki o rahi [for our tamariki] firstly, for their
wellbeing, they also get to speak te reo and play
sport.”
Where can I get more info?
Do you have a community-based Auckland
project? Click here for more details, including
how to make an application and who to
contact to discuss u
Remember the names listed are there to help
you with your application so take advantage of
their time to help ensure your application has the
greatest chance of success.
What can be funded?
Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa is as an activation fund
to help cover programme and/or service delivery
costs, including:
• Programme or project delivery (e.g. venue or
equipment hire, transport to events)
• Equipment (as part of a programme or project)
• Officials, when these are required for delivery
• Wages for delivery staff (e.g. activity leaders,
coordinators).
HERE TO HELP
For more information, reach out to:
Hazel Latoa
Funding Advisor
027 250 2498
funding@aktive.org.nz u
12

Water Skills for Life: Making a difference
Over the last six months Aktive has facilitated
the delivery of Water Skills for Life into 50
schools across Auckland, providing more
than 50,900 lessons to 8,192 tamariki. The
water skills-based programme incorporates
27 core skills for life-long water safety
comprising seven areas of water survival
competencies. The response to this popular
and vital programme continues to go from
strength to strength:
Aktive, in partnership with CLM Community
Sport, Harbour Sport, Sport Auckland, and
Sport Waitākere, coordinates Water Skills for Life
funding for tamariki to learn essential swimming
skills through schools and kura. We are very
grateful for the support of our Water Skills for Life
funding partners.
“They are more confident around water and
knowing how to keep themselves and others safe
around and in water” – school teacher
“Great opportunity for our students who may not
otherwise get the chance to learn swimming or
water safety skills” – school teacher
“Seeing the progress of the students and knowing
we are making a difference is fantastic” – provider
“The rapport and trust we build with the students
and working with the staff who are so passionate
are very important to us” – provider
For more information on Water Skills for Life,
click here u
HERE TO HELP
For further details on Water Skills for Life,
please contact:
Megan Garforth
Aquatics Advisor
021 286 6338
megan.garforth@aktive.org.nz u
13

Healthy Active Learning in action
A joint government initiative between Sport
New Zealand, Te Whatu Ora Health NZ and the
Ministry of 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, CLM Community Sport, Harbour Sport,
Sport Auckland and Sport Waitākere are proud
to be part of Healthy Active Learning in Tāmaki
Makaurau. This sees us supporting primary and
intermediate schools to create healthy and active
learning environments and better connections to
their local communities.
Let’s check in with the Healthy Active Learning
team across the motu!
Harbour Sport
Harbour Sport’s Healthy Active Learning team hosted
15 teachers from 12 different schools at its recent
Healthy Active Learning Opportunities (HALO) day. This
action-packed session focused on physical activity,
quality Physical Education (PE) and play, and provided
an opportunity to hear from providers Harbour
Hockey, Touch NZ, and the Halberg Foundation.
The work of the Healthy Active Learning Advisors
and Community Connectors includes assisting
teachers and kaiako to be confident and capable
in delivering the Health and PE curriculum – so
the skill-based sessions with Harbour Hockey and
Touch NZ provided helpful strategies for teaching
some of the more technical hockey and touch
rugby skills.
It also enabled Health and PE leads of schools
in the same Communities of Learning/Kahui Ako
to connect and start conversations about how
they can collaboratively create new cluster sport
opportunities for their students who do not have
the same access to sport competitions that other
schools are afforded.
The Halberg Foundation provided valuable
upskilling through playing modified games, and
learning how lessons can be developed and
modified using the simple but effective STEP
process so that every student can be included and
contribute to a quality PE lesson.
14

Healthy Active Learning in action
Play was also on the agenda with Harbour Sport
Play Advisor, Hannah Milne presenting insights
into what play could look like in schools and their
communities, reminding teachers of the importance
of play opportunities for children. The general
consensus? “We need more play!”
Harbour Sport is fortunate to have several stencils
that can be used to liven up ‘dead spaces’ around
the schools. These can be used by students and
teachers to co-design and map out fun, new
activities for fellow students of all ages. Teachers
at the HALO day were provided with different
stencils for use at their schools which can also be
used to support student advocacy and encourage
student leaders to have their say in how schools
and kura support and promote quality play, sport
and physical activity opportunities – another of the
Healthy Active Learning Outcomes.
Sport Auckland
Sport Auckland has provided a number of
HALO day experiences so far this year. The
recent Sport Auckland Healthy Active Learning team
Physical Active Leader (PALS) workshop was a real
hit! The event saw students from schools across
central and east Auckland to come together at
the Auckland Netball Centre to grow their student
leadership knowledge and capability. Sessions with
students, supported by their teachers, focused on
reflecting on their school values and what this means
for their leadership, how to use modified games to
engage other students, what spaces are available
and could be used to increase physical activity,
and how to become physical activity leaders during
intervals and lunchtimes. The overarching goal of
this work is to support increasing student leadership
and agency in ways that enhance physical activity
opportunities and environments for tamariki.
15

Healthy Active Learning in action
Tamariki were treated to an
inspirational presentation by Kiwi
boxing Olympian Alexis Pritchard who
shared her life journey leading up to
her achievements. Key messages
from Alexis around leadership were
listening to those who you are leading,
being open to learning new things
as a leader and the importance of
perseverance.
Teachers were supported through
facilitation of sessions and aided
students to understand how new
ideas and learnings could be
implemented in their schools.
They also developed their understanding of how
they could provide ongoing support for student
leaders moving forward. Students developed and
came away with detailed action plans that they
could implement at their schools and the ability to
demonstrate their leadership skills and activities
with their classmates and other students.
CLM Community Sport
HALO days CLM Community Sport-style are
designed to provide additional professional
leadership development (PLD) support to schools
and individual teachers, enable teachers to connect
with teachers from other schools, and introduce
teachers to new concepts/ideas that can be utilised
in their schools.
HALO days to date have proven valuable with
feedback surveys indicating 100% of teachers
stating the day they attended was engaging and
enjoyable, and 100% of teachers noting they would
be likely or very likely to incorporate the content of
the workshops they attended into their lessons.
Already in 2023, the team has delivered two HALO
days that supported teachers from across Counties
Manukau. Sessions consistently provide teachers
with ideas they can pick up and use in their
classrooms the very next day, in addition to themes
and concepts that challenge thinking, broaden
understanding and promote reflection. These
HALO workshops provided sessions to support
teachers to plan for physical education effectively,
build knowledge of cultural games, learn more
about developing student leadership capability,
using physical activity to support developing of
foundational learning skills and consider strategies
to support the wellbeing of their tamariki. The
opportunity for teachers to network and hear what
others are doing within their settings is also a valued
opportunity for growth and learning.
HALO days provide a unique and valuable mix of
theoretical information, group discussion, personal
reflection and physical activity. These strategies
combined enhance teachers learning and
experience.
Teacher feedback:
“This is one of the best PDs that I’ve attended, it
was very engaging and applicable for intermediate
students”.
“Awesome workshops I enjoyed the hands on take
away ideas for curriculum integration”.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed today, and I’m pleased to
have learnt a few new fun games, new skills and
values I will take away from today. I also enjoyed
connecting with other teachers”.
16

Healthy Active Learning in action
Sport Waitākere
Teachers from across Waitākere exercised their
bodies and brains during Sport Waitākere’s recent
HALO day.
The event brought together 43 teachers from
24 Healthy Active Learning Schools for a day of
professional learning and development focussed
on re-energising health, PE, sport, active recreation
and play in their schools.
Sport Waitākere Healthy Active Learning Advisor,
Shanley Joyce, says the day was a huge success with
their biggest-ever turnout: “We wanted to challenge
existing practice and provide the space for teachers
to think differently about what they provide as physical
activity for their tamariki. It was an inspirational day
and the enthusiasm shown by the teachers to create
new and interesting methods of physical activity will
certainly keep their students on their toes.”
Using the Balance is Better and Good Sports
frameworks in tandem, the day delivered the tools
for teachers to take back to their schools. Both
programmes support adult influencers to create
positive sporting experiences to encourage a
lifelong love of sport and being active.
Key speaker, Rob Gambolati, a senior lecturer at
Unitec delivered an informative address on the
importance of physical activity using the Te Whare
Tapa Whā framework, designed by leading Māori
health advocate Sir Mason Durie. The model
describes health and wellbeing as a wharenui/
meeting house with four walls. These walls
represent taha wairua/spiritual wellbeing, taha
hinengaro/mental and emotional wellbeing, taha
tinana/physical wellbeing and taha whānau/family
and social wellbeing. Our connection with the
whenua/land forms the foundation.
When all these things are in balance, we thrive.
When one or more of these is out of balance, our
wellbeing is impacted. Mr Gambolati stressed the
importance of physical activity on keeping the walls
of the whare strong.
Kajal Meanger from Green Bay School said she left
the day with a new energy and approach to the
importance of physical activity.
“I teach in the junior school and this age typically
struggles with physical activity. The games and
overall approaches we’ve learnt provide some
exciting new content and ideas for helping
incorporate physical activity and play, and getting
students active. I’m looking forward to sharing this
with my fellow teaching team as well.”
The event was supported by Sport Waitākere’s
partners Netball Waitākere, Unitec, Aroha Skate,
Garden to Table, Hungerball, School Fun Run and
Northern Football Federation.
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
17

Auckland Flood Response: Emergency
Relief Fund and community support
In the aftermath of the devastating flooding
and landslips in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aktive,
Foundation North, and Sport New Zealand
announced an Emergency Relief Fund of
$150,000 for sport and recreation organisations.
Each of the organisations contributed $50,000
to establish the Fund.
The Fund aimed to provide one-off financial
support to sport and recreation organisations
affected by the January 2023 weather events in
Tāmaki Makaurau, for things that weren’t covered
by insurance. Organisations could apply for a
maximum grant of $2,500.
Jennah Wootten, Chief Executive of Aktive,
acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the
weather event and the community’s efforts, saying
at the time:
“Sport and recreation are fuelled by amazing
volunteers who we know have worked tirelessly
over the past few weeks to try and minimise
disruption to participants of sport and recreation. In
doing so, costs have been incurred; some of which
may not be covered by insurance”
Eligible organisations were required to be charitable
in nature, and applications were able be made
for retrospective expenses incurred relating to
addressing flood related impacts.
Recognising that some sport and recreation
organisations were hit far harder, bespoke support
was provided where appropriate. This approach
aimed to address the unique challenges these
organisations faced, with a formal assessment
of their requirements undertaken and tailored
responses and support put in place.
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Auckland Flood Response: Emergency Relief Fund and community support
Audry McLaren, Funding Manager at Foundation
North, noted at the time: “The extent of the recent
events is still being determined; however, we know
there will be significant and long-term impact on
parts of the sport and recreation sector. Foundation
North is pleased to be equally partnering with
Aktive and Sport New Zealand to stand up this
fund to support the sector through this challenging
time and, in doing so, help mitigate the risk to
young people missing out on the benefits of being
involved in sport and recreation.”
The Fund was greatly appreciated by recipients:
“Thank you so much for approving the grant. The
funds will be put to immediate use at the Club
to help with the remedial work required post the
flooding.” Mairangi Bay Tennis Club
“Thanks very much for this approval - we
appreciate this being a small community club!”
Ellerslie Cricket Club
“We would firstly and foremost like to thank you
so very much for approving this application, it is
so much appreciated and will greatly assist us.”
Waitākere Badminton Association
The start to 2023 was not what Tāmaki Makaurau
had hoped for but, once again, we saw the
strength of the sport and recreation sector shine
through. We know the challenges are far from over
for many so if you’re not already connected with
Aktive, CLM Community Sport, Harbour Sport,
Sport Auckland or Sport Waitākere for support,
please do so. We’re all here to support, however
we possibly can.
19

Supporting our wāhine toa
We’re committed to improving opportunities,
value and visibility for women and girls,
and supporting their potential through play,
active recreation and sport. The first half
of 2023 has seen us focus on the areas of
leadership and governance.
Women’s Leadership Development
Programme graduates set to strengthen
sport and recreation sector
A diverse group of 19 women leaders from the
sport and recreation sector recently completed
Aktive’s second Women’s Leadership
Development Programme.
The 18-month programme was celebrated at
Remuera Golf Course with a graduation ceremony.
Participants presented their group projects
to a panel comprising Jennah Wootten, Chief
Executive, Aktive; Laura Menzies, Chief Executive,
Northern Region Football; and Duane Kale,
International Paralympic Committee Vice President
and Sport NZ Board Member. Programme
mentors, current line managers and wider sector
leaders were also in attendance.
Jennah Wootten, Chief Executive, Aktive
remarked that the participants have embraced the
opportunity, which highlights the breadth of female
talent across the sport and recreation sector.
“The Women’s Leadership Development
Programme aims to grow capability and support
the women with their future aspirations at both
governance and management levels,” says
Ms Wootten. “Our sector is stronger for this
graduating group of wāhine toa, and we know
they will be role models for other women and
girls in sport.”
The programme provides a unique opportunity
and environment for learning, and includes
residential workshops, mentoring and networking
events. For the first time, this cohort included
women outside of Auckland participating, thanks
to the support of Sport NZ.
Participants hailed from a range of organisations
including High Performance Sport New Zealand,
Counties Manukau Sport, Tātaki Auckland
Unlimited, Sport Auckland and Paralympics
New Zealand. Their feedback will prove valuable
to further shape the programme.
20

Supporting our wāhine toa
Reflecting on their 18 month journey, Women’s
Leadership Development Programme participants
said:
“Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu” (Adorn the bird
with feathers so it may soar) The more feathers
you provide the higher the bird will fly no matter
how old you are. The Aktive Women’s Leadership
Development Programme has provided me an
environment of meaningful learning, professionalism,
networking and sisterhood. I am definitely a more
confident leader as a result.” – Maraea Howe,
Kaitohutohu Hōhenga - Activation Advisor Māori
Outcomes, Auckland Council
“The Programme has afforded me an incredible
opportunity. The length of the Programme and depth
of the content has ensured I’ve been able to build
meaningful connections across not only Tāmaki
Makaurau Auckland, but Aotearoa New Zealand.
I believe that it has already positively impacted my
leadership capability.” – Hollie Ellis, Programme
Manager Leverage & Legacy, FIFA Women’s World
Cup 2023
The Women’s Leadership Development
Programme’s graduation ceremony panel set
the tone and challenge for the future, providing
valuable leadership advice. Ms Menzies said: “If an
opportunity presents itself and it feels a bit scary,
it’s probably the right thing to do.” This sentiment
was echoed by Mr Kale: “Don’t be afraid of
doing something that scares you – have an open
mindset.”
Find out about our Women’s Leadership
Development Programme here
Find out more here
21

Supporting our wāhine toa
2022-2023 Women’s Leadership Development Programme participants
Anna Skipper Performance Physiologist and Preparation and Recovery Lead for High Performance Sport New Zealand
Birmingham Commonwealth Games
Danika Mowlem Participation Lead Canoe Racing New Zealand
Emily Hodges Sport Development Advisor, Women and Girls Co-Lead (Harbour Sport). Harbour Sport
Hayley Stirling Area Manager Auckland Team Lead Northern Region Football
Hollie Ellis
Programme Manager - Leverage & Legacy, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Tātaki Auckland Unlimited
Kathryn Jones Primary and Intermediate Schools Manager Aktive
Katie Horne National Partnership Manager Volleyball New Zealand
Kylie Norton National Programme Manager at Ready Steady Go Kids Counties Manukau Sport
Kylie Robertson Senior Communications Advisor Sport New Zealand
Larissa Cuff General Manager, Strategic Partnerships Sport Bay of Plenty
Maraea Howe Kaitohutohu Hōhenga - Activation Advisor Māori Outcomes Auckland Council
Michelle Au Diversity & Inclusion Manager Badminton New Zealand
Raewyn Burke Sporting Manager MotorSport New Zealand
Roxanna Holdsworth Targeted Participation Team Lead
Sport Waikato
Sacha Wright Games Campaign Co-ordinator Paralympics New Zealand
Serena Somlyai Development Manager Counties Manukau Cricket
Stephanie Murray Tournament Services Manager ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022
Tarsh Ieremia Thriving Club Manager Auckland Rugby League
Vicky Mailei Regional Sports Director Sport Auckland
Newly established network created to
support women in the sport, recreation and
play sector across Tamaki Makaurau
The Aktive Women in Governance Network
brings together diverse women leaders who are
committed to advancing women in governance
across the sport, recreation and play sector in
Tāmaki Makaurau.
This opportunity was created to provide a unique
environment that supports women in governance,
or those with a desire to get involved in governance.
The aim is to develop both confidence and
competence, ultimately supporting these women
to make the greatest possible impact around board
tables regardless of what stage they’re at in their
governance journey.
Through feedback we’re identifying the needs
and interests of those in the network and shaping
opportunities accordingly. Our inaugural Aktive
Women in Governance Network Event was a
huge success with Dame Therese Walsh joining
over 80 attendees to talk about her experiences in
governance.
To be the first to hear of upcoming event details and
also receive relevant information to support your
governance development, join the Facebook
group here This is a place to learn, connect, and
share with other women leaders in Auckland’s sport
and recreation sector who are working to advance
positive outcomes for women and girls in sport and
active recreation; be it leadership, participation, or
value and visibility.
HERE TO HELP
For further details, please contact:
Gayle Vaughan
Women and Girls Advisor
021 338 529
gayle.vaughan@aktive.org.nz
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Growing Cultural Understanding: Aktive’s
Māori Cultural Competency Programme
Throughout Aotearoa, leaders are taking more
deliberate steps to increase their cultural
competence and that of their teams. With a
number of sport leaders in Tamaki Makaurau
looking to do the same, Aktive has been pleased
to introduce a bespoke cultural capability
building programme specifically for Regional
Sports Organisations.
The programme’s whāinga | objectives are to help
participants develop and implement strategies,
policies, and procedures that guide organisational
capability in te ao Māori.
Face to face workshops delivered quarterly by
Aro Solutions are focusing on crucial topics to
help deepen understanding and appreciation of
Māori culture. Participants explore Te Ao Māori,
gaining insights into the Māori worldview, values,
and customs. They also delve into Understanding
Tikanga, exploring the protocols and practices
that guide Māori interactions and ways of being.
Another topic covered is Te Tiriti o Waitangi, where
participants gain a comprehensive understanding
of the Treaty of Waitangi and its significance in
Aotearoa New Zealand. Partnering with Māori is
also explored, helping participants to discover
effective strategies for fostering meaningful
relationships and engagement with iwi (tribes) and
hāpori Māori (Māori communities).
23

Growing cultural understanding: Aktive’s Māori Cultural Competency Programme
The hua | outcomes will see participants develop a
greater understanding of te ao Māori and be able
to identify enablers and barriers to using tikanga
Māori within the workplace. They will also be
able to introduce themselves in te reo Māori and
develop strategies for improving engagement with
iwi and hāpori Māori
“Just wanted to drop you a line to say that our
team thoroughly enjoyed Workshop 1 on Tuesday
and was a great introduction for both newbies,
and those who have significant knowledge in
this space, so thank you again for this fantastic
opportunity.” Debbie Barnett, Office Manager,
Northern Region Football
Organisations involved include Blind Sport New
Zealand, Auckland Table Tennis Association,
Auckland Golf, Auckland Hockey, Northern Region
Football, Touch New Zealand, North Harbour
Rugby, Netball Northern, Auckland Cricket,
Touch North Harbour, Disability Sport Auckland
and Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union.
Feedback to date and key takeaways from the
group have been positive:
“A quick note to say thank you to Aktive for
facilitating this opportunity for everyone. I
think it’s a great way to start an education and
understanding process for a range of RSOs – a
great initiative.” Iain Laxon, CEO, Auckland Cricket
HERE TO HELP
For further details, please contact:
Manu Pihama
Kaihautū Kōtui – Māori Partnership Manager
027 299 9244
manu.pihama@aktive.org.nz
Charlotte Guscott-Gregory
Sector Support Advisor
027 699 3490
charlotte.guscott-gregory@aktive.org.nz
24

1
Resource Hub
Toolkits, case studies, videos and guides,
our resource hub is free and connects you
with the latest information on a range of
sport, recreation and play topics.
Latest additions
Updates to our Insights/Research section
is well worth a look. It provides a one-stopshop
for to help with identifying need for funding
applications, gathering and analysing insights, and
reporting. It also includes downloadable content,
designed to help with collecting and analysing data.
This is phase one of this insights/research project
so stand by for more information!
A suite of new and updated Spaces and Places
resources have also been added to the hub.
These include:
Women & Girls
Facility Guide
Supporting your facility to enable women and girls to be active
Local Board Plan
Toolkit
Women and Girls Facility
Guide – supporting your
facility to enable women
and girls to be active. It
features advice,
suggestions, hints and tips
that can support you to
enable more women and
girls to get active at your
facility.
Local Board Plan Toolkit
– providing advice on
Auckland Council’s Local
Boards, Local Board Plans
and a summary of what
each Local Board Plan
seeks for play, active
recreation and sport across
Tāmaki Makaurau. This
information is important to
know when applying to Auckland Council and other
sector funders for project funding.
A guide to
understanding
Auckland
Council
1
Understanding Auckland
Council Toolkit – detailing
a simple explanation of the
structure of Auckland
Council, including the
Council Controlled
Organisations, the different
roles for the Governing
Body and the 21 Local
Boards, and who makes
the decisions with a focus on our sector.
1
Facilities
Toolkit
How to manage and
maintain your assets
Facilities Toolkit – a
refresh of the previous
Facilities Toolkit, this has
been strengthened to
provide more detail around
how to manage and
maintain your club and
assets, with explanations
and clear definitions
around asset management
terms. It also provides advice around insurance
based on lessons from the Auckland flooding
earlier this year. This toolkit is supported by a
recorded webinar on asset management available
in our Resource Hub.
Facility Planning Road Map – version 2 of the
Facility Planning Road Map completes the process
from conception to delivery of capital facilities.
This updated Road Map includes information
on Business Cases, Facility Design, Resource
Consents, Building Consents, Procurement and
Construction. It includes a suite of resources to
help you through the process of delivering a facility.
If you are considering a new facility, this is the
resource for you!
25

Resource hub
Accessing the resource hub
All these resources and more can be accessed
through the Aktive Resource Hub here – it’s
free to sign up and is updated regularly with
different tools. If there is something specific
you’d like to see covered please email
enquiries@aktive.org.nz
The resource hub is well utilised across the
sector with more than 2,000 downloads in
nearly 12 months.
Use of Resource Hub by Organisation Type
Reporting period: 1 July 2022 – 24 May 2023
Figure 1. Use of Resource Hub by Organisation
Type as a percentage of total downloads.
Table 1. Number of Downloads by
Organisation Type
Organisation Type
Number of Downloads
Advisory Board 131
Community Service Provider 78
Council 78
Education 215
Facility 13
Government 27
Health 16
International Sports Organisation 38
National Sporting Organisation 174
Other 184
Recreation Organisation 27
Regional Sporting Organisation 257
Regional Sport Trust 382
Sports Club 359
Supplier 45
TOTAL 2024
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Ngā mihi nui to our valued
supporters, helping us on our
journey to make Auckland the
world’s most active city
Strategic Funders
Commerical Partner
Programme Partners
www.aktive.org.nz
Aktive_akl
AktiveAuckland
Aktive-Auckland
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