Auckland’s Aktive awarded Governance Mark for Sport and Recreation

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

Presented this week, the acknowledgement was based on the Aktive Board demonstrating that it has a considered process for development of strategy and an ongoing monitoring regime.

Aktive Board Chair Graham Child says Aktive received the Governance Mark following a comprehensive and measured external assessment, commenting “we are delighted to receive this Governance Mark from Sport New Zealand.

“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, advising “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.”

Aktive Chief Executive, Dr Sarah Sandley advised that this focus on strategic advancement is core to its role and sector support, adding “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.

“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 New Zealand Minister for Sport and Recreation, Grant Robertson opening the last event.

The upcoming Chairs’ Roundtable in March includes Liz Coutts ONZM and New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew 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.

Image shows Peter Miskimmin, Chief Executive of Sport New Zealand (left) at Sport Central in Auckland this week with Aktive Chief Executive Dr Sarah Sandley and Aktive Board Chair Graham Child.