Boost for Taupō rangatahi as new youth sport partnership launches

Local opportunities for Taupō rangatahi are set to grow with the launch of a new youth sport initiative, led by a community advocate and backed by Contact Energy (Contact).

Leah White, a long-time Taupō resident recognised for her work and impact at Taupō Athletics Club, has been appointed Sport Connect Advisor. She will lead a multi-year partnership that will build on strong foundations already in place for youth sport in Taupō, and provide additional support for coaches, clubs and communities.

Led by Sport Bay of Plenty, which is already active in Taupō through secondary school sport and coach development, Leah’s work complements Sport Waikato’s established regional leadership and school-community connections aimed at enhancing participation and reducing barriers for rangatahi.

The Contact-backed youth sport initiative follows extensive community engagement carried out by the energy company between 2022 and 2023 which revealed a clear message from locals: support the people who give their time to coach teens and improve the quality and consistency of youth sport in Taupō.

Contact spokesperson Mike Dunstall, head of geothermal business development, says the partnership aligns with the company’s long‑term commitment to investing in communities where it operates, particularly as the company expands its energy footprint in the region.

“Partnering with Sport Bay of Plenty enables us to invest in the wellbeing of young people in Taupō, strengthen volunteer coaching, and build lasting community connections,” he says. “Youth sport is about supporting healthier and more connected young people and communities.

“By investing in positive youth sport experiences and the people who deliver them, we're aiming for long‑term wellbeing, life skills, and social outcomes that extend far beyond the playing field."

Matthew Cooper, Chief Executive of Sport Waikato, says the initiative reflects a shared commitment to ensuring all rangatahi in Taupō have access to positive movement and sport experiences.

"Taupō already benefits from passionate volunteers, strong clubs, engaged schools and dedicated community organisations that work hard to support young people. This initiative builds on those strengths and adds further capacity to the local system."

"By reducing barriers and strengthening connections across schools, clubs and communities, we can help ensure more rangatahi have access to quality experiences that support their wellbeing and development."

Sport Bay of Plenty says White’s combination of local insight, relationships and lived sport experience made her the ideal fit for the role. The initiative will run through to December 2027.

Sport Bay of Plenty CEO Heidi Lichtwark says the mahi directly responds to community needs.

“Volunteer coaches are the backbone of youth sport, and by supporting them, we create more positive, engaging and meaningful experiences for rangatahi. Alongside Sport Waikato our team is ready to bring expertise, relationships, and insights to make a real difference on the ground,” she said.

A launch event is planned for 1 July with local schools and community partners invited to meet White and hear more about the initiative.

About Contact Energy

Contact Energy (Contact) is leading New Zealand’s renewable energy future, operating 37 generation sites nationwide across geothermal (including seven geothermal power stations in Taupō), hydro and thermal assets. Contact supports around 670,000 customer connections across electricity, gas, broadband and mobile.

Contact is building renewable energy at pace, committing more than $2.4 billion over the past 5 years to the energy infrastructure New Zealand needs, including three new geothermal power stations, a grid-scale battery, and a solar farm.

Its commitment to kaitiakitanga guides investment in community, environmental, cultural and social wellbeing initiatives.