About Us

Sport Waitakere is a community organisation that was developed in 1991 to help create and maintain a healthy active community. Sport Waitakere’s boundaries are those of Waitakere City Council, and will extend to include the Whau ward with the introduction of the Greater Auckland Council. As a not for profit Regional Sports Trust (RST), we are funded by Sport & Recreation New Zealand (SPARC), the Auckland Council, Community and Gaming Trusts, Health and Sport Contracts, sponsorship and user pays programmes/workshops.

Sport Waitakere is a local delivery arm for SPARC initiatives; nonetheless we are “owned” locally by our community and therefore provide an independent regional voice for community sport and recreation. We aim to increase participation and act to strengthen the infrastructure for sport and recreation. Our impact in the community was recognised when we were awarded the ‘Community & Volunteer Sector Best Practice Award’ at the 2008 Waitakere Business Awards.

The sport and recreation environment is changing and the issues impacting on the environment are many and varied. This strategic plan outlines how we will address some of these issues. Sport Waitakere aims to not only ride the wave of change, but influence the direction of that wave as we move ahead to the future.

Vision:
Through our leadership, West Auckland is an increasingly active community and successful sporting region.

Purpose:
Lead. Enable. Strengthen. Making a difference through sport and recreation.
Ma te mahi whakapakiri tinana. Ka ora ai te tangata.


What we want to achieve by 2012:
• 3% average growth in participation across measured activities.
• Growth in sport and/or recreation organisations with improved capability.
• More ‘across Auckland region’ projects initiated.


The four key priority areas, or 'pillars' of the strategic plan are: 

1. Young Westies
Outcome: Young Westies have increased confidence to participate in sport and recreation.

Strategies:
• Increase resources and support to maximize opportunities for young people. Projects include administering the KiwiSport Fund and school development opportunities.
• Equip Young Westies with appropriate skills for lifelong participation through programmes that develop fundamental movement skills such as balance, rotation, throwing and catching.
• Provide opportunities to participate in quality sport and recreation with programmes such as the Secondary School Social Sport project, and the afterschool Youth Club.


2. Sector Capability
Outcome: Sport and recreation is strong and capable.

Strategies:
• Develop our people, our organisation and our effectiveness in our community.
• Increase and develop our volunteers and coaches to deliver quality experiences by offering opportunities to learn skills and supporting clubs to recruit and retain volunteers.
• Strengthen the capability of sport and recreation organisations with training opportunities and assistance in writing development plans.


3. Active Communities
Outcome: Sport and recreation forms an integral part of vibrant connected communities in West Auckland.

Strategies:
• Develop initiatives in partnership with specific populations such as different ethnic or age groups, according to community needs.
• Build strong resilient communities and develop community leadership through initiatives such as ‘workplace wellness’ and employing brokers to be based in communities to assist in setting up programmes.
• Develop and implement appropriate strategies to increase sport and recreation participation. For example increasing recreational walking and cycling and supporting learn to swim programmes.


4. Regional Approach
Outcome: Regional leadership and collaboration achieves improved outcomes for the community.

Strategies:
• Actively engage in regional projects of significance, particularly in partnership with the other three Auckland Regional Sports Trusts.
• Increase participation and leadership as Maori at community level through the He Oranga Poutama Auckland wide team.
• Implement the Active Waitakere ‘Te Waka ki Mua Move It’ strategy, which is supported by 13 member organisations who are interested in increasing participation in sport and recreation in West Auckland.
• Provide advocacy and advice. For example, representation on boards and committees, making submissions on Council plans, advising sports organizations on governance and management policy, and infrastructure.