The Policy and Services Unit will ensure Active New Zealand has strong inter-agency links and develops appropriate policies for recreation and sport. The Policy Unit will have six significant roles:

• Ministerial Policy Advice and Services
  • equip the Minister with credible and innovative policy advice to advance recreation and sport policy objectives and initiatives within Cabinet

  • advise the Minister for Recreation and Sport, in consultation with the Chief Executive, on policy matters and future developments

• Board Policy
  • advise the Board on policy to enhance their proactive leadership role in New Zealand recreation and sport

  • provide robust policy advice to assist the development of prog-rammes and delivery structures in recreation and sport

  • lead the development of a joint venture agreement with the New Zealand Olympic Committee and national organisations that coordinates and implements a sector-wide strategy to capture and capitalise on corporate interest and investment in sport

• Interagency Links and Policy
  • develop and maintain close government relations and champion the cause of recreation and sport within government

  • lead the development of a "whole of government" approach to the support of the recreation and sport sector

  • add value to the work of other government agencies through strategic input and advice on the critical role recreation and sport play in our society

• Research
  • commission regular research which calculates participation levels in recreation and sport and defines benchmarks for successful initiatives which result in increased participation and reinforce the benefits of physical participation

  • explore potential research links with all government agencies

  • collate information to maintain an understanding of international trends and policies

  • commission contestable research and develop integrated links with research institutions, and become a national clearing-house for research in recreation and sport

  • provide information on research in recreation and sport, with a special focus upon coaching and sport science

• Best practice advice
  • ensure provision of expert guidance in key areas of recreation and sport management, including: governance, planning, marketing, law, human resources, finance, organisational development and public relations to national organisations, Regional Trusts, Regional Councils and Territorial Local Authorities

• Legislative compliance
  • ensure compliance with all legislative and audit requirements