Following a comprehensive period during 2014/15 of surveying, analysing, consulting, discussing and debating, the Sport Northland board recently approved and adopted a new strategic plan designed to guide the organisation through until 2020.

Sport Northland’s new vision (the ideal future that we are striving for) is ‘All Northlanders leading better lives through involvement in sport’ with the new mission (our reason for being) now ‘Enriching lives through sport’.

Both demonstrate the board’s broader thinking in that involvement in sport leads to a better life – whether that is through participating, officiating, coaching, administrating or other volunteering, sport offers so much and has a unique capacity to bring together people of different generations, cultures and backgrounds - and in Northland in particular where social and economic issues abound, it remains a crucial and important part of the fabric of our society.

It improves health, is a source of new friendships and gives enjoyment to those who play it; those who administer it and those who simply watch it. Through sport we learn about co-operation and teamwork, self-discipline and resourcefulness, and we learn the life skills and values which are essential to each of us if we are to lead rich and fulfilled lives, while also playing our own part in today’s society.

The board has adopted a set of guiding principles (the important things that will guide our work going forward) as follows:

• Participant Focused: The participant must be at the heart of everything sport does
• Young People Focused: Young people (especially those aged 5-18 years) are a particular focus    
• Te Tiriti O Waitangi: The Treaty principles of Partnership, Participation and Protection are integrated into sport
• Connectivity: Providers and partners in sport must connect better and be committed to working together for the betterment of all
• Quality Experiences: Quality experiences are essential to retaining people in sport
• Access for All: Sport must strive to ensure that the activities, programmes and facilities are accessible to all in order to reduce barriers to participation

Five strategic priorities feature in the plan:

• Participation and Performance: Quality Sport Northland delivery is motivating more Northlanders on the pathway to participate and perform
• People and Providers: Quality people and providers in a world-class sports system are supporting Northlanders on the pathway to participate and perform
• Places: More and better facilities and spaces are motivating more Northlanders on the pathway to participate and perform
• Knowledge Management: Partners and providers are using good practice information and relevant insights to inform their planning and delivery
• Finance and Sustainability: Sufficient resources and quality operations are in place at Sport Northland to deliver on this plan

The above is underpinned by six values that are important for our people:

• Unity (Kotahitanga)
• Passion (Aroha)
• Relationships (Whanaungatanga)
• Leadership (Rangatiratanga)
• Excellence (Whakatupuranga)
• Innovation (Auaha)

The one page plan is available here for your information.

A big thank you to those people and organisations who provided feedback to help in the development of the plan – Sport Northland is excited about the new direction and is looking forward to working on a new structure to be able to deliver on the plan.