Author: Tracey Harkess

Pay Half, Play Hard

Posted on by Tracey Harkess

‘Pay Half, Play Hard’ this season with the new initiative launched by Whiti Ora and the New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) to ensure players can save money while keeping active and connected.

“Te Tairāwhiti has been hit hard by the cyclone, not only with regards to the loss of homes, critical infrastructure, and employment, but also in terms of mental and emotional wellbeing,” said Whiti Ora Chief Executive Stefan Pishief.

“Sport provides an opportunity for connection, purpose, and caring for tinana and wairua through being active. We know that in economically challenging times participation in sport drops as people are forced to make tough choices, yet sport has a critical role in restoring wellbeing and helping people and communities with their recovery. If ever we needed to focus on physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, it is now.”

NZCT has awarded a major grant of $250,000 to Whiti Ora for cyclone relief to ensure the continuance of sport within Te Tairāwhiti. This funding will allow high-participation winter codes to offer half price player fees for 2023 which will reduce the financial burden on families and remove a huge barrier to people participating.
“This grant from NZCT is critical,” said Pishief.

Ben Hodges NZCT’s National Grants Manger said “NZCT is delighted that through our partnerships with Bar 59 and Bollywood Stars we have been able to invest in this initiative to reactivate whānau across the Gisborne district.”

“We are passionate about the power of sport to lift the wellbeing of the community and to bind us together. We encourage sporting families from across the region to take advantage of this fabulous programme.”

In addition to this NZCT funding, some national sporting codes have provided financial support to also assist, including New Zealand Rugby – with a significant contribution also made from the other Heartland unions, New Zealand Football, Central Football, Netball New Zealand, and Basketball New Zealand.
Winter codes with high participation numbers, particularly with large numbers of tamariki and rangatahi will receive the funding support. Gisborne Basketball Association is one of the clubs that will be receiving funding toward reducing their players fees.

“Our whānau are currently struggling mentally and emotionally from the deleterious effects of the recent devastating cyclone on their wellbeing. This grant from NZCT will encourage more of them to get both their bodies and minds moving and reconnect with each other,” said Gisborne Basketball Association Chairperson Kylie Turuwhenua-Tapsell.

Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union and Ngati Porou East Coast Rugby participants will also receive the saving this year. “Everyone in our region has been impacted by the cyclone, some more than others. The social and financial impact has been huge. Many members of our rugby community work in industries that have been decimated by the cyclone. Taking away the barrier of cost and making participation in rugby more affordable for them will help our community get some sense of normality back into their lives and start the long road to recovery,” said Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Ray Noble.

Although the funding is significant it wasn’t possible to cover all sporting codes, so Whiti Ora is considering other support mechanisms for year-round codes and the summer sports. However, the impact of ‘Pay Half, Play Hard’ should be far-reaching given the numbers involved in the selected codes. There are many families who have multiple kids who play sport, and many kids play multiple sports. This initiative will help with significant savings during a time of financial hardship.

Up to $50,000 of the grant will also go towards supporting the additional travel costs being experienced by codes and clubs given the damage to key roads or training facilities.

Q&A

Cyclone Relief Sport and Active Recreation Funding Available

Posted on by Tracey Harkess

We have been talking with groups from our sport and recreation sector to understand the extent of the damage and disruption from our region’s extreme weather events. To provide support, we have secured funding that can support some of your most urgent needs.

We have a very simplified process that starts with a conversation with you. No application forms to fill out. We’ll just need to know what costs you’re facing in the here and now, like transportation or equipment costs, or costs related to displaced training, etc.

Please reach out to our team to start the conversation as soon as you can. You can email [email protected] or any team member who you already know.

This first lot of funding is available to registered groups or entities that engage young people in sport, active recreation and play and are facing costs now. We’re looking at securing other funding for the medium and long term and for sport and physical activity groups who don’t fit this funding. We want to hear from you, to make sure any future funding is fit for purpose

NPEC Whakataetae Eke Ngaru Kura Tuatahi 2023 

Posted on by Tracey Harkess

The first ever surfing competition in Ngati Porou for primary schools was more than just catching waves, it was about connecting whānau to Taiao and the Moana through the shared experience of surfing. 

Ninety tamariki from nine schools took part, as far as Mangatuna in Uawa and all the way from Te Kura Mana Māori o Maraenui in the Opotiki district, two hours away from Wharekahika where the event took place. 

“My wairua is overflowing, I can’t even put it in words” said Whiti Ora Manawakura Advisor Shyla-Drew Taiapa.  

“What I took away from this day was oranga Taiao, oranga whānau – healthy environment, healthy family, our whānau reconnecting with the Taiao and remembering how our Taiao can sustain us holistically. The impact that this resource (surfboard container) has provided for our whānau here in Wharekahika and other surrounding communities all along the coast from Ruatoria to Maraenui is huge. Toddlers, teenagers, to 65 year old pākeke utilise the gear. I have loved seeing whanau especially the dads out there day in and day out practicing with their whānau.” 

A container, of 20 surfboards and 60 wetsuits, is located at Wharekahika beach as part of an initiative by the Gisborne Boardriders Club to be able to provide surfing opportunities for communities that otherwise would have barriers to participate due to access. There are two other surfboard containers located in Tokomaru Bay and Waipiro Bay that were funded by Trust Tairāwhiti.  

“We are incredibly proud to see our vision coming to life, tamariki and whānau connecting with the Moana and each other sharing the stoke.” said Gisborne Boardriders Club Surfing Development Manager Flo Bub. 

“This wouldn’t be possible without the local champions such as Shyla-Drew Taiapa from Whiti Ora. We are here to help them on their journey running surfing programs and initiatives by themselves. We have learned that there’s lots more appetite from communities around the cape and we are looking forward to duplicating what we have done the last few years up the coast. Share the stoke.” 

Each school entered a team, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Mangatuna, Makarika School, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Waiu, Ngata Memorial College School, Pae o Te Riri, Te Waha o Rerekohu Area School, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kawakawa Mai Tawhiti, and Te Kura o Potaka, Te Kura Mana Māori o Maraenui, with some schools entering two. 

Each team was made up of five participants. Each team had twenty minutes for all participants to catch a maximum of two waves. Teams were scored on their time – teams received extra points for finishing early, stance, pop up on the board, how long they rode the wave and their ‘stoke’ (how stoked they were). 

Future plans are already in place to expand this kaupapa by hosting the first NPEC secondary school surf competition as well as a Te Aho Matua Eke Ngaru competition where the event will be held completely in Te Reo Maori.  Surfing competitions along the coast provide more opportunities for whakawhānaungātanga as well as being physically active within the natural environment.  

The Grand final placings were, TKKM o Kawakawa Mai Tawhiti (first), TKMM o Maraenui (second), and TKKM o Kawakawa Mai Tawhiti (third). In the Pool B finals, Potaka blue (first), Rerekohu black (second) and Te Waiu – Waiu (third). 

Post-Cyclone Event to Provide Connection

Posted on by Tracey Harkess

In these challenging times, examples of the community’s desire to reach out, support one another, and to connect have been unmistakable. It is this spirit of connection that will permeate this year’s Well Wāhine Week.  

Between 8 – 19 March, providers will deliver free sessions for women, girls, and gender diverse people to come together and prioritise their wellbeing. Around 50 activities span the calendar, ranging from seminars about nutrition and women’s health, to physical activities like tramping, yoga, and rugby. The sessions welcome newcomers to safe, inclusive, and fun environments.  

“One of the providers I spoke to mentioned how the communications disruptions we faced after the Cyclone created an acute desire for people to see their friends face to face, particularly by their older players,” said Sarah Pocock, Active Communities Advisor at Whiti Ora. “We hope that this year’s calendar of events will allow members of our community to carve out even an hour for themselves.”  

“We are looking for ways to support our hardest-hit communities with bespoke Well Wāhine events when the time is right,” said Ms Pocock. “We are in contact with community members so that they can drive the timelines for this. If there are providers keen to add support to future rural and Coast events when they happen, contact us as Whiti Ora.” 

Cost can be a significant barrier when it comes to participation. To overcome that, Whiti Ora will ensure that all activities during the 12 days are free. Bring a mate or attend alone, these sessions are for everyone.  

“Some events will have limited numbers and will require registration, and some will require more time to lock in their location,” said Helayna Ruifrok, Active Communities Advisor at Whiti Ora. “We recommend people check with the website for the most up-to-date event information.” Providers who have an activity that they’d like to add to the event should reach out to the team via the Whiti Ora website. 

To learn more about the kaupapa, view the full calendar of events and to register, click here.  

Check out the calendar, grab your whānau and try it, love it, be it! 

Tairawhiti Weet-Bix TRY Challenge

Posted on by Tracey Harkess

Last week tamariki had four days filled with fun, laughter, and sliding as the Weet-Bix TRY Challenge hit Tairāwhiti.

Schools across Tairāwhiti were invited to participate in the Weet-Bix TRY Challenge. The Challenge is an obstacle course that consisted of cargo nets, an inflatable maze, a slip and slide, and finished off with free kai from the breakfast tent where participants received their gold medal.

The Weet-Bix TRY Challenge came about after covid restrictions interrupted the Weet-Bix TRYathlon, – a triathlon event. The TRY Challenge can be completed anywhere, anytime, and opens up more opportunities for tamariki to get active, and have fun.

Over the four days, fifteen schools including, Te Hapara, Mangapapa, Awapuni, St Marys, Te Karaka, Ormond, Whatatutu, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori Nga Uri a Maui, Te Kura Reo Rua o Waikirikiri, Wainui Beach, Te Wharau, our whaikaha community from Rongomaiwhiti Angitu, Patutahi, Ngatapa, and Waerenga-o-kuri, took part, a total of 1,500 tamariki.

The event on Friday was scheduled to be held at Ngata Memorial College in Ruatoria but unfortunately due to the weather it had to be postponed. The Weet-Bix team have committed to coming back at the end of Term 1 next year to host the TRY Challenge. Fortunately, enough schools jumped on board last minute and we were able to host a TRY Challenge out at Patutahi School instead.

“Having the opportunity to offer the Weet Bix TRY Challenge has proven hugely successful in Tairāwhiti,” said Whiti Ora Events Advisor Debbie Hutchings.

“No matter the ability of fitness, all tamariki could participate in the events. Whiti Ora is grateful to be able to work alongside Sanitarium, the Weet-Bix crew, and our schools and kura to be able to deliver the events. We can’t wait to have the events held on the coast early next year.”

Whiti Ora would like to share a massive thank you to Sanitarium and Trust Tairāwhiti for funding the Weet-Bix TRY Challenge events in Tairāwhiti, and to the host schools, Te Hapara, Te Karaka, Te Kura Reo Rua o Waikirikiri and Patutahi who provided extra help, the venues and additional activities within the obstacle course.

More images can be found on the Whiti Ora Facebook page.

Sporting Opportunities for Whaikaha Community

Posted on by Tracey Harkess

Over forty rangatahi from Lytton High School, Campion College, Gisborne Girls High and Gisborne Intermediate took part in Futsal Festival for the whaikaha (disability) community.

Central Football alongside Whiti Ora, adapted the traditional futsal elements to fit the needs of those who have physical or mental learning obstacles.

“The games and activities have been really interactive and achievable,” said Gisborne Intermediate Kaiako Michaela Boyle.

“It’s been great seeing so many students be successful during the activities and be supported and encouraged by all facilitators and staff. There are also many opportunities for students to explore skills individually and in a team.”

The basic modifications of football allowed rangatahi to find a way to participate in sport that works for them, and not against them. It allowed them to be active and build relationships so that they don’t miss out on quality sporting experiences.

“It’s wonderful to be able to provide opportunities that may not necessarily be readily available to the students and fantastic to see them having so much fun,” said Central Football Special Projects Manager John McGifford.

“Seeing the smiles on so many faces was incredibly fulfilling, and we look forward to the programme becoming an annual event.”

Whiti Ora is seeking out other clubs or codes that want to jump on board and provide similar opportunities for whaikaha in their respective sport.

“The four-week Futsal Festival was such a great experience to see sport codes and the whaikaha community work together to create more opportunities, connect and have fun,” said Whiti Ora Manawakura Advisor Courtney Stubbins.

“Traditional sports don’t always work for our communities that face barriers, so we need to be responsive to ensure that we are providing opportunities for all of our rangatahi. We would love to hear from any other codes or clubs who are interested in finding ways to be more inclusive.”