Sport Auckland Moving Together Summer 2021

SPORT
A U C K L A N D
MOVING TOGETHER
INSPIRING HEALTHY AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES
A PEEK INSIDE –
SPORT AUCKLAND
COMMUNITY SPORT ADVISORS
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Sport Auckland’s Community Sport team aim
to inspire our communities to lead healthy and
active lifestyles through building the capability
of community groups and sports clubs to provide
quality physical activity experiences.
We do this by providing leadership, advice and expertise
to identified priority groups including sports organisations,
sports clubs, schools and other community organisations.
Moving Together spoke to three of Sport Auckland’s
Community Sport Advisors about the variety of work they
do and the impact they believe Sport Auckland is delivering
within our communities.
Caitlin Molloy has been with Sport Auckland for one and a
half years. Her role focuses on women and girls, developing
and leading coaching programmes, spaces and places work
and assisting community clubs to build capability within the
Maungakiekie, Tāmaki and Ōrākei local board areas.
Having been with Sport Auckland for just under two years,
Haree Titoko is focused on the Tāmaki schools cluster.
As a Healthy Active Learning Community Connector she is
constantly looking at innovative and creative ideas to provide
opportunities for quality physical activity that will enhance the
experiences for tamariki within this cluster.
Malo Sumich-Kainiu has worked within the Community
Sport team for three years. Focusing on priority groups within
the community, he brings his great attitude to turn traditional
challenges of culture and language barriers into a positive
active experience for all.
What does a typical week look like for you?
All agree there is no such thing as a typical week in the
Community Sport team which is the main reason they all love
their role. Caitlin explains, “Some weeks we’re out in the
community, running workshops, helping at school events
and other weeks we’re in the office planning for upcoming
events, providing strategy to identified organisations and
more.”
What are the two best things about your role?
Caitlin says, “One of the best things about working in this
team is seeing the positive impact we can have on the
community by delivering a variety of ways for them to be,
or become, physically active and provide ways for them to
upskill. The second is the amazing people I meet out in the
community.”
Haree agrees, “Firstly, it’s the community I serve. Secondly,
that no matter what background you come from we can
all play a pivotal role for tamariki to reach their highest
aspirations and dreams through being active.”
Malo adds that he loves meeting the community, and the
work he does at Sport Auckland continues to inspire him to
lead a healthier lifestyle, “My colleagues keep me motivated
and on-task - no easy task!”
What is the most challenging aspect of your role?
Haree comments that for her it’s ensuring all tamariki are
given equal opportunity to participate or learn new skills.
“With the new funding initiative, Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa,
we not only focus on sport but active recreation and play! I’m
excited to see the impact this funding will create.”
All three know first-hand that it can be difficult to change
the perceptions people have from long standing traditions.
Caitlin adds, “Over time, when they see the difference being
active makes, it allows them to understand the benefits and
embrace the change.”
What is one thing that you don’t think people
know about Sport Auckland?
Malo says, “Our purpose, why we are here and what we
offer. There’s so much that we can do within the community
to get everyone leading healthy and active lifestyles.”
Haree points out all of the resources the team has onhand
to help organisations and communities to get started.
“We’re able to assist with strategic planning, governance,
leadership and more. Of course, the team is here to provide
advice and expertise to support our communities.”
Caitlin continues, “Sport Auckland is not only about
traditional sports, we strive to help all Aucklander’s see
the value in moving their body for an active and healthy
lifestyle.” She finishes with, “Community sport needs
everyone, no matter how small you think your contribution is,
it goes a long way to offering communities the opportunity to
stay active.”