Read Getting Set for an Active Nation - Sport New Zealand

must improve. Recreation and sport must have a level of excellence in leadership
across the sector and must be recognised at the highest government level.
There is a vital need for recreation and sport to be driven by a clear and coherent
vision that is inclusive of all New Zealanders and which leads to participation, selffulfilment
and achievement. From this vision the key organisation responsible for
leading New Zealand recreation and sport will drive the course. Persons of outstanding
quality in the new organisation will then ensure an integrated structure can
be quickly put in place.
This report is non-political. Each political party has a manifesto or politically expressed
viewpoints on health and, variably, on recreation and sport. All parties support the
advancement of good health and a physically active community. The Taskforce is
emphatic that the report should be a basis for action by a government of any political
persuasion. New Zealand must now move to an integrated recreation and sport
structure, with attendant operations and delivery, that best achieves benefits for all
New Zealanders.
6.4 The National Strategies and Structures
The form of the proposed structure to transform recreation and sport has been
consistently critiqued and debated by the Taskforce and with persons in the recreation
and sport sector. The Taskforce had the desired vision for an active New Zealand
constantly in mind when considering whether to retain present structures, adapt
present structures, or restructure the leadership of New Zealand recreation and sport.
The relatively easy options were not viable as the evidence for change was too strong.
New Zealand must pause, move to the starting mark of imminent change – in the
process of getting set – and then “go” with the changes. The challenge is clear, the
need is vital and the time is immediate.
The realisation of the vision requires ongoing resourcing coupled with strong
leadership, cooperation and patience by the many stakeholders in recreation and
sport. Many of the proposals put forward are long-term strategies that will not
produce tangible results for some time.
A new national structure is proposed by the Taskforce that integrates key elements of
policy, strategy, development and delivery. It responds to the need for change and
coordinates the key deliverers in a structure that provides for close relationships and
maximises interaction. The new national organisation, named in this report as “Active
New Zealand”, is characterised by a lean structure that provides a cohesive force, clear
direction and direct links with all major recreation and sport organisations. The
challenge for this new organisation is considerable but the new structure is essential
for effective change. Within Active New Zealand there are three major areas of
development:
• Recreation
• Sport
• Policy and Services
Ministerial Taskforce on Sport, Fitness & Leisure January 2001 page 66 of 153