Read Getting Set for an Active Nation - Sport New Zealand

opportunities for alternative study courses are made available and known to
the students.
• Develop links with tertiary institutions to support opportunities for
recreation and sport participation and achievement for students during their
tertiary years.
The Maori Dimension: Omangia Te Oma Roa
At the heart of Active New Zealand there will be a focus upon the Maori
dimension in recreation and sport. Recreation and sport have long provided a
common ground for all cultures to meet, participate together and understand
each other. This key area has the responsibility of working in partnership with
all key areas in Active New Zealand to emphasise considerations of
biculturalism and a Maori dimension. The development of links with Maori
organisations, other Crown entities, and government departments addressing
Maori issues through recreation and sport is also a primary focus of the Maori
dimension. Maori will be involved in policy formulation, implementation and
management within the key focus areas of Active New Zealand.
The Taskforce recognises the particular consideration of Maori values, beliefs,
contexts, practices and meanings in recreation and sport. Maori have
traditional sports that have been eroded or struggled to survive in comparison
with traditional sports of European culture such as cricket and football. Maori
sports and recreational activities such as taiaha, poi and waka ama need skilled
understanding and support as they are integral to Maori culture and bring
increasing numbers of Maori into beneficial physical activity. Maori
organisations can play a greater role in fostering physical activity through
recreation and sport.
Active New Zealand through its Maori dimension initiatives will:
• Play a major role in promoting to Maori the health benefits of physical
activity that recognise Maori tikanga.
• Advise on a policy for Maori recreation and sport that is cognisant of Maori
values and tikanga and compatible with Active New Zealand’s policy and
vision.
• Develop recreation and sport resources and programmes that are culturally
appropriate e.g. He Oranga Poutama, Hikoi Tangata, Maraerobics.
• Promote integrated partnerships between National Sport Organisations and
Regional Sport Organisations and Maori recreation and sport organisations.
• Advocate bicultural policies and practices within the recreation and sport
sector at the national, regional and local levels.
Ministerial Taskforce on Sport, Fitness & Leisure January 2001 page 81 of 153