2019/20 Annual Report

SPORT WHANGANUI 2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT

1 JULY - 30 JUNE Israel Adesanya Ray White Whanganui Supreme Award winner Ray White Whanganui Sports Awards 2019 CONTENTS Strategic Plan | 2 Our Board | 3

OUR TEAM | 10-11

A YEAR WITH SPORT WHANGANUI | 18-19

EVENTS Ray White Whanganui Sports Awards | 20 Tough Kid® Series | 21

COMMUNITY SPORT Disability Sport | 22 Netball | 23 Football | 23 Coaching | 23

WANGANUI BOYS & GIRLS GYM CLUB | 27

DOWNER NZ MASTERS GAMES | 28

SPONSORS & FUNDERS | 29

FINANCE Future Champions Trust | 30 KiwiSport | 30 Financial Statement | 31-32

2019/20 SPORT WHANGANUI ANNUAL REPORT STRATEGIC PLAN

COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONAL REGIONAL CENTRED CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT

PUT THE COMMUNITY GROWING AND IDENTIFYAND DEVELOP AT THE HEART OF OUR IMPROVING THE OPPORTUNITIES TO DECISIONS AND CAPABILITY OF OUR GROW SPORT AND ACTIONS SPORTING RECREATION COMMUNITY

Establish and lead a high performing Support the sporting community to Complete the Regional Sport Plan insights programme create sustainable systems that to guide sport and recreation promote development Focus on increasing collaboration Establish closer relationships with between schools and community Take a collaborative approach to Iwi groups workforce planning and development Promote health programmes and Establish and lead a regional Young Assist sports to align with relevant develop regional sport and health People Plan national sport strategies partnering

Develop and support regional Promote partnerships to increase Collaborate with partners to performance pathways across our participation opportunities across identify and develop sport and community community facilities recreation opportunities

Lead and support region wide Be a high performing knowledge hub Identify and support partners and participation events providers who will positively Sport Whanganui maintain a influence our community Advocate for lifelong health and professional workforce wellbeing through sport and Recognise and celebrate recreation Sport Whanganui operates a robust achievement and success financial model Positively influence the sport and Develop opportunities outside of recreation environment with a Sport Whanganui’s core business particular focus on side-line behaviour

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

A functioning insights programme is in place Clubs and codes have improved sport & recreation capability

10% increase in region wide sport participation All three Councils have a Sport Facilities Strategy

10% increase in region wide recreation activity The region is guided by a relevant Sport & Recreation Strategy

10% increase in secondary school participation Sport Whanganui has a 10% increase in stakeholder satisfaction

Whanganui has a high performing talent development Increase in community partnerships - particularly sport & strategy health connections

5% increase in code/club volunteers/coaches/coach Sport Whanganui has a robust ﬁnancial model developers

Host and support quality events to provide participation Sport Whanganui has stronger Iwi relationships that foster opportunities participation OUR BOARD

Sheena Maru Wayne Brown Suze Redmayne

John Unsworth Tania King Derek Pickering PHILIPPAPhilippa IVORYIvory

Memo Musa Renee Harrison James Bowen

2019/20 SPORT WHANGANUI ANNUAL REPORT | 3 CHAIRMAN JOHN UNSWORTH What a year we have experienced in 2020. Whilst for many So as the year draws to its inevitable end we in Whanganui, COVID may be what is the most memorable thing, from Rangitikei and Ruapehu can feel that much has been where I am sitting there have been many positives. achieved in difficult times. COVID money in huge amounts has flowed into the sport and recreational community and Sport Whanganui commenced the year having to plug the the sector seems in a good space. The 2021 Masters Games gap from saying farewell to its three most experienced will be a good gauge on what the ‘new normal’ looks like. I Board members (Gary Spooner, Rob Bartley and Grant am confident it will be a huge success. Let’s be positive! McKinnon) and with them, 56 years of knowledge and wisdom. Newly appointed Wayne Brown, Reneē Harrison and James Bowen have taken no time to fit into their new roles and are significant contributors already. John Unsworth As a group the Board have continued with their stated commitment to Sport NZ’s ‘Governance Mark’ with the finalisation of the 2020-2024 Strategic Intent. With input from the Senior Management Team, and an external facilitator, the Board spent a day agreeing to “active, healthy and connected communities” as our Vision. So if asked at a barbeque – “what does Sport Whanganui actually do?” we are all armed with the tools to respond: • ACTIVATE the future – get inactive people moving and unlock new opportunities in our local communities. • STRENGTHEN the core – maintain sports, activities and programs that add value to create a sustainable future. • CONNECT our community – build meaningful relationships and partner with our diverse communities, people and organisations to extend our reach and impact. Having done the easy work the real challenge will be to implement/live it. And whilst that is happening on a daily basis by the Operations Team, the Board will soon start its journey down the Governance Mark road. With only three other RST’s (Wellington, Northland and Canterbury) with accreditation our challenge is to see if we can join them some time soon. 2020 also saw Sport Whanganui take active steps to save the floundering Wanganui Boys & Girls Gym Club. An iconic Whanganui institution since 1957. The club was threatening to close due to no-one’s fault, but more – volunteer fatigue. Well-meaning people have their available time eaten away at until something has to give. So Sport Whanganui has set up a new charitable trust which will see the club continue for many years to come. Although we had a tragedy at the Splash Centre in July 2020 with the drowning of Gerrard, what it did reveal was the capability and compassion that exists within the Splash Centre (Dave Campbell and his team) and Sport Whanganui (Danny Jonas and his team). The Board is immensely proud at how swiftly and effectively they moved to support the grieving whanau and the staff at such a horrific time. They made the best of a very bad/sad situation. The Board’s heartfelt thanks goes to them all. CHIEF EXECUTIVE DANNY JONAS Kia ora, Social Development, Whanganui District Council, Ruapehu District Council, our many sponsors and the various trusts A growing and a greater understanding of the varying levels that fund us. It is only with your support we have been able of health issues being faced by New Zealanders is prompting to achieve so much during the past 12 months. Thankyou for and promoting a very clear focus on wellbeing. Mental helping us make our region healthier, active and connected. health, obesity, connected communities, locally led and being active either through play, sport or active recreation We have recently welcomed new trustees James Bowen, can play a significant role in the overall wellbeing of our Wayne Brown, Sheena Maru and Reneē Harrison to the whanau and wider communities. Sport Whanganui board. To the Board thankyou for your significant contributions and achievements of the last Sport still remains a key part and a focus area of what financial year. As your CEO you continue to add value at we do and in particular how it impacts on our wellbeing the strategic end of the business as well as an ongoing but without doubt sport will need to change in order to contribution at operational level when required. meet the needs of the changing society we all live in. As a Regional Sports Trust we are privileged to connect across To the Sport Whanganui team- sincere thanks for your many sectors of our community. While our name refers to high level of mahi, passion and professionalism across our sport - which will always be a critical focus for what we do businesses. During our experience through Covid 19 our - as an organisation the settings for play, active recreation, team culture and values shown through and made the very and health are also of fundamental importance. difficult and challenging time for us and our community manageable. We gained valuable experiences and found Perhaps one of our biggest challenges is to ensure we ourselves in foreign situations never planned for but understand our communities and the associated barriers strengthened our resilience. and opportunities to get everyone active. Local knowledge, relationships, collaboration and quality data will guide us to Ngā mihi make the correct decisions to impact on the people who will benefit the most. This past year has been one of positive and progressive change within the organisation. We have Danny Jonas focused on igniting healthy and active lifestyles, working alongside networks in schools, clubs, social agencies, and health organisations to benefit our people. We completed year four of our investment cycle with Sport New Zealand and are currently evaluating our impact against our vision of an active community participating in sport and recreation. We are also heading into a refreshed strategic period looking again for alignment with Sport NZ but also just as critical if not more so connecting and meeting the needs of the community through the settings of Play, Active Recreation and Sport. Our mandate is broad and diverse, it provides us with opportunities to work with, and receive support from, a wide range of groups and organisations across the region – many of whom are identified in this annual report. We know there are several barriers in allowing everyone to be able to participate in sport, active recreation, and physical activity. Through these partnerships and collaborations, we have been collectively been working towards reducing these barriers and will to continue to do so. We truly appreciate your support and thankyou as partners, stakeholders, and sponsors for your belief in us and ultimately the difference we are all trying to jointly achieve in our communities. A special thanks and acknowledgement for their ongoing support must go to Sport New Zealand, New Zealand Community Trust, Whanganui District Health Board, Ministry

2019/20 SPORT WHANGANUI ANNUAL REPORT | 5 GENERAL MANAGER

ADAM GOSNEY As General Manager I have the opportunity to work with to work with. We all continue to grow in competency and a wide range of our community. We all want a prosperous confidence with a collective passion for supporting a vibrant Whanganui, Ruapehu and Rangitikei - communities that are future for the Whanganui, Rangitikei and Ruapehu Districts. healthy, employed, supportive and aspirational. The challenges Covid 19 presented were for many very stressful, it was a privilege to work for an organisation that put its people first and supported the people across the Adam Gosney network. The recovery from the lockdown and ongoing challenges is being mitigated through the existing and growing relationships. The partnership with the Whanganui District Council has continued to develop with Sport Whanganui now the official sport and recreation partner of the Council. The establishment of the Whanganui District Council Sport and Recreation Committee with Councillor Phillipa Baker-Hogan as chairwomen is proving to add support and break down barriers to development and exploration of opportunities. The Manawatu – Whanganui Facilities Strategy has now been in place for three years. As a group of seven territorial authorities there is starting to be true support and strength in numbers – this is highlighted by the strong and growing connection with the Ministry of Education and regional and national funders. Our partnership with the Ministry of Social Development has continued to prosper – a highlight across the last twelve months has been the development of the Hauora ki te Mahi (Wellness to Work) programme. The establishment of the Wellbeing Coach role to lead this programme and develop other health promotion initiatives is successful and holds great prospect. Funding is increasingly competitive, demands of time continue to climb, and we as people continue to evolve in terms of how we wish to be entertained, how we wish to participate and the speed of which we want it all to happen. The Sport New Zealand strategy to which has recently been released is reflective of these changes, encourages locally led principles and true community development. Although it is early stages and Covid 19 effected the early momentum we look forward to working with our key partner. Personally, I have enjoyed the last twelve months, at times it has been a challenging year due to some of the points mentioned. As ‘Leaders in Sport’ we must be resilient, and of course continue to challenge ourselves to be community centred, supporting stakeholders with immediate challenges but also taking a long-term view to building a sustainable sport system. As a final note thank you to the team of professionals I get COMMUNITY SPORT MANAGER

JODIE BRUNGER Sport and physical activity have long been an integral part to stay committed to establishing and developing stronger of New Zealand culture and identity. We all have a story to and more collaborative partnerships to ensure we meet the tell about the places we explored, the friends we made and needs and expectations of our community. the experiences we have had through sport, play or physical activity. It is what makes us who we are. If you do not “He waka eke noa”– We are all in this together and working believe this, then imagine a world without it. What would together is and will continue to be key to keeping our region that look like and how would it affect us firstly as individuals healthy, active, and connected into 2021 and beyond. and then as a society? This year, Covid-19 has given us all an insight into what sport, play and physical activity truly means to us all. Never had I seen so many people out walking or playing at the park as I did during lock down. Footpaths became crowded and shared spaces across our communities Jodie Brunger were a hive of activity. People were connecting in new and innovative ways as many made the most of having time to escape the hustle and bustle of their daily lives and adapt to life in their bubbles. “There is only one thing more precious than time and that is who you spend it on.” – Leo Christopher Never has there been a time where we need to look after our mental, physical, economic, cultural, environmental, social, and emotional health then we do now. Spending time looking after our own health and wellbeing is often the first thing that we neglect in the busyness we create in our lives. Covid-19 meant for many of us that we had the time to do things we often put off or did not prioritise. While we all used our time in lockdown in different ways, it was the time we spent on our own health and wellbeing that was without doubt the most valuable. As a Regional Sports Trust we are privileged to connect across many sectors of our community. Like us, many of our key partners are also adapting and working to address the diverse challenges our communities are now facing. For Sport Whanganui this means taking a more holistic approach to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities. Our newly named Active Communities Team reflects this shift. While sport remains an important part of what we do, we acknowledge and celebrate the range of opportunities and experiences that help communities to keep moving and stay active and well. “If you can’t fly, then run, if you can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward”. – Martin Luther King It has been without doubt been a year of unprecedented challenges for all, but it is how we move forward that will ultimately define us. Taking the learnings from the past year we believe that as an organisation sport, active recreation, play, and physical activity are all crucial to supporting, maintaining, and strengthening our community’s overall wellbeing. Looking forward to 2021, our team will continue

2019/20 SPORT WHANGANUI ANNUAL REPORT | 7 FACILITY MANAGER

DAVE CAMPBELL Reflecting on a year like no other. The Splash Centre is open close to 4,500 hours per annum and we would love to say we get it right all the time… Our year started off well with admission numbers up in we don’t, but we try! Our annual customer survey has the first eight months of the year and we were on target to our customers at both Splash and East 80%+ being either break through last year’s hugely successful year of 231,466, satisfied or very satisfied. I am proud to lead our diverse we averaged out during that time at 20,346 per month. team of over 50 with the continued help and support from There was an obvious decrease in the last 4 months of the the Splash Management team of Jason Bills, Christine year, with just 26,603 admissions. If we had of had the Strichen, Lynne Lower and Melody Tamou. The continued same numbers as the 18/19 year, we would have reached guidance and ear from Danny Jonas also remains invaluable 238,370… something to aim for in 2020/21. in making the Splash Centre and Whanganui East Aquatic Total Numbers for 2019/20 were 189374. Centre the great facilities they are. Operations manager Melody Tamou and I attended the Waves Conference in Queenstown, which is the Aquatic Industry annual conference, led by Recreation Aotearoa. Discussions with other Facility operators revealed we all Dave Campbell have similar experiences around staffing and trying to satisfy the vast array of customers we have coming through the doors every week. We discovered new innovations within the industry from exhibitors and an extension on lifeguard qualifications. Recreation Aotearoa also set guidelines for Poolsafe, a peer to peer assessment, which is one of our key KPI’s with the Whanganui District Council and was once again accredited at the end of March for a further 12 months. Learn to Swim continues to be as popular as ever and our exceptional staff of 14 Learn to Swim teachers, led by Christine Strichen, continue to deliver a packed Learn to Swim programme throughout term time and during the school holidays. Over 750 kids each term, however the overall annual number of lessons delivered was severally impacted by Covid. The Splash Deck got some new equipment which has pleased the regulars. We have more retirees attending the circuit classes, last year we increased classes from two to four, this year we have included a Wednesday morning class which is becoming popular. Arthritis classes on a Thursday morning continue with good uptake, Float Fit and Aquarobics continue with good numbers in each class. Whanganui East pool opened on Boxing Day and remained open until mid-March. Not as popular as in previous years due to windy days making the East experience not as enjoyable and this showed in our admissions, totalling 10,201 down 1274 from the year before. Covid-19 did have one upside, it gave us the opportunity to get maintenance carried out whilst we were still closed during Level 3. This included painting balance tanks, replacing pipe work, replacing lighting above the main pool, new hydroslide pumps and the painting of the main pool, Learn to Swim pool, training pool and hydrotherapy pool. Also, a new logo and signage was installed on the building. 2019/20 SPORT WHANGANUI ANNUAL REPORT | 9 OUR TEAM

DANNY JONAS ADAM GOSNEY KAREN BUKHOLT JODIE BRUNGER Chief Executive Officer General Manager Business Operations Manager Active Communities Manager

DEB BYERS CLARE LYNCH SHAAN STUART GEMMA BARTLEY Active Wellbeing Manager Young People Lead Active Communities Projects

DINELLE SAUNDERS CHRISTINE TAYLOR LUCY NEWTON ROSS KINNERLEY Tamariki & Rangatahi Activator Fit for Surgery Navigator Business Capability Active Communities

JORJA BRAMLEY NICKY MALIPAARD ANNETTE COX SARAH WHAYMAN Marketing & Communications Business Administrator Active Communities & Events Green Prescription Advisor HARRIET MCKENZIE RACHAEL LYNCH AMIE BACK STEVE KERFOOT Community Activator Wellness Coach Young People Advisor Community Coaching Advisor

RACHEL THOMPSON LOUISE FOLLETT DAVE CAMPBELL MELODY TAMOU NZMG Manager NZMG Marketing & Event Splash Centre Manager Splash Centre Operations Coordinator Manager

CHRISTINE STRICHEN JASON BILLS LYNNE LOWER Swim School Manager Splash Centre Splash Centre Office Manager Maintenance Manager

JENNY WORSLEY JULIA MURRAY KELLY TAYLOR WARD HANA HARURU WBGGC Office Manager WBGGC Manager WBGGC Head Coach WBGGC Recreation Coach & SARAH WHAYMAN Holiday Programme Lead Green Prescription Advisor 2019/20 SPORT WHANGANUI ANNUAL REPORT | 11 TAMARIKI & RANGATAHI strengths to navigate through while developing capability 0-5 Years as leaders. This is achieved through activities and games - Sport Whanganui continues to be committed to supporting the students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills, early childhood providers to increase quality active movement becoming more aware of their values and how they can affect and play opportunities for under fives. The FLIPS programme others while having fun. At times this involves challenging was co-created with early childhood providers in 2018 and their perceptions, thinking a little deeper and stepping is a toolbox that provides and supports the development of outside their comfort zones. The teaching staff then use these the workforce, the centre environment, resource provision, sessions to support what is happening around the school. parental support and of course a fun experience for the kids. Students continue to use their learnings to take on leadership The aim is to ensure the children experience a wide range of roles within the school and beyond, with confidence. We have quality active movement opportunities and experiences to seen some amazing growth with these students, stepping into support all areas of growth, development and learning. leadership roles, making better choices and recognising their own potential. 2021 is set to be another year to challenge and inspire our future leaders to step up and show their true capability.

TRIATHLON COLLABORATION This year saw a collaboration between Tawhero School, Whanganui City College, the ‘Let’s Go’ bike crew and Sport Whanganui to deliver three mini triathlons. Initially it was planned to be a one-time event but with the support of Whanganui City College we were able to utilise the grounds and pool for three weeks. This was in preparation for the Weetbix Tryathlon scheduled for late March. Many students were able to experience a triathlon for the first time. The students completed one length of the school pool, one lap of the school field on their bike and then a slightly 6-12 Years shorter run of the field. Overall, 62 students completed the final triathlon. Of these students, the majority identified as Sport Whanganui’s involvement in the primary school space Māori and over half of the participants were female. is ever changing to meet and support the needs of school communities. By establishing the connection between the two schools, a financial barrier was eliminated. The use of the Whanganui Sport Whanganui’s primary schools support has continued to City College school grounds and pool meant that Tawhero move from delivering to students to working with teachers, School were able to bring their students to these events principals and boards, and with senior students on leadership without the usual cost of pool entry at other facilities. This skills. The approach is to ensure teachers and students feel can often be a participation barrier for our tamariki and comfortable, confident and are supported to deliver and rangatahi. make available meaningful physical activity and education in their schools. The Tawhero students thrived in an unfamiliar environment, participated fully in the events and had fun. They felt a sense Throughout 2019 the Student and Teacher Education and of achievement and pride being able to complete all three Physical Activity Support (STEPS) programme was amended legs of the triathlon and were supported and encouraged by to closer align to the future Healthy Active Learning initiative. the Whanganui City College students and all adults involved. This was as a result of reviewing and evaluating the current The Whanganui City College students felt valued and a sense programme, it’s level of impact and the move towards a more holistic based approach. The amendments support schools to confidently plan for and meet the developmental needs and wellbeing of students. The approach has been particularly rewarding and allowed us to make more personal connection with teachers and support staff to co-design what ongoing support is required. A key part of the programme is Growing Leaders. This is a value based programme for senior primary school students underpinned by the guiding principle of Te Whare Tapa Wha. The focus is on utilising potential challenges each class or group may face in everyday life and building on their of pride helping others. The staff of the two schools began to develop a relationship which will benefit all involved in the future.

SPORTS ABILITY EVENT Late 2019 a Sports Ability event was held at the Jubilee Stadium. This was specifically created for students who otherwise may have lacked the confidence and capability to participate in regular sporting events. The students were able to participate and break down barriers that they have previously faced due to physical limitations and other impairments. Within their teams they made their way around four stations. After the set activities finished, the participants were given free access to explore the equipment and space. The event concluded with a group parachute activity. All 42 students participated with the guidance of many teachers, teacher aides and parents from nine different local schools. The collaboration between all parties involved was the key to such a successful event. There is an enthusiastic group of volunteers to support this 13-18 Years event going forward, to provide our tamariki with more The objective of the Young People Lead role is to ensure opportunities to achieve, build skills and engage positively quality opportunities and experiences are accessible for within a physical activity setting. young people relative to the stage of their development. Example highlights from the event included: Our Young People Game Plan has the vision to ensure young people have high quality, stage appropriate and enjoyable • Provided an opportunity for students who are physically experiences. challenged. We continue to be part of the Secondary Schools Principals • High volunteer involvement (school teaching staff, collective, a great opportunity to present success, challenges Halberg Trust member, Whanganui District Health Board and gain collective support for the Young People Plan and member, support students, parents). guide our mahi. The Principals collective and buy in has positively influenced connectivity with Sport Coordinators • Relationships supported and confidence built around the and Directors of Sport, leading to a focus on non-traditional event itself, providing an opportunity for this to grow and activity targeting non-participants enhancing overall youth replicate. development. A fine example being the dodgeball intra and • Low cost event funded by KiwiSport meant the financial inter school tournament led by the 'Youth Empowering Sports barriers were removed. Transport was the only real Squad' (Y.E.S.S). financial factor for schools. The continuation of the Secondary School Collaborative • The enjoyment and confidence observed throughout the Projects funded by KiwiSport inclusive of participation day and spoken about after the event. initiatives, coach coordinator, coach development and rural travel again bought an increase in participation and reduced • The level of engagement and social interaction across barriers to participation. Both the Principals and Sports the different schools, ages and capabilities was hugely Coordinators reconfirmed this collective project as having a successful. great impact within their individual schools. Across the last • Students who were more capable were also brought in twelve months $50,489 has been invested. from some of the participating schools which helped A highlight and major success was the continued impact of support their peers, developing their relationships. our Secondary School Student Sports Council (Y.E.S.S. – Youth Providing the support around funding, equipment, planning, Empowering Sports Squad). With a clear strategic vision venue hire, and other resources ensured the best opportunity and purpose they have delivered and grown their events for our tamariki to thrive and for their support staff to engage and ability to influence non-participants. As part of the plan with them while connecting with other local community (created by the students), they highlighted as a priority area, members. to support and encourage juniors to be more physically active and increase offerings that were fun physical activity 2021 is set to be another amazing year to develop, grow, opportunities. This came to life when they led intra-school engage and provide support of quality physical activity lunchtime dodgeball competitions followed by the year 9 and experiences for our tamariki and school communities. 10 interschool dodgeball tournament. Also playing a big part

2019/20 SPORT WHANGANUI ANNUAL REPORT | 13 in the second year of the Mitre 10 MEGA Wanganui Tough of young people. Valuable data was gathered around the Teen event that went from 136 entries in 2018 to 1017 entries number of minutes rangatahi were active per day, what and in 2019 - substantial growth. The Y.E.S.S council now have a where physical activity is taking place, motivation and barriers budget that they manage to ensure that they can lead and to participation, satisfaction of experience, facilities, coaches implement more opportunities for youth. and officials and what they would like to see improved. Great for future school planning, introducing new initiatives, and ensuring school offerings are meeting the needs of rangatahi. The 2019 Ray White Whanganui Secondary Schools Sports Awards were a fantastic evening recognising and celebrating the years sporting achievements of our rangatahi. Overall, there were an outstanding 111 nominations submitted across 15 categories and 38 sports inclusive of boxing, artistic skating, polocrosse and archery. A highlight of the evening was the talk by guest speakers, Max Brown and Sosoli Talawadua. Both born and raised in Whanganui and excelling in their respective sports, sprint kayaking and rugby. It was also heartening to present two of our long serving The calendar of Secondary School Championship events sports coordinators with special service recognition awards continues to be extensive and well supported, although completing 25 or more years in the role; Alec McNab disrupted due to Covid-19 with cancellations and (Whanganui Collegiate School) and Yvonne Hartley (Nga Tawa postponements out of our control. Diocesan). Under Level 4 and 3 of the Covid-19 pandemic, the ISO Going forward we want to continue to grow our partnerships Champs (Isolation Champs) were an internet-based physical across the community to enhance the quality of physical activity competition. The initiative provided students and activity experiences and opportunities for our rangatahi. teachers with an online platform to log their daily activity routine. The overall hours were added together for each school to find the most active. It was not only the students who took up the challenge, teacher response rate was very high! We received 860 responses over the month and half of the competition.

Whanganui Girls’ College students and staff embraced the challenge and maintained a comfortable lead throughout the competition. Over the 42 days, 56,460 minutes (941 hours) of ‘intentional physical activity’ were logged. Sport Whanganui were delighted at the level of engagement from both teachers and students, filling the small gap in the need for some competition we know many were missing. The 2019 Voice of Rangatahi survey was carried out with five secondary schools. This survey aimed to understand how physical activity is experienced within a secondary school setting, collect views of secondary school students in order to guide physical activity experiences that truly meet the needs

ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 is how to ensure play continues to be valued and nurtured Play outside of Covid-19 restrictions. Sport Whanganui in partnership with Sport NZ have long advocated the importance of play in our communities. Play As part of this years Festival of Play we wanted to support is of such societal importance that children’s right to play is communities to take back their streets and connect and recognised in The United Nations Convention on the Rights of create play opportunities in and around where they lived. the Child (UNCROC), ratified by New Zealand in 1993. Our partnership with the Whanganui District Council’s infrastructure team allowed us to identify cul de sacs that Play helps ensure young people are active and helps them were safe to play in and plans were put in place to support develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively. It allows these neighborhoods. Play champions within these streets children to experience fun, joy and laughter in a way that were identified and equipment supplied to support neighbors is important to them and allows children to develop and to come together and play. As a result, many parents reported practice skills for life. struggling to get their children to come inside at the end of the day and met neighbors they had never spoken to before. Children need time, space, and permission to play. Our play A wonderful result using a locally led approach to play. survey, completed in 2018 highlighted the fact that play is declining in our communities and many kiwi kids are not Sport Whanganui is continuing to identify more spaces and having the same playful upbringing enjoyed by previous places that could support play. Maps have been created and generations. As with many nations, there are several reasons play deserts identified. We are working with the community for this, including: to address any barriers to accessing play by providing new and innovative spaces and resources. A fine example of this is young people’s lives are increasingly structured, Time: the use of REPLAY, our recycled sports gear programme which reducing the free time in which to play. has provided over 200 children with play packs over the last Space: changes to both the built and natural environments year. Packs have included things such as chalk, cones, balls, have changed access to traditional play spaces. balloons, etc. to support and enhance play at home, school, or within community settings. Health and safety: parental and societal perceptions of young people’s safety have changed when and where children can Play will continue to be a priority for Sport Whanganui. play. We are committed to working alongside our partners and community to empower play and provide leadership and Societal changes: a need for instant satisfaction is challenging guidance so that Whanganui becomes “The Place to Play”. the journey of discovery learning.

Technology: increases in screen time and the ability to live life in a ‘virtual world’ are removing young people from real life cause and effect.

Adult awareness: parents lack understanding of their role in play as enablers – quality play experience involves limited adult input. So, what is play? Play is: • intrinsically motivated – it is spontaneous and will happen anywhere. • personally directed – it has limited or no adult involvement. • freely chosen – it is self-determined and has no pre- determined outcome. • fun, accessible, challenging, social and repeatable. Over the past year Sport Whanganui has continued to partner and collaborate with national and regional organisations to improve our understanding of play and identify, enhance and support the development of new and existing play spaces and resources that improve access and engagement in play. 2020 has been challenging on many fronts especially with the impact of Covid-19 on our communities. However less time rushing around and filling our days with classes, practices and competitions has seen an increase in time for play. Isolation has allowed for the time and space to be creative and spontaneous in their approach to play. The challenge now

2019/20 SPORT WHANGANUI ANNUAL REPORT | 15 Midweek Leagues Replay It has been an interesting year for Midweek Leagues Replay is an initiative which Denise Mclean and her family with participation numbers increasing in some areas and from Palmerston North started in 2016. The idea came to decreasing in others. Throughout term three, 2019 we them when they were cleaning out their garage and noticed offered futsal and badminton as options with futsal having all the unused sports equipment which they realized could be just five teams entered, half the amount of the previous year. given to someone else who may otherwise not have their own In badminton we had 20 teams from four schools which again piece of equipment. was lower than the 29 from the year before. Although entries were down, there was a good number of promising young Fast forward three years and there are now Replay donation players who were interested in bringing friends along to the bins set up at various locations in Palmerston North and next League, so term four 2020 looked promising. Whanganui for people to give away their unwanted or unused sports equipment. Throughout term four, primary, intermediate and secondary school volleyball was run at the Springvale Stadium and Sport Whanganui have been facilitating the Replay initiative Jubilee Stadium. In total there were 23 teams entered with locally since 2018 and have redistributed roughly 480 pieces 150 kids participating. Similarly, intermediate volleyball had of equipment. Most of the equipment comes in the form of 11 teams enter with 90 participants. balls which are given away along with a bag, cones, chalk and activity/game ideas that can be played with the equipment. The largest increase was secondary school volleyball. Term Providing the cones and chalk is to enable whoever receives four 2018 we had eight volleyball teams with 62 students the equipment to create active environments wherever they participating while one year later, in term four 2019, 13 teams go. and 111 students were involved. Having these numbers created a fun and vibrant atmosphere at the Jubilee Stadium Once enough gear is donated, Sport Whanganui works with as most of these teams were in the social grade and wanted schools to identify students who would benefit the most from to play alongside their friends. having their own equipment. A staff member then visits a school assembly and gives out the gear with the assistance Term one is another volleyball term and we saw even more of the YESS Council. Gear delivery happens once a term growth in secondary school numbers. There were 22 teams on average, however this does depend on the donations from seven schools (including three regional schools) and received. included 185 students participating, roughly triple the number of students from term four 2018. Although there were great This initiative has been a great way to help out the community numbers for secondary schools, there was a decrease for and build new relationships for a good cause. Our donation both intermediate and primary; nine teams and 80 students bin hosts are Rebel Sport, Hunting and Fishing, Whanganui for intermediate, and 15 teams with 100 athletes for primary. High School, and Whanganui Collegiate School. We have also We suspect the speculation of what Covid-19 could be may connected with Mitre 10 Mega (storage space), Rivercity have played a role in the decrease in primary numbers and Press, Pita Pit and multiple local schools who have either unfortunately the usual six week programme couldn’t be received equipment or had their students receive equipment. fulfilled and was reduced to four weeks of volleyball. Within the year July 2019 to the end of June 2020 Replay In conclusion, in the period which started at the beginning have given 256 pieces of equipment to the local community. of July 2019 and finished at the end of June 2020, we had These were given to various recipients including; school 796 students participating across the three sports offered. sports teams, individual students and early childhood These students came from nine secondary schools, including centres. We also created play packs which had inflatable Ruapehu College, Rangitikei College and Taihape Area School. rugby balls, beach ball, hammers, chalk, balloons, frisbees We also had a total of eight intermediate schools and 15 and tennis balls; these were packed in bags with activity primary schools participating. ideas for kids to try at home. The play packs were distributed by the Whanganui District Council as part of their Covid-19 Response. Ministry of Youth Development Project Throughout 2019 Sport Whanganui partnered with NZCT and Experiences the Ministry of Youth Development to create this awesome, Like everyone, Rangatahi make mistakes, it is all part of and unique initiative to work with rangatahi in a manner growing up. Being given the time and space to make these that traditional funding has not always allowed for. Sport mistakes in a safe and supportive environment is extremely Whanganui was supported by SUPP (DHB Drug, Alcohol and important. Teaching them that mistakes do not mean failure Mental Health Services), Whanganui Girls' College, Sport but instead are part of the journey helps build resilience. NZ, NZ Police, Oranga Tamariki and a range of other youth Listen, listen, and then listen some more. We all need to services and providers locally, nationally, and regionally. listen more and learn to be comfortable with silence instead of filling the void with unnecessary conversation. The co Using the Sport NZ Leadership Framework ‘PUNA’ design process has really highlighted the power of youth we engaged with rangatahi to support and improve voice and given the students time to share what they really young people’s abilities to meaningfully participate in think, especially boys who have the tendency to sit back and society, prepare for employment, access support, and disengage. Teaching them to ask the right sort of questions increase resilience and wellbeing through development of also helps develop their ability to take control, work through leadership skills, and participate in sport and recreation on a problems, and clarify their understanding of new or unfamiliar regular basis. concepts so they can resolve or overcome any challenges they Being physically active was important however being outside encounter. and connecting with nature also improved many of the Environment student’s mood. They seemed happier and more relaxed We all need to know we are loved. Rangatahi need to have when outside and active then when they were confined to a sense of belonging and identity. Youth gangs feed off this small spaces. They all needed the space and time to explore, desire and so the more positive environments and groups the small groups were essential to building authentic and that we can create for them, the more options they will have trusting relationships. to help find their happy place in the world. Sport is a great Example activities included: Cooking, high ropes course, vehicle for this but if the environment is too competitive hosting a touch rugby event, volunteering at the Tough Kid® this often puts Rangitahi off and they look to something or event. somewhere else. Environments need to be inclusive and collaborative not competitive and exclusive. Everyone wants a place and space to belong to and where they feel valued. Our learnings have only reinforced our commitment to continuing to develop and maintain relationships that support the health and wellbeing of rangatahi - we all know it “takes a

village to raise a child”.

When I started the programme, I felt like we were just “ a group that wasn’t going “ anywhere. Now they are not just friends they are family. Katie (17 years) KEY LEARNINGS: People and Relationships Rangatahi need a strong, supportive, and reliable network of people around them to achieve their goals. These people do not have to be family but must be reliable, trustworthy, and non-judgmental. They do not want to be alone or isolated. Being excluded from school at a young age cuts them off from their peers and support networks and leaves them at risk of being lost in the system that has rules and criteria that many of them do not fit into. If you add a dysfunctional family to the mix, then they are often literally left with nowhere to go. They need to have a support network of people who can help them navigate through a range of both simple and complex situations and have a reliable means of communicating with others when the need arises. They do not and will not communicate openly with a service, but they will talk to someone they know and trust.

2019/20 SPORT WHANGANUI ANNUAL REPORT | 17 A YEAR WITH SPORT WHANGANUI Nominations for Ray White Whanganui 137 Sports Awards.

Number of guests at 380 Ray White Whanganui Sports Awards.

Number of employees 60+ across two facilities.

Referrals to Fit for 70 Surgery.

Through the Splash Centre 189,374 door.

Health professions refer 22 to Green Prescription.

General Practitioners refer to the Active 14 Families programme.

Participants in 11,000 KiwiSport projects. *based on applications received. A YEAR WITH SPORT WHANGANUI Participants across all 4341 Tough Kid® events.

Rangatahi and whanau supported through 40 Active Families.

Children participating in the Aquajet Learn to 3023 Swim programme.

Years of Green 22 Prescription.

Hauora ki te Mahi referrals from Dec 39 through to 30 June 2020.

Hauora Ki Te Mahi clients employed before their 12 weeks 4 completed on the programme.

Participants in our Festival of Play 201 activities.

Average number of 315 gymnasts registered with WBGGC per term.

2019/20 SPORT WHANGANUI ANNUAL REPORT | 19 EVENTS Ray White Whanganui Sports Awards The 2019 Ray White Whanganui Sports Awards were a 2019 AWARD WINNERS celebration of regional sport success and commitment sport and recreation across our community. NZCT National Senior Sportsperson of the Year Lisa Allpress – Thoroughbred Racing Each year during November Sport Whanganui host the Ray White Whanganui Sports Awards. Not only does the event Moore Markhams National Junior Sportsperson of acknowledge and celebrate individual and team achievements the Year throughout the Whanganui, Rangitikei and Ruapehu region, Tara Raj - Golf it is also the perfect opportunity to thank and recognise our Stihl Shop Wanganui Club of the Year coaches, administrators, referees, managers and more. Rangitikei Area Distance Riders

Nominations were plentiful for the 2019 Awards with 138 Mars Petcare Coach of the Year nominations from a wide range of sports including dance Gary Clark – Inline Speed Skating sport, cowboy action shooting, figure skating, mixed martial arts and alpine skiing. Treadwell Gordon Junior Team of the Year Whanganui Collegiate School Senior Girls 4 x 400 Awards were presented across eleven categories as well as Sprint Relay Team induction of members to the Whanganui District Council Hall of Fame (where outstanding Whanganui achievers from the Ali Arc Senior Team of the Year past are acknowledged). Whanganui Premier Men’s Rink Hockey Team The event brings the sporting ‘family’ together for a night of David Jones Motors Masters Award celebration. Krystine Davies – Inline Speed Skating Rivercity Gas Disabled Sportsperson Recognition Lee Brooks - Equestrian

Media Works Services to Sport Recognition Aaron Manville – Hockey Aimee Merrick – Equestrian (Distance Riding) Anna & Tahi Nepia – Waka Ama Anna Symes – Hockey Claire Thomas – Football Des Lock – Rowing Diane Tasker – Netball Egelani Taito – Boxing Keretia Kotuhi – Brown – Softball Pauline Hiroti – Dance Sport Sascha Mayes – Equestrian William Hocquard - Hockey

Velo Ronny’s Bicycle Store International Junior Sportsperson of the Year Keightley Watson - Judo

Mitre 10 MEGA International Senior Sportsperson of the Year Israel Adesanya – Mixed Martial Arts

Ray White Wanganui Supreme Award Israel Adesanya – Mixed Martial Arts

Whanganui Sports Hall of Fame Inductees Pat O’Connor Brent Thomson Simon Owen

Sport Whanganui Roll of Honour Walter Rhodes – Hockey William (Bill) Tanner - Football Tough Kid® Series 2019 was another successful and from 8 rural schools. What an amazing Sports Squad) in conjunction with exciting year for the popular Tough Kid® day with the help of the local volunteer Sport Whanganui. It was the second series which encompasses three events, fire brigade making the course, and the time running the Tough Teen event for two of which are delivered in our rural tamariki, wetter and muddier. our year 9 and 10 students with 1016 regions Rangitikei and Ruapehu and the rangatahi registering for an afternoon of third locally in Whanganui. Our second Tough Kid® event, Higgins participation-based fun. Rangitikei Tough Kid, was held at The event was established by the McIntyre Reserve in Ohingaiti on a In total 4341 kids (2164 boys and 2177 Sport Whanganui team in 2011. perfect day after days of rain, which girls) from 71 schools enjoyed a fun, The philosophy is to provide a fun made the course wet and muddy. This muddy day out. participation event promoting event saw 604 kids enter from 20 confidence-building and personal schools. We could not have delivered The obstacle courses provided achievement in primary school children. this event without the support of the participants of all skill levels with the Rangitikei District Council and Higgins. opportunity to be involved in a fun and Tough Kid® originally began as one challenging event, offering a sense of annual Whanganui event, however The Mitre 10 MEGA Wanganui Tough belonging and achievement. It was a due to popularity this led to the Kid® 2019 event, held at Cooks chance to represent themselves and establishment of two regional events Gardens, received a record number of their school and an opportunity to – the Rangitikei Tough Kid® and the registrations with 2438 kids from 37 support others throughout the day. Waimarino Tough Kid®, to ensure all schools. Sport Whanganui is extremely primary school aged children, across grateful for the support from 24 local The Tough Kid® series is something years 3 to 8, could participate. businesses and agencies with over 100 Sport Whanganui is extremely volunteers on event days without whom passionate about; it is great to see so Since debut, the three-part series has we could not deliver this fantastic iconic many tamariki and rangatahi getting out grown in numbers and new and exciting event. there, being active and having fun. obstacles are introduced each year to keep tamariki engaged and challenged. The Mitre 10 MEGA Wanganui Tough Teen was hosted by the Whanganui Our first event for the year was held at Secondary Schools Student Sports the Raetihi Show grounds with 282 kids Council (Y.E.S.S - Youth Empowering COMMUNITY SPORT Disability Sport Volleyball This year has seen Sport Whanganui’s relationship with Riverycity Volleyball run a Wednesday evening volleyball Special Olympics develop into a new dynamic. We have league throughout terms two and three. This is the only moved from a focus on delivery with schools to a focus on senior volleyball league in Whanganui. A fantastic volunteer supporting the club to deliver the best possible experience for who had overseen all the operations, decided it was time to their athletes. We have assisted the club to introduce a new move on from his role with the club and approached Sport sport as well as begin the process of a health programme. The Whanganui to assist him with finding a replacement. Without new sport of powerlifting was introduced to athletes and they the amazing work and commitment of this outstanding have already made huge improvements in their preparation volunteer, there would be no senior volleyball happening in for competition. The athletes have come from having no Whanganui. knowledge of what a deadlift, squat or bench press were, to being able to perform each discipline with correct technique Volleyball is one of the sports which is growing at secondary and are steadily increasing the weights they are lifting. school level and it is vital to have a senior competition for players to aim and compete in. Working in collaboration with As well as powerlifting being introduced, the other sports are the Springvale Stadium Manager, we contacted a known going well. There has been an increase of registered athletes volunteer who has had experience in volleyball and running which now sits at 55 compared to 47 the previous year. leagues in the past. An agreement was made to take control of the operations which allows senior volleyball in Whanganui We have also transferred all the athlete and volunteer to continue. Sport Whanganui supported by promoting the registrations to online storage. Having copies accessible online event via social media and the website. Prior to the Covid-19 makes life easier for those in charge of teams as they can lockdown, they had 19 teams entered in the league, four always have medical information with them. more than the previous year. We also partnered with the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation to host a Disability sport Expo at the Springvale Stadium. This was a chance for our disabled community to get an idea of ways to keep active. Sport Whanganui collaborated with Parafed Taranaki & Manawatu, Adaptive Snowsports NZ (Turoa), Trikes NZ, CCS Disability, Badminton Wanganui, Sailabilty Wanganui & Manawatu Blokarts, to show the range of activities on offer - it was a good way to connect with these providers within our region.

Cricket Cricket Whanganui have had a difficult yet productive year. The association has undergone significant governance changes which has resulted in an updated constitution which aligns with New Zealand Cricket and Central Districts Cricket, and a new Board was put in place. Sport Whanganui had a role to play in working with the stakeholders to sign off the constitution and be a neutral point of contact for clubs to correspond.

| 23 REPORT ANNUAL WHANGANUI SPORT 2019/20

tom landry tom

have always known you could be. could you known always have

“

to see, so you can be who you you who be can you so see, to

has you see what you don’t want want don’t you what see you has

what you don’t want to hear, who who hear, to want don’t you what

“ you tells who someone is coach A

continue to be a priority in the next strategic cycle. cycle. strategic next the in priority a be to continue

RSO’s and NSO’s through the coach developer network will will network developer coach the through NSO’s and RSO’s

expertise specific to each code. Building relationships with with relationships Building code. each to specific expertise

in these codes has been essential to access resources and and resources access to essential been has codes these in

and Netball. Our relationship with both the RSO and NSO NSO and RSO the both with relationship Our Netball. and

was proved to be hugely successful in the case of Athletics Athletics of case the in successful hugely be to proved was

Organisation and National Sporting Organisation engagement engagement Organisation Sporting National and Organisation

to replace an aging coaching population. Regional Sports Sports Regional population. coaching aging an replace to

no more than $50 however was very helpful for that family. family. that for helpful very was however $50 than more no

of recruiting and developing the future coaching workforce workforce coaching future the developing and recruiting of

games applied to cover part of the affiliation fee, the total was was total the fee, affiliation the of part cover to applied games

Sporting Organisations has further reinforced the importance importance the reinforced further has Organisations Sporting

who live an hour out of town and travel to training and all all and training to travel and town of out hour an live who

Working with Regional Sports Organisations and National National and Organisations Sports Regional with Working

participation costs. An example of success was a family that that family a was success of example An costs. participation

the Smile fund panel which can be applied for to cover cover to for applied be can which panel fund Smile the the case of working in schools. schools. in working of case the

for continued success. We also have a representative on on representative a have also We success. continued for close working relationships has been reinforced, especially in in especially reinforced, been has relationships working close

women’s team is running smoothly and is in a great position position great a in is and smoothly running is team women’s insight of the status of coaching regionally. The importance of of importance The regionally. coaching of status the of insight

was formed to focus on the Women’s federation team. The The team. federation Women’s the on focus to formed was community and has developed a deeper understanding and and understanding deeper a developed has and community

Football has grown as a result of the hub. A subcommittee subcommittee A hub. the of result a as grown has Football The formation of the group improved connections into the the into connections improved group the of formation The

experience for participants. The relationship with Central Central with relationship The participants. for experience

their athletes and wider community. wider and athletes their volunteers who aim to raise participation and the quality of of quality the and participation raise to aim who volunteers

regional coaches to become more effective at working with with working at effective more become to coaches regional been interesting. The hub is made up of a group of passionate passionate of group a of up made is hub The interesting. been

coach developers that can support and develop local and and local develop and support can that developers coach Being a co-opted member of the Whanganui Football Hub has has Hub Football Whanganui the of member co-opted a Being

Purpose: To establish an independent network of cross code code cross of network independent an establish To Purpose:

Football

coaching network. network. coaching

Vision: To build a collaborative and knowledgeable regional regional knowledgeable and collaborative a build To Vision:

design of a shared vision and purpose for the group. group. the for purpose and vision shared a of design

development were identified and prioritised, including the co- the including prioritised, and identified were development

influence across the community. Areas of expertise and and expertise of Areas community. the across influence

identified for their leadership qualities and the level of level the and qualities leadership their for identified

relationships with each code represented. Coaches were were Coaches represented. code each with relationships

Coaches Forum, supporting and building collaborative collaborative building and supporting Forum, Coaches

Sport Whanganui Coaching Lead established a Whanganui Whanganui a established Lead Coaching Whanganui Sport

and expertise developed through the regional forum, our our forum, regional the through developed expertise and

Whanganui Coaches Advisory Forum: Using the knowledge knowledge the Using Forum: Advisory Coaches Whanganui

of the group. group. the of

workshops as well as being trustworthy mentors to members members to mentors trustworthy being as well as workshops

its key assets and lead to the willingness to support regional regional support to willingness the to lead and assets key its

The camaraderie developed within this group became one of of one became group this within developed camaraderie The

coaching settings. settings. coaching

and reflect honestly on their leadership within the various various the within leadership their on honestly reflect and

the willingness to learn from one another, share expertise expertise share another, one from learn to willingness the 2020-2023. for Plan Strategic a

valuable in the shared approach to regional workshops and and workshops regional to approach shared the in valuable implemented have Whanganui Netball years, three following

levels. The collective synergy of the group has proven to be be to proven has group the of synergy collective The levels. the in go will Whanganui Netball which in direction strategic

outside of comfort zones, constantly stretching capability capability stretching constantly zones, comfort of outside the fine-tuned and defined outlined, sessions These Biz.

The group has provided a great source of inspiration to work work to inspiration of source great a provided has group The Refresh and Netball Zone Central Whanganui, Netball groups;

subject matter knowledge and expertise where appropriate. appropriate. where expertise and knowledge matter subject following the between discussions share to sessions multiple

Regional coaching leads have identified and shared specialist specialist shared and identified have leads coaching Regional hosted Whanganui Sport plan. strategic a of development

meet the needs of their regional coaching communities. communities. coaching regional their of needs the meet the direct to netball with involved those of needs the and

support and guidance of regional coaching leads, to help help to leads, coaching regional of guidance and support participants Whanganui of document insights an created we

collective was established to continue to provide ongoing ongoing provide to continue to established was collective partnership In Whanganui. Netball with planning strategic

Regional Coach Developer Collective: Led by Sport NZ, this this NZ, Sport by Led Collective: Developer Coach Regional of process the support to approached was Whanganui Sport

Coaching Netball

The team prides itself on being a huge asset to the health health the to asset huge a being on itself prides team The

opportunities. opportunities.

support for GRX clients and offer discounted exercise exercise discounted offer and clients GRX for support

— Deepak Chopra Deepak —

Taihape Pools, Taihape gym, continue to offer their strong strong their offer to continue gym, Taihape Pools, Taihape

hope and belief in yourself. in belief and hope Academy Swim Centre, Rangitikei Health and Fitness Centre, Centre, Fitness and Health Rangitikei Centre, Swim Academy

taking those first steps with with steps first those taking clients with affordable exercise options. The Marton Nicholls Nicholls Marton The options. exercise affordable with clients “

committing to that journey and and journey that to committing many years. Links with local and regional amenities provides provides amenities regional and local with Links years. many

the regular Kiwi Seniors exercise to music group going for for going group music to exercise Seniors Kiwi regular the is a journey. The secret is is secret The journey. a is

of the options available to GRX clients. Marton boasts of of boasts Marton clients. GRX to available options the of “ For everyone, well-being well-being everyone, For

Centre hydrotherapy pool, gym circuit classes are just some some just are classes circuit gym pool, hydrotherapy Centre

The Club GOLD walking group, arthritis classes in the Splash Splash the in classes arthritis group, walking GOLD Club The any way was of increased importance during that time. that during importance increased of was way any

resources. Encouraging everyone to be as active as possible in in possible as active as be to everyone Encouraging resources. clients with safe appropriate exercise. exercise. appropriate safe with clients

online exercise sessions and mailing out information information out mailing and sessions exercise online maintain regular attendance and success in assisting high risk risk high assisting in success and attendance regular maintain

whanau/family through phone calls, emails, text messages, messages, text emails, calls, phone through whanau/family avalaible twice a week at a local gym are continuing to to continuing are gym local a at week a twice avalaible

health response by providing daily support for all clients clients all for support daily providing by response health

‘Breathe Easy’ classes (Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation) Rehabilitation) Cardiac and (Pulmonary classes Easy’ ‘Breathe

reach out. The Active Wellbeing team commenced a strong strong a commenced team Wellbeing Active The out. reach group activities, sporting clubs and community facilities. The facilities. community and clubs sporting activities, group

from within their bubbles but did not know who or how to to how or who know not did but bubbles their within from resource offering information to access local exercise classes, classes, exercise local access to information offering resource

Moving into lockdown many people required lifestyle support support lifestyle required people many lockdown into Moving

The Sport Whanganui Activity Directory is another valuable valuable another is Directory Activity Whanganui Sport The

were in. in. were each GRx provider in the region. region. the in provider GRx each

mental health due to the extraordinary circumstances we we circumstances extraordinary the to due health mental referrers to navigate and access updated contact details for for details contact updated access and navigate to referrers

were experiencing negative changes to their physical and or or and physical their to changes negative experiencing were

The aim of the new site is to make it simple for clients and and clients for simple it make to is site new the of aim The

a time to lean on our family, friends, and colleagues. People People colleagues. and friends, family, our on lean to time a

Recently a new Green Prescription website has been created. created. been has website Prescription Green new a Recently

a significant impact on many aspects of our lives. It became became It lives. our of aspects many on impact significant a

a natural and normal response to uncertainty. Covid-19 had had Covid-19 uncertainty. to response normal and natural a Heart Foundation, Department of Conservation. of Department Foundation, Heart

The Covid-19 pandemic was overwhelming for us all – this is is this – all us for overwhelming was pandemic Covid-19 The Health Foundation, Ministry of Health, NZ Cancer Society NZ NZ Society Cancer NZ Health, of Ministry Foundation, Health

providers, and national institutions - Arthritis NZ, Mental Mental NZ, Arthritis - institutions national and providers,

one in a way we could not have anticipated. anticipated. have not could we way a in one close collaboration between Maori/Pacific communities, all all communities, Maori/Pacific between collaboration close

This passionate support system however eventually became became eventually however system support passionate This through our traditional health service providers including including providers service health traditional our through

innovations to support our participants and community community and participants our support to innovations management and pulmonary and stroke rehabilitation. rehabilitation. stroke and pulmonary and management

Green Prescription has continued to be involved with new new with involved be to continued has Prescription Green blood pressure, improved sleep, increased fitness, diabetes diabetes fitness, increased sleep, improved pressure, blood

celebrating the success. Benefits include weight loss, lowered lowered loss, weight include Benefits success. the celebrating team supported 1,324 clients across the last twelve months. months. twelve last the across clients 1,324 supported team

The team delivers professional support to clients and enjoys enjoys and clients to support professional delivers team The with other GRX providers and our NZ health websites. The The websites. health NZ our and providers GRX other with

providing our services to clients online with links to webinars webinars to links with online clients to services our providing we do. do. we

regular contact. With the advent of online Zoom, we are also also are we Zoom, online of advent the With contact. regular groups and health providers, collaborating strongly in what what in strongly collaborating providers, health and groups

exercises, access to nutrition and wellness webinars and and webinars wellness and nutrition to access exercises, forged strong relationships with other businesses, community community businesses, other with relationships strong forged

a service that offers access to a wide variety of home based based home of variety wide a to access offers that service a health. We are committed to our holistic approach and have have and approach holistic our to committed are We health.

achievements and challenges has helped the team develop develop team the helped has challenges and achievements to improve and manage all aspects of physical and mental mental and physical of aspects all manage and improve to

to individuals and for group settings. Listening to client's client's to Listening settings. group for and individuals to Workday Wellness. Our vision is to inspire our communities communities our inspire to is vision Our Wellness. Workday

Support includes delivering phone and online support, both both support, online and phone delivering includes Support Active Families, Fit for Surgery, Hauora ki te Mahi and and Mahi te ki Hauora Surgery, for Fit Families, Active

programmes servicing our community – Green Prescription, Prescription, Green – community our servicing programmes change.

Currently Sport Whanganui has five Active Wellbeing Wellbeing Active five has Whanganui Sport Currently concerns. The objective of the programme is sustainable sustainable is programme the of objective The concerns.

patient's current level of activity and any special health health special any and activity of level current patient's with our partners. partners. our with

Sarah Whayman create a plan that takes into account the the account into takes that plan a create Whayman Sarah prospect of new initiatives and special projects, connecting connecting projects, special and initiatives new of prospect

Sport Whanganui Green Prescription team Deb Byers and and Byers Deb team Prescription Green Whanganui Sport Leading into 2020 the Active Wellbeing team focused on the the on focused team Wellbeing Active the 2020 into Leading

nutrition, with a specific focus for Maori and Pasikifa. and Maori for focus specific a with nutrition, help communities lead healthier more active lifestyles. active more healthier lead communities help

primary focus is on increasing physical activity and improving improving and activity physical increasing on is focus primary barriers, vision and working together to create better ways to to ways better create to together working and vision barriers,

to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Green Prescription’s Prescription’s Green changes. lifestyle sustainable make to the needs of the people. It calls for reflection, removing removing reflection, for calls It people. the of needs the

health and wellness support service for people of all ages ages all of people for service support wellness and health Health promotion in New Zealand is ever changing to meet meet to changing ever is Zealand New in promotion Health

as part of their health management. It is a nationwide free free nationwide a is It management. health their of part as

parks and reserves. and parks for exercise and advice to a patient to be physically active active physically be to patient a to advice and exercise for

is blessed with coastlines, open spaces, clean air, natural natural air, clean spaces, open coastlines, with blessed is Green Prescription (GRx) is a health professional’s prescription prescription professional’s health a is (GRx) Prescription Green

and nourish ourselves our families and whanau. Our country country Our whanau. and families our ourselves nourish and

Rongoa Kakariki Rongoa Aotearoa New Zealand is the best place in the world to live live to world the in place best the is Zealand New Aotearoa

Green Prescription Green

He Whiti Hauora Koe – Ka Haere - Lets Go! Lets - Haere Ka – Koe Hauora Whiti He ACTIVE WELLBEING ACTIVE system providing a platform for the community to receive active as a family using the NZ ‘be smarter’ guide-lines. support and information from our health coaches. The support from General Practitioners across the region is The Active Families support programme actively encourages huge and it must be said that the support from the health families/whanau to use community events to get involved network, health professionals, physios, wellness coaches in – being part of a community setting can be the catalyst for the Whanganui region is indicated in the continued success of participating in a fun experience both physically and socially. the programme. ‘The Great Active Families Challenge’ was held on august 3rd to coincide with the second week of the school holidays and the celebrations of 100 years for the Durie Hill Elevator. The challenge was to complete four local activities designed by the Active Families team to get the community out walking or running. Entries flowed in with three lucky families taking prizes. To encourage whanau, Sport Whanganui led one of the challenges around the bridges on a Sunday morning. Another event supported by Active Families was Kite Day 1st September. The weather was perfect with a good breeze, Active Families held two fun obstacle courses for kids to try - fun activities the whole family could enjoy. “Looking forward to 2021 the Active Wellbeing team will continue to work collaboratively with our partners to create Active Families a more holistic approach to the health and wellbeing of our Rongoa kakariki, whanau kori, community, I am privileged to lead a committed team who whanau ora are passionate about supporting the community.” Deb Byers Active Wellbeing Team Manager. Active Families is a programme best suited to children, teens and their whanau that would like support to become more active and live a healthier lifestyle. Active Families is for 5 –13 year olds, designed to create a safe environment for children and their whanau. The focus is on nutrition and physical activity with sessions including a variety of discussions and planning activities for the whole family at home. In addition to the benefits from increased physical activity and awareness of healthy eating, the sessions provide children with social connection and helps build confidence. Through the Sport Whanganui led programme, families involved have access to resources, a dietitian, basic cooking ideas and healthy recipe ideas. Families work collaboratively alongside the Active Families coordinator to implement changes in the home and environment. Active Families reached out to local and the wider communities in the Rangitikei and Ruapehu regions during lockdown by mailing out information resource packs to which Hauora Ki Te Mahi included family activity challenges, healthy eating and staying The launch of our Hauora ki te Mahi (Wellness to Work) initiative has been an exciting time for our Health Team. Hauora ki te Mahi was developed in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development as a support programme for Whanganui Job Seekers who would benefit from improving their health and physical wellbeing. The objective of the programme is to provide clients with a holistic view of health and the importance of being fit, healthy and mentally fit for employment. It offers social connection, increased motivation, and improved employment opportunities. It is a 12-week support programme to get clients active and a membership to a physical activity facility. Hauora ki te Mahi is for clients in between employment or

2019/20 SPORT WHANGANUI ANNUAL REPORT | 25 looking to gain employment. Clients are supported to increase working days and $1.79b due to absence, this had risen from motivation, create new healthy habits, lifestyle changes and 6.6m working days and $1.51B in 2016. The report also states improved quality of life and well-being. that stress has risen by a net 23.5% across businesses in New Zealand in the past two years. To be elected for the programme patients are referred through the Ministry of Social development. The client is then We have had a lot of fun with the pilot of this initiative, with a given an initial health consultation with our Wellness Coach highlight being the boxing sessions using the gym floor space and together along with the client, develops an individual of the Wanganui Boys and Girls Gym Club, along with a fun plan and a gym facility is chosen. Throughout the programme interactive cooking demonstration making nutritious scrolls clients are required to set goals related to their health and and bliss balls. wellbeing and attend the gym a minimum of 3x per week throughout the 12 weeks with weekly contact with the The programme offers a tailored approach with options that Wellness Coach. suit all needs. The Wellbeing options include health checks, stress and sleep support, mental health, healthy heart, and Our initial pilot intake of 13 clients saw three gain full time injury prevention workshops. Our Active pillar incorporates employment and one motivated to begin work experience high energy exercise sessions, slower movement options like full time. One client highlighting the programme as a huge yoga and stretch classes. The Nourish pillar covers all things motivator for their motivation to go out and find a job. nutrition with interactive cooking demonstrations and food energy workshops. Four out of the 13 clients lost 7kgs or more. Alongside the weight loss, another highlight was improved eating habits that We are looking forward to seeing our Workday Wellness had a follow-on effect to whanau and friends. This resulted in programme in many more workplaces in the Whanganui more energy, more confidence, better sleeping patterns and region soon. improved mental health. The choice of using Kaierau Sport Whanganui and Ministry of Social Development look Country Club is fantastic. forward to developing Hauora Ki Te Mahi even further and Close to work (and my home) supporting the Whanganui community on their journey to “ and accessible. I really employment.

enjoyed the programme and

have got a lot out of it. Sport Whanganui’s Wellness “ Coach is a great motivator and positive, and got us all moving :) Thank you!

Fit for Surgery, Fit for Life This exciting programme has reached two years of implementation. It is now that the true essence of the Workday Wellness concept is evolving with participants who started on their journey, lost the required weight, changed their lifestyle and The on-site one stop shop to a happy healthy workplace. are now one-year post surgery maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Workday Wellness is our corporate wellbeing programme that encompasses three components relating to the overall health A recent report submitted to ACC reflected these positive of employees; wellbeing, nourish and active. changes and impact of the progress of the programme. By August 2019, 80 patients had been enrolled into the Research into employee wellness programmes reinforces the programme. This number is now at 100 with steady referrals notion that wellness models introduced in the workplace per month and with patients at various stages of their can greatly improve employee health and wellbeing. The journey. This is broken down into three phases – phase one programme encourages employees to adopt a healthier lifestyle with the goal of increasing productivity and reducing stress related absenteeism. The Southern Cross Health Society Workplace Wellness Report in 2019 reported that in 2018 New Zealand lost 7.4m

It was great fun and I got

to work with a group of staff that I haven't really “ “ interacted with before. Thank you to the wellness coach and helpers! ‘referred to programme’, phase two ‘reached BMI – awaiting surgery’, phase three ‘had surgery – follow up ‘Fit for Life’’. A fantastic outcome from the programme to date has been WANGANUI BOYS three patients reaching their required BMI and feeling they no longer require surgery. Also eight of the 19 patients who & BOYS GYM CLUB had surgery have successfully reached one year post surgery and continued with the positive changes and maintained or The Wanganui Boys and continued to lose more weight. Girls Gym Club story A common theme from those who have participated in the began with Jens and Karen Fit for Surgery programme is that they are seeing the benefits Bukholt, two people whose of weight loss on their joints and mobility. Many clients passion for physical fitness are commenting on how their pain is reduced, resulting in and community has left reduction of pain medication. Some patients on opioid based a powerful legacy. From prescribed medication, have been able to reduce their dose or its humble beginnings in change to non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and paracetamol 1957 on Castlecliff beach, combinations. Some patients have even reported changing to a club with a domestic and international reputation as a to conservative options such as heat packs. Also noted is the centre of excellence for gymnastic training, demonstrates the positive effect of weight loss with reduction in other linked power of passion and drive. The transfer of governance to comorbidities such as Diabetes, Lipids and Hypertension. Sport Whanganui, over half a century on from the club’s birth, One patient post-surgery commented she understood the sets a platform for the Wanganui Girls and Boys Gym Club to reasoning for having a lower weight prior to surgery, and even springboard into the future. though she was under the required BMI<40, she indicated she The collective foresight of the Wanganui Boys and Girls wished she had lost more weight as this would have helped Gym Club committee recognised the need for change. Sport with post-surgery and recovery. Whanganui was approached for governance support and the What is sobering is, every patient has a story and journey. No partnership began to prosper. Inevitably the committee made one is alike which means it is important for the programme to the decision that Sport Whanganui would be the ideal entity have a collaborative wellness care plan following the patient to govern, manage and operate the facility. What was known though their journey. In doing so, each patient has the as the Wanganui Boys and Girls Gym Club is reborn under the required support to succeed and make sustainable lifestyle flagship of Sport Whanganui. The club and Sport Whanganui choices for the rest of their life. In general, patients comment share a passion for physical fitness and community, which that it is this concept with the accountability making the means whilst the management has changed, the heart of the programme attainable and sustainable and achieving results. club endures. Fit For Surgery has a strong partnership with Whanganui Sport Whanganui’s CEO Danny Jonas says, “The Wanganui Regional Health Network, ACC and Primary Health. The Boys and Girls Gym Club is an iconic facility here in Fit for Surgery, Fit for Life programme is evolving and proven a sustainable success Whanganui and we are delighted to be in the position to and is looking, in the future, at extending to include other support the Club, ensuring a vibrant future.” orthopaedic surgeries with the goal to extend to all elective Annette Cox, the new Wanganui Boys and Girls Gym Club surgeries. Fit For Surgery will also be advocating this Operations Manager, is excited about the future and remains programme to other national health boards with many focused on people, saying, “ The Wanganui Boys and Girls interested as the reputation of the programme has proven the Gym Club is a fantastic community space for Whanganui’s worth and value with the positive results and will be a main youth to learn and love their sport. Its more than that though, stay within the health care system. the club is a place for our tamariki to grow in confidence, make friends, and most importantly have fun. It’s never just about the sport. The team and I, under the mantle of Sport Whanganui, have the structure we need to plan and deliver on a bright future for the club.”

2019/20 SPORT WHANGANUI ANNUAL REPORT | 27 DOWNER NZ MASTERS GAMES The Power of Partnerships improve the sense of ownership and pride in this unique New Zealand event. The Downer New Zealand Masters Games has benefited significantly from the formalized partnership between Shared Aspirations Whanganui (NZ) Masters Games Trust and Sport Whanganui. The partnership has provided a strong operational foundation Sport Whanganui and the Downer New Zealand Masters for the Games delivery, as well as direct connections with Games share a common aspiration of providing a platform for sports clubs and codes. individuals to improve overall health and well-being. Another key aspect of well-being is individuals having a sense of The event is owned by New Zealand Masters Games Limited connectedness to others, whether competing individually or and held biannually, with the local event being governed as part of a team. The Downer New Zealand Masters Games by the Whanganui (NZ) Masters Games Trust. The Trust has provides this opportunity, with social activities having an a board of seven Whanganui individuals, who each have a important focus during the period of the Games. specialist area pertaining to the governance of the overall event. Sport Whanganui is contracted as the employer of the operational team. The operational team consists of: Rachel O’Connor – Games Manager Nicky Malipaard – Sport Partner Liaison Louise Follett – Marketing and Event Coordinator Julia Murray – Host and Sustainability Coordinator

The Downer New Zealand Masters Games – All about Being Accessible A key focus for the 2021 Downer New Zealand Masters Games team is to be as accessible as possible to the Whanganui community to achieve buy-in for the Games. Socialising the team’s location and ease of access is paramount, and being located in the NZCT Community Sports House is integral to The Event and Promotion achieving this goal. The location is highly visible, well known, Over 4000 participants are expected at the Downer New and has ample parking. Zealand Masters Games, 5-14 February 2021. Registrations The team will all be trained in the registration process to opened on 11 August 2020; a delayed date due to the ensure that there are no gaps in availability for visitors Covid-19 situation. The objectives for the Downer New seeking to register. Late nights are in place to enable full time Zealand Masters Games, 2021, are: workers to register at the Games Headquarters. • To realise economic benefit, and stimulate interest in our Removing the barriers to participation is a key focus, and community something we will be able to achieve being part of the Sport • To support and grow active participation at Masters Games Whanganui Complex. Level • To boost the health and well-being of our local sporting community • To deliver an environmentally sound event The marketing channels for the Downer New Zealand Masters Games is a mix of owned and paid media, weighted toward digital and Out-of-Home media, such as digital billboards and bus sides. The key areas of focus, outside of Auckland, are Hawkes Bay, Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Whanganui/Manawatu. The marketing strategy also has a strong focus on engaging with the Whanganui community to KEY PARTNERS

2019/20 SPORT WHANGANUI ANNUAL REPORT | 29 FINANCE Future Champions Trust Athletes who received funding in 2018/2019 include: The Mitre 10 Mega Future Champions Trust funding Aspen Fell - Roller Skating. Selected to compete at the World programme had a quieter year due to Covid-19 restrictions on Skate Oceania Skating Championships in Melbourne, 2 - 6 travel and events. The fund supports local athletes to reach October 2019. their potential by competing in events around New Zealand Jordyn Leiasamaivao-Turvey - Beach Volleyball. Selected and the world. in the NZ Junior Mens Beach Volleyball team to compete in Sport Whanganui works alongside the Trust to promote the California, USA in July 2019. application windows, selecting the successful applicants, and Tara Raj - Golf. Selected to compete in the national age group manages the funds. and women’s tournaments within New Zealand and Australia The Future Champions Trust has been operating for five throughout the year. years and has granted over $62,000 to 48 individual athletes, Rebecca Tamati - Touch. Selected to play in the NZ Touch assisting them in reaching their goals and achieving at U18 Girls team to play in Australia in the Youth Trans Tasman internationally acclaimed events like World Cups and other Series, January 2020. major events.

KiwiSport

This year we farewell KiwiSport which has been a major part of our sporting community for the past eleven years. Over the eleven years, $1.6million was contributed to the Whanganui region over 297 projects. KiwiSport funding aims to: • Increase the number of school-aged children participating in organised sport • Increase the availability and accessibility of sport opportunities for all school-aged children • Support children to develop skills that enable then to participate confidently in sport. 2019 / 2020 2019/20 SPORT WHANGANUI ANNUAL REPORT | 31

2019/20 SPORT WHANGANUI ANNUAL REPORT | 33 06 349 2300 sportwhanganui.co.nz fb.com/sportwhanganui