A New Structure - Active New Zealand
To implement the vision a new national structure is proposed by the Taskforce that integrates key elements of policy, strategy development and delivery. It responds to the need for change and coordinates delivery through a structure that maximises interaction and the opportunity for close working relationships between sector organisations and government agencies.
This new national organisation, named in this report as Active New Zealand, is characterised by a lean structure that provides a cohesive force, clear direction and direct links with all major recreation and sport organisations. The challenge for this new organisation is considerable but the new structure is essential for effective change.
Active New Zealand will have six major priorities for New Zealanders:
- To provide leadership through the development of a national policy framework.
- To develop and maintain an outstanding national recreation and sport infrastructure.
- To improve participation in quality recreation and sport activities.
- To achieve excellence in sports performance.
- To coordinate and resource the regional delivery network.
- To develop and disseminate quality services, programmes, products and research.
Active New Zealand will have three major areas of work:
- Recreation
- Sport
- Policy and Services
Each major area of work reflects the strategic priorities for Active New Zealand and must have a seamless interaction with all other areas of work within Active New Zealand. All areas of Active New Zealand will ensure their operations provide for full inclusion in recreation and sport initiatives by all sectors of New Zealand.
The recommendations in relation to the existing structures can be summarised as:
- The renaming of the Minister for Sport, Fitness and Leisure as the Minister for Recreation and Sport.
- The establishment of a new Crown Entity, Active New Zealand, responsible for the leadership and support of recreation and sport.
- The establishment and use of an Electoral College to appoint the Board Members for Active New Zealand
- The replacement of the Hillary Commission by the new Crown Entity, Active New Zealand
- The integration of the functions of the New Zealand Sports Foundation into the new Crown Entity, Active New Zealand.
- A partnership between Active New Zealand and the New Zealand Olympic Committee that implements a sector-wide strategy which maximises corporate interest and investment in sport.
- The transfer of the sport, fitness and leisure policy function of the Office of Tourism and Sport to the Policy and Services Unit of the new Crown Entity, Active New Zealand.
The body of the report details all recommendations by the Taskforce.
It is no exaggeration to state that every New Zealander will be affected by the Government's response to this report. Whether increasing participation in physical activity, having a healthier nation, benefiting from a significantly improved recreation and sport delivery system or excellence in achievement, we are each linked to this report - in town or country, marae or school, home or workplace, indoors or outdoors. Conversely, the cost will be felt by each of us if nothing substantial is done.
To ensure the momentum gained during the Taskforce's work is not lost it is essential that key decisions are made without delay. The following timeline is suggested:
| January 2001 |
Taskforce report released |
| February 2001 |
Cabinet consideration |
| March 2001 |
Government response releasedElectoral College established |
| April 2001 |
Transition Board appointedSearch for Chief Executive beginsLegislation drafted and introduced |
| June 2001 |
Timing of first initiatives announced |
| July 2001 |
Transition Board takes over operations of the Hillary CommissionChief Executive appointed |
| December 2001 |
Legislation enacted and Active New Zealand commences |
| February 2002 |
Commence first education initiative |
| July 2002 |
Commence phasing in of Regional Trusts and national organisations' initiatives |
| December 2002 |
Regional Trusts refocused and fully operational |
The Hillary Commission and New Zealand Sports Foundation funding programmes for the 2001/02 financial year should continue as planned with the changes outlined in this report not being fully implemented until Active New Zealand is operational.
Government needs to be unequivocal. It must state that good health is paramount and that physical activity is critical to good health. The challenge for all New Zealanders is to be more physically active and for government to invest in strategies to support this. The necessary positive responses from government will bring a healthier nation, higher achievement, substantial long-term savings and a more productive country.
