Sport NZ and Aktive continue work with partners following Auckland Review

Aktive and Sport NZ will work with partners across Tāmaki Makaurau to make the most of the review commissioned by the North Harbour Sports Council into the funding and delivery of community sport. 

Conducted by Robert Smith, the report recognises many areas of effective delivery across Auckland including the collective advocacy approach that saw $120 million added to Auckland Council’s Long-term Plan budget in 2018; the Healthy Active Learning initiative currently operating in selected low decile schools and kura; and a dedicated community sport workforce of employees and volunteers across Auckland who keep “community uppermost in mind.” 

It also identifies areas of opportunities such as addressing system complexity; greater clarity around roles and responsibilities; the importance of volunteers; and ensuring funding follows the functions and changing context of organisations in the sector, leading to the desired outcomes. 

Aktive Chair Graham Child is pleased the report acknowledges support for Aktive and aspects of its mahi with partners, as well as areas of opportunities that are already in progress. 

“Aktive plays a key role in the region, including channeling Sport NZ and other funding into the delivery of community sport, play and active recreation. We believe in and are committed to sector input and continuous improvement, and we are open to constructive discussion based on fact for the betterment of the sport and active recreation sector across Tāmaki Makaurau. 

“We look forward to discussing relevant points of this review to strengthen relationships, enhance collaboration, focus on an equity approach and ultimately contribute to quality physical experience opportunities for all Aucklanders, particularly people and communities that are missing out.” 

Community delivery partners CLM Community Sport, College Sport Auckland, Sport Auckland and Sport Waitākere support Aktive’s role and are committed to continuous improvement of sport and active recreation opportunities for Aucklanders. 

CLM Community Sport CEO Craig Carter appreciates the support and expertise Aktive provides their team and community as they strive to deliver support and mahi to the Counties Manukau community. 

“From day one we have always felt Aktive are doing their upmost to assist us make a difference on the coal face.” 

Mike Elliott, CE, Sport Auckland comments: “Sport Auckland is proud of the role we play in helping Aktive deliver on The Auckland Approach to Community Sport strategy and the Distributed Impact Model we have recently implemented. We acknowledge all of the really good stuff that is being delivered in our communities and that there will always be areas for improvement. The opportunity for success on a large scale can be achieved in Auckland if we all collaborate so that there are equal opportunities for all Aucklanders to be physically active whether that be in play, sport or active recreation.” 

Sport Waitākere CE Lynette Adams says: “We are committed to open discussions that support more sport, active recreation and play opportunities for Auckland and Aucklanders, and particularly the West Auckland community. Our number one focus is continuing to effectively build our mahi and advocate for our community.” 

Aktive is also committed to its Distributed Impact Model and working with CLM Community Sport, College Sport Auckland, Harbour Sport, Sport Auckland and Sport Waitākere to align planning and activity and achieve collective impact. 

Sport NZ CEO Raelene Castle says the government agency is pleased to see the level of self-reflection taking place within Auckland, something that is key for all parts of the sector nationally. 

“Sport NZ will continue to support the work of Aktive and their stakeholders within Auckland to explore further opportunities and efficiencies, which will ultimately lead to increased opportunities for Aucklanders to be active.”