In a testament to strategic foresight and collective effort, the Northland Sports Coalition's (NSC) Annual Plan for 2023/24, crafted from the Kōkiri ai Te Waka Hourua Strategy, is making positive progress.

The plan, shaped to drive progress and uplift the sports sector in Northland, has gained good traction across various initiatives. It is broken into six pillars: Shared Services, Schools, Inclusion, Communication, Facilities, and Hauora. All six pillars have seen development and progress, ensuring tangible outcomes that resonate within the community and across the region. Now in its second edition, following the successful completion of the first plan's objectives, the annual plan sets out three priority periods: 0-6 months (July 2023 to December 2023), 6-12 months (January 2024 to June 2024), and 12-18 months (June 2024 to December 2024). Progress to date is noted alongside each priority.

David Mullan, Chairperson of the Northland Sports Coalition, expressed his delight at the plan's progress, stating, "It's been great to witness the impactful strides we're making through our Annual Plan. The alignment with the Kōkiri ai Te Waka Hourua Strategy has provided a robust framework for our endeavours, and the results that are starting to take place speak volumes about our collective dedication to advancing sport, recreation and play in Northland".

An example of this collective effort is the engagement across sports to start designing a Regional Coaching Plan. Representatives from football, rugby, hockey, cricket, secondary schools and High Performance Sport NZ have come together to form a steering group with the view to develop something that is a collaborative effort to address the coaching needs of Te Tai Tokerau.

Six of the eight Northland Sports Coalition executive members have been tasked with leading their respective pillars. Shared Services – Josh Hyde (Grass Field Sports Representative), Schools (Natasha Hemara – Non-Sporting Organisation Representative), Inclusion (Anna Hewitt – Other Sports Representative), David Mullan (Grass Field Sports Representative), Facilities (Dan Bowmar – Northland Councils Representative), Hauora (Leanne Emtage – Non-Sporting Organisational Representative). If you have any questions or thoughts on the annual plan, you can reach out to one of the representatives (details follow below).

The plan's success is not only a testament to strategic vision but also highlights the commitment of stakeholders, partners, and the community at large. The annual plan stands as a beacon of progress, driving positive change and inspiring future generations of sport and recreation enthusiasts.

For more information around the Northland Sports Coalition click here

Article written by Joey Yovich, Regional Sport Connector