Introduction
SPARC has been in existence for seven years, and over that time has seen many changes. In looking to plan for the next six years, we expect even more change.
We have a new Government, a sport and recreation sector that is facing difficult economic times, and world cup events, world championships and Olympic Games on the horizon.
SPARC’s Strategic Plan (“the Plan”) – Everyone. Every day. – is simple, focused and outcome-oriented, and sets a clear direction for the next six years.
Our primary goal in developing this Plan has been to work with the new Government to give effect to its sport and recreation priorities.
These priorities are:
- school-based initiatives – more opportunities for young people to play organised sport, both within and outside of school hours
- improved resourcing of high-performance sport – to ensure continued success on the world stage and to recognise the contribution our sportspeople make to New Zealand’s brand and image internationally
- strengthening the frontline – particularly those who are at the forefront of grassroots sport delivery (for example clubs, volunteers and schools, regional sports organisations)
- under the Sport and Recreation Act 2002, strengthening access to and opportunities for physical recreation in all its forms, including in the outdoors
- to be effective in all these areas, developing the capability of the partners we invest in, so that they are sustainable, robust and “investment-fit”.
SPARC will address these priority areas in the midst of a challenging economic environment within New Zealand and worldwide. The economic environment is impacting on funding streams right across the sport and recreation sector. Grassroots sport faces reduced gaming funding, while territorial authorities must manage a range of competing priorities in addition to sport and recreation. The cost of winning on the world stage also continues to rise.
These pressures highlight the need for partners to be sustainable organisations that are capable of delivering results. SPARC is committed to improving partner capability in governance and management to make this happen. We will also work to ensure relationships are maintained in spite of significant changes in governance structures, such as those that will occur as a result of local government restructuring in the Auckland region.
To achieve these goals, we need to focus the allocation of our resources, identify the best way of achieving our goals, and target the areas where we can make the greatest difference. Over the last seven years, we have been drawn into the wider physical activity and health space. This Plan refocuses on our core business to ensure we more effectively meet the sport and recreation needs of New Zealanders.
Delivering this Plan will be about partnerships. We welcome the opportunity to work closely with all of our partners – national sport and recreation organisations, regional sports trusts, local and central government, community funders and other potential stakeholders – to deliver real results with the resources we have.
We believe this Plan will strike a chord with the sector and provide a sense of collective purpose to tackle the challenges and deliver our vision for sport and recreation in New Zealand.
John Wells
Chairman, SPARC
→ Part One: SPARC's strategy
Updated | 31 Jul 2009.
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