Advocating for physical activity: Sport Bay of Plenty’s engagement with local councils 

At Sport Bay of Plenty, we take pride in our role as advocates for the broader play, active recreation, and sport sector within our region. Our collaboration with the seven district and regional councils is essential in shaping decisions that directly impact community engagement with physical activity. With our expertise, insights, and sector intelligence, we effectively advocate for better outcomes for physical activity resources and opportunities across the region.

Over the past year, Sport Bay of Plenty has actively participated in the long-term planning processes of these councils, submitting comprehensive proposals to six long-term plans at the end of 2023 and into 2024. These submissions highlight our commitment to leveraging our sector knowledge to advocate for community needs.

A significant theme across many councils’ proposals was the necessity for reduced spending amid economic challenges. While we understand the importance of fiscal responsibility, we also emphasised the need for adequate investment in the physical activity sector. Our submissions provided a balanced perspective, outlining the essential role of councils as one of the largest funders of play, recreation and sport and the impact their decisions have on community well-being.

“Our advocacy efforts have been instrumental in ensuring that the voices of our communities are heard during council planning processes,” explains Sport Bay of Plenty Chief Executive, Heidi Lichtwark.

“By providing data-driven insights and sector intelligence, we have influenced key decisions that prioritise the wellbeing of our residents and enhance access to physical activity opportunities.”

Here’s a brief overview of our key contributions and the direct outcomes of our advocacy:

Tauranga City Council

Active Reserves and Sports Fees: Our insights supported the reshaping of field user fees for organised sports to ensure long-term affordability for clubs and participants, while also balancing the need to fund maintenance and upgrades. In March, Tauranga City Council removed the match fees proposed in the long-term plan and delayed the introduction of new training fees until 2025.

SmartTrip and Road Pricing: We successfully advocated against pursuing variable road pricing, influencing the decision to collaborate on a national strategy instead.

Funding for Active Recreation Infrastructure: We highlighted community needs, leading to the reallocation of $650,000 for a pump track, directly responding to local requests.

Whakatāne District Council

Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub: Our support for the redevelopment plans emphasised community engagement and essential health and safety upgrades.

Rotorua Lakes Council

Inner City Skatepark: Supported the sector in the initial phases of their own submission process. RLC eventually committed $650,000 for a new skate park, contingent on community fundraising efforts.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council

Community Facilities Fund: We advocated for a structured funding plan to ensure adequate resources for community facilities. WBOPDC decided to create a fixed fee per property to help supplement the fund.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Regional Parks: We pushed for investigations into new parks. BOPRC ended up committing to a budget reallocation that enhances community recreational spaces.

Our proactive engagement with local councils is crucial in navigating the complexities of resource allocation within our region's play and recreation sectors. By advocating for thoughtful investments, we have successfully influenced key decisions that align with community needs and aspirations for increased access to physical activity.

Looking ahead to 2025, we remain committed to collaboration with local government entities, ensuring that our sector expertise continues to inform their decisions. Together, we are building a healthier, more vibrant Bay of Plenty, fostering active lifestyles and strengthening community bonds.