Read Getting Set for an Active Nation - Sport New Zealand

Part 1
BACKGROUND TO THE MINISTERIAL TASKFORCE
Sport, fitness and leisure are inextricably linked with New Zealand life, overseas perceptions
of New Zealand and the daily routines and activities that characterise our nation. Getting Set
marks a watershed for New Zealand recreation and sport and, particularly, for a more active
and healthier nation. The Sports Development Inquiry report in 1985 recorded that “there is
evidence of disquiet within the sports world about its future direction. Many of the identifiable
problems appear to have their origins within the education system, as do many of the
solutions” (Sports Development Inquiry, 1985, p.11). The disquiet and identifiable problems
referred to in that report have not been resolved in the intervening fifteen years. It is
imperative that the needs of recreation and sport set out in this report are addressed as a
matter of urgency.
Getting Set is the response of a Ministerial Taskforce established by The Hon. Trevor Mallard
to inform the Government on sport, fitness and leisure. The Minister for Sport, Fitness and
Leisure stated on 28 June 2000 that the time was opportune for the development of a “clear
and widely understood policy, framework and vision for the sport, fitness and leisure sector”.
The Taskforce drew up an operational plan that resulted in public notices advising the public
of the Taskforce and inviting submissions from interested organisations and individuals. In
order to provide a practical focus for the Taskforce the following questions were set out
requesting written submissions from the public:
• What are the direct benefits to New Zealanders of active participation in sport, fitness and
leisure?
• What are the real issues currently affecting participation and achievement in sport, fitness
and leisure?
• What specific initiatives are required to support any suggested vision for sport, fitness and
leisure in New Zealand?
• What role should government and non-government agencies play in supporting any future
vision for sport, fitness and leisure?
Additionally, as a result of the public notices and initial meetings with identified individuals
and organisations, the Taskforce planned an expanded and comprehensive range of
consultations and meetings. A number of organisations and individuals were also invited to
key meetings with the Taskforce. These meetings were complemented by research and
critical reflection and consideration of emerging data, issues and viewpoints.
The Taskforce received 365 submissions and held over 170 individual meetings and
workshops. The list of individuals and organisations who made submissions to, or met with,
the Taskforce is set out in Appendix II. Significant in the programme of discussions were
major New Zealand sport, fitness and leisure organisations. These included the Hillary
Commission, New Zealand Recreation Association, New Zealand Sports Foundation, New
Zealand Olympic Committee, regional sports trusts and national organisations. These
meetings reflected the intent of the Taskforce to obtain perceptions of the sector from those
organisations. These meetings emphasised the important roles of those bodies and provided
parameters and directions for further investigations by the Taskforce.
Ministerial Taskforce on Sport, Fitness & Leisure January 2001 page 15 of 153