Read Getting Set for an Active Nation - Sport New Zealand

Part 4
THE CASE FOR FUTURE INVESTMENT
4.1 Introduction
Recreation and sport lie at the heart of New Zealand’s identity. The interest of New
Zealanders in sport is high, with some 94% interested and/or involved in sport (CM
Research, 2000). Approximately one-tenth of individuals are involved in sport
administration, one-third participate in sport, and more than 50% of all Kiwis follow
media sports coverage. More than 60% believe that New Zealand’s international sport
success is important, with only 17% of the population finding this to be unimportant
(CM Research, 2000). Despite its centrality in New Zealanders’ lives, the proven
positive impact of physical activity upon health and local and national economies and
the critical role that recreation and sport play in every New Zealand day, the recreation
and sport sector of New Zealand has been virtually ignored by successive
governments. The sector has also been marginalised by the education system and
largely passed over by those responsible for the repositories of New Zealand life –
museums, historians and archivists. The public good of recreation and sport must be
recognised and used as the basis for a new national commitment to leadership,
strategy, structures and funding that reflects the vital role of recreation and sport in
New Zealand.
4.2 Recreation and Sport and the Public Good
Recreation and sport bring marked benefits to New Zealand society, particularly in
their potential for improved health. The 1985 report Sport on the Move noted the
importance of physical activity and sport. There is a well-established cause and effect
linkage between positive, regular, physical activity and good health. There are also
perceived social outcomes related to “personal wellbeing and self-confidence, and
greater community cohesion” (Hillary Commission, 1998, p.2).
Recreation and sport and good health outcomes are valued across a range of social
borders, and are apolitical in that all political parties in New Zealand support their
development. The 1990 manifesto of the National Party, for example, argued that
“sport, fitness and leisure should play a significant role in the development of New
Zealand”. The Alliance Party 1999 manifesto stated their intention to “encourage all
New Zealanders to take part in recreational and sporting activities with an emphasis on
the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and participation in their local communities”. A third
statement of support for the public good is seen in ACT’s 1999 Health policy, “Health is
a critical investment in New Zealand’s human resource – not a balance sheet item”.
The 1999 Labour Party manifesto stated, “There is a role for government in
encouraging participation in sporting and leisure activities and sustaining our
international sporting success. It is an integral part of our culture and self image
engendering excitement, disappointment and feelings of social participation and
individual achievement.”
Support for recreation and sport may be seen as having been increasingly left for the
market in recent years. Unfortunately, the market model has not been sufficient to
Ministerial Taskforce on Sport, Fitness & Leisure January 2001 page 36 of 153