Aktive – Auckland Sport & Recreation (Aktive) is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Governance Mark for Sport and Recreation in New Zealand from Sport New Zealand.

The award was presented to Graham Child, Chair, Aktive Board and Dr Sarah Sandley, Chief Executive Officer, Aktive by Peter Miskimmin, Chief Executive Officer, Sport New Zealand at Sport Central in Auckland this week. To receive the acknowledgement, the Aktive Board demonstrated it has a considered process for development of strategy and an ongoing monitoring regime.

Board Chair Graham Child says Aktive received the Governance Mark following a comprehensive and measured external assessment.

“We are delighted to receive this Governance Mark from Sport New Zealand,” says Mr Child. “Solid and strategic governance is essential if we are to achieve our vision to make Auckland the world’s most active city. This achievement acknowledges our capability in this area and recognises that we are well-positioned for the future.”

Sport New Zealand’s Assessor supports this view: “As the Governance Mark reviewer for Aktive, it is clear that the Board and CEO are a motivated and committed group who have a strong focus on continuous improvement.”

This focus on strategic advancement is core to Aktive’s role and sector support says Dr Sarah Sandley, CEO.

“As a team, Aktive is committed to building on the significant progress we are making with our partners with The Auckland Approach to Community Sport strategy which aims to improve physical activity opportunities for Auckland and Aucklanders. The Governance Mark is recognition of this.”

She adds: “This is also significant given Aktive provides sector support with governance policy and events, such as the Chairs’ Roundtable.”

This series provides networking opportunities for Auckland-based Chairs of National or Regional Sport Organisation boards, serving both to acknowledge the importance of Chairs in the sector and develop and extend Chairs’ directorship skills. Previous speakers include leading directors Tony Carter and Brent Impey, with Hon Grant Robertson, Minister for Sport and Recreation opening the last event. The upcoming Chairs’ Roundtable in March includes Liz Coutts ONZM and Steve Tew, CEO, New Zealand Rugby as panellists.

Developed in partnership with the sector, the Governance Mark is the only externally accredited governance development programme of its kind internationally with a focus on play, active recreation and sport. Awarded for a period for three years, it indicates an organisation is clear about how it intends to use valuable resources – time and money. To achieve it the organisation must go through a process of self-assessment, third-party review, governance development and reassessment.

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