Background
The Graham Taskforce Report 2002, Getting Set for an Active Nation (the 'Graham Report'), set out a number of recommendations for improving the sport and physical recreation sector ('the sector').
Sport & Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) was formally established in late 2002 with the passing of the Sport and Recreation Act 2002 ('the Act'). There is explicit reference in the Act to development of sector 'in a way that is culturally appropriate to Maori'1, providing scope for the interests of Maori. In giving effect to the Act, SPARC recognised that it required specialist advice in terms of taha Maori within the sector.
SPARC established Te Ropu Manaaki in 2002 in recognition of the importance of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi to SPARC, the Act and the key role that Maori will play in the sector. Te Ropu Manaaki's key function, as set out under the Terms of Reference, is to provide strategic advice to SPARC with respect to Maori participation and success in sport and recreation.
Physical activity trends
For Maori adults, there has been little change in activity levels overall, with Maori over 50 being less active in 2001 compared to 1997 and a significant increase in older Maori who are sedentary-from 10% in 1997 to 21% in 20012.
Even though Maori are one of the most active groups, the levels of physical activity have fallen significantly from 1997-2001. There is also a significant increase in the proportion that is sedentary and relatively inactive3.
Maori also have high participation rates in some sporting activities. For example, the top five sports that Maori young people are active in (see Figure 1) show that Maori have higher rates of participation in those sports identified when compared to the rates for all New Zealanders.
|
Figure 1: Top five sports and active leisure activities that Maori young people are interested in4.
|
| Sport and leisure activity |
Boys
% |
Sport and leisure activity |
Girls
% |
Sport and leisure activity |
All young people
% |
| Maori |
All NZers |
|
Maori |
All NZers |
|
Maori |
All NZers |
| Rugby Union |
24 |
16 |
Netball |
37 |
25 |
Netball |
18 |
12 |
| Cricket |
15 |
13 |
Swimming |
18 |
15 |
Rugby Union |
17 |
11 |
| Soccer |
15 |
18 |
Rugby Union |
10 |
6 |
Swimming |
13 |
11 |
| Rugby League |
15 |
6 |
Basketball |
10 |
7 |
Soccer |
12 |
14 |
| Basketball |
11 |
10 |
Hockey |
9 |
8 |
Cricket |
10 |
9 |
| No. surveyed |
245 |
1224 |
No. surveyed |
209 |
1106 |
No. surveyed |
454 |
2330 |
Maori are also more likely than any other population group to be involved in sport and recreation as volunteer administrators, coaches and parent helpers5. However, there is a perception that few Maori occupy positions within governance management levels of sport and recreation and research is required to ascertain whether this is the case.
Maori are needed at this critical level of the sector to ensure Maori needs are understood and addressed in a way that will encourage more participation and success.
In young people, there has been a slight decline in physical activity levels, and there has been a significant increase in the proportion that are sedentary. This is of particular concern, given that 43% of the Maori population are 0-17 year age bracket and the Maori population is tipped to reach 749,000 by 20216.
Coupled with this is the fact that physical literacy of fundamental movement skill levels among young children are low, which has significant implications for their future participation in sport and physical recreation and performance success.
Maori sport and physical recreation
The Maori sport and recreation sector has a unique dynamic and this will impact on the breadth and scope of Te Ropu Manaaki advice to the Board. Increasingly, there is a call for more iwi-centric and 'by Maori, for Maori' delivery of sport and physical activity.
There is some evidence to suggest that participation rates may be increasing in activities that are 'culturally unique' to Maori, such as Waka Ama.
Related to this increase is the number of Maori learning reo Maori me ona tikanga (Maori language and its related customs and practices).
With Maori- and iwi-based development likely to increase, it is also likely that there will be a higher demand for delivery of sport and physical recreation opportunities within, or reflecting, a kaupapa Maori environment.
A wider issue is that of Maori culture adding value to the national identity and informed discussion may need to take place in this regard. It is already imbedded to some degree in sports such as Rugby Union and Rugby League (e.g. in performing haka before test matches), while other sports such as hockey and swimming are rising to meet the challenge also.
The progress that has been in terms of implementing greater understanding and use of Maori culture within the games teams of the New Zealand Olympic Committee is one such development example and may provide valuable insights moving forward.
Footnotes
1 Section 8(f), Sport and Recreation Act 2002
2 SPARC Facts 1997-2001
3 SPARC Facts 1997-2001
4 SPARC Facts 1997-2001
5 SPARC Facts 1997-2001
6 New Zealand Census 2001
>> Next: Vision and mission
Updated | 04 Apr 2007.
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