News & Media Releases
Systems approach sees increase in rangatahi school sport participation
Monday, April 14, 2025
Rangatahi participation in physical activity through schools is increasing thanks to the collective efforts of Sport Bay of Plenty, school sport coordinators and directors, and regional sport organisations.
Women on Whitewater Camp empowers female paddlers to overcome fear and build confidence
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Over a weekend in March, twelve women came together to paddle the Kaituna and Rangitaiki rivers, embracing new challenges, building confidence, and forming strong connections.
Season Design initiative aims to transform sporting landscape
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
The newly implemented Season Design initiative is poised to reimagine youth sport in the Bay of Plenty region by fostering unprecedented collaboration between key stakeholders who help to shape the sporting landscape across our region.
Green Prescription programme delivering big returns for Bay of Plenty
Thursday, March 20, 2025
A recent national evaluation of Health NZ’s Green Prescription programme has underscored its immense return on investment and effectiveness as a primary care intervention.
Creating system change to enable more women and girls to be active
Monday, March 10, 2025
As a canoe slalom high-performance athlete, Luuka Jones has spent her career navigating the sport system and understands first-hand the barriers young women and girls face to participating in sport and recreation.
The 2024 School Sport Census and Regional Sport Growth
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
The 2024 School Sport Census highlights key trends in youth sports participation across New Zealand. Sport Bay of Plenty is using these insights to support regional sport growth and enhance opportunities for young athletes.
Rangatahi and Physical Activity in the Bay of Plenty: Turning Insights into Action
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Sport Bay of Plenty is actively transforming research insights into actionable strategies to enhance physical activity among rangatahi in the region. By collaborating with local communities and stakeholders, they aim to create engaging opportunities that promote youth well-being and long-term health.
Meet Ryan Parkes, one of our Community Sport Advisors
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Meet Ryan Parkes, Sport Bay of Plenty's Community Sport Advisor for Central and Eastern Bay. Ryan is dedicated to supporting local sports clubs and communities, helping them grow and thrive.
“Everyone wins” as Sport Bay of Plenty helps revamp school Athletics Day
Monday, February 24, 2025
Sport Bay of Plenty has collaborated with local schools to revamp traditional athletics days, creating inclusive events that encourage participation from all students, regardless of skill level. These redesigned events focus on fun and personal achievement, fostering a positive attitude towards physical activity among students.
Sport Bay of Plenty's Commitment to Sustainability
Monday, February 24, 2025
Sport Bay of Plenty is dedicated to environmental sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices into facility planning and design to mitigate climate risks. Their commitment includes promoting sustainable active recreation opportunities and collaborating with local councils to enhance the region's play, recreation, and sport sectors.
Future Fit Conference Aims to Inspire Innovation and Growth
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Sport Bay of Plenty is excited to announce that our inaugural Future Fit Conference is now less than a month away, taking place on Wednesday, 12 March at BayPark Arena in Tauranga. As the conference title suggests, the theme of the day is ‘sport and recreation in a changing world’.
Green Prescription expands into Bay of Plenty communities
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Green Prescription referrals have increased by 22% since 2021, leading to a new tiered service model that reduces waitlists and improves engagement. The approach enhances support for Māori, Pasifika, and isolated communities, ensuring broader access to healthier lifestyles across New Zealand.
Introducing Will Stewart
Monday, November 25, 2024
Sport Bay of Plenty is pleased to share that William Stewart (Will) has been settling into his new role as Tumu Kaihonohono Strategic Māori Partnerships Manager, a position he began in late September. This role is a key part of our ongoing commitment to deepen relationships with Māori communities across the Bay of Plenty and enhance the impact of our work through a Te Ao Māori lens.
Sport Bay of Plenty welcomes new board trustees
Monday, November 25, 2024
Sport Bay of Plenty is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Trustees. Cheryl Bowie, Glenn McGahan and Andrew Te Whaiti join six other sitting trustees and will bring a range of skills, expertise and experience to their positions.
Advocating for physical activity: Sport Bay of Plenty’s engagement with local councils
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Sport Bay of Plenty advocates for the region's play, recreation, and sport sector through collaboration with local councils.
Funding Forum offers advice and tips to clubs and associations
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
A recent Funding Forum hosted by Sport Bay of Plenty has connected sports clubs and associations with expert guidance and resources to help secure funding.
Strengthening inclusive play through collaboration
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Sport Bay of Plenty and Parafed Bay of Plenty are strategically aligned in their mission to enhance opportunities for inclusive play and physical activity across our communities.
Active As program looking to unleash Bay of Plenty potential
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Sport Bay of Plenty is currently in the process of supporting secondary schools and wharekura in providing positive and inclusive physical activity initiatives for students with Sport New Zealand’s Active As program.
Meet Shannon Pawhau - Community Sport Advisor
Thursday, September 5, 2024
Meet Shannon Pawhau, Sport Bay of Plenty’s committed Community Sport Advisor for the Western Bay of Plenty region. Shannon’s role is multifaceted and exciting, with a primary objective of working with clubs to help them achieve their strategic goals.
New Spaces and Places Strategy supports facility planning and development
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
The Strategy, a collaboration between Sport Bay of Plenty, Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa, and local councils, has been designed to guide the development and planning of facilities for play, active recreation, and sport.
