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From the CEO

Kia ora,

The 2018-19 financial year is challenging to summarise in a few paragraphs – but if I were to select a few key descriptive words they would be continued focus with identification of future possibilities.

Aligned with our 2030 vision and the 2017-21 strategic plan, we continued with core approaches to progress the central six pillars in our strategy. These include regional spaces and places planning, coaching and CoachForce, working with schools and young people, our Green Prescription and Active Families healthy lifestyle programmes and Play in the Bay recreation opportunities. Our communications approach, using multiple platforms and relationships, has been a thread in all work streams.

Underpinning all of this is the organisation’s capability and, to that end, we maintained a development approach to looking after our employees, health and safety and our digital road map. We now work in a cloud-based environment and completed an external job size and remuneration review which has translated into a refreshed approach for employees.

We also continue to collaborate with essential community stakeholders. From councils, DHBs, to energy trusts, Sport New Zealand and schools, we maintained a focus on the importance of partnerships to achieve outcomes. We particularly acknowledge the excellent relationship with BayTrust that allows proactive work in all Bay of Plenty communities.

The government’s approach on wellbeing has created new opportunities to thinking about the role of play, sport and recreation in the Bay of Plenty. This thinking, when considering our region’s demographics and active data, means we can call out areas and groups or populations where more focus may be required in the future. This work has started, with members of Sport Bay of Plenty team working with local communities to understand their goals and aspirations. This is particularly powerful in combination with our council colleagues – meaning we can empower local leaders and actions.

Young people and the need for fun, enjoyment and social connections though the phases of play, active recreation and sport are an essential opportunity for the future. Our team work with young people more than any other age group – and the statistics show that young people are where the greatest need is. We’re excited about emerging opportunities in this space that will come to light in the next financial year.

Overall, with two years left in our strategic plan, we are making sound progress to outcomes, but there are areas where enhancement and keeping the ‘foot down’ are needed. Thankfully, I think we have the right systems and people to do that.

Thanks must go to the Sport Bay of Plenty board - a well-balanced group with diversity of thought, skill sets and backgrounds. And the Sport Bay of Plenty team are essential to both understanding the community and delivering outcomes for the organisation. Thank you to all 54 of our employees who are dedicated, passionate and committed to their roles.

Ngā mihi

Heidi Lichtwark – Sport Bay of Plenty chief executive

Heidi Lichtwark_web02

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