Political candidates to front Q&A evenings about the future of sport and recreation

Wednesday, August 23: Active transport, breaking down the barriers to get adults more active, engaging volunteers in sport and future funding are just some of the hot topics Bay of Plenty political candidates will be expected to answer in the Sport Bay of Plenty Meet the Candidates Evenings.

The Regional Sports Trust is hosting free public Q&A sessions in Tauranga, Rotorua and Whakatane with local candidates from National, Labour, NZ First, Act, The Opportunities Party, Maori Party and Green Party attending to answer first-hand questions around sport, recreation and health.

Sport Bay of Plenty CEO Heidi Litchwark says this is an opportunity for members of the public to put their local candidates to the test, in order to find out about their future plans for our region.

“It’s not often you get a forum such as this to focus on specific political policies so this is a prime opportunity – not just for those involved in sport, but for anyone who has questions around recreational activities and health.

“That includes everything from tackling childhood obesity and supporting the fundamental development of our children, to the cost to participate in sport and recreation, to the future of our outdoor recreation spaces and development of more active transport.

“It’s more than just simply ‘sport’ and ‘recreation’ and because of this we believe there are aspects that concern all Bay of Plenty residents. We’re expecting a robust discussion.”

Those who wish to attend the evenings are asked to RSVP on the Sport Bay of Plenty website by Wednesday, August 30 with their contact details and location choice.

Light refreshments will be served. Please visit www.sportbop.co.nz/meet-the-candidates-registration/ to RSVP.

MP Candidates Evening

The following is a list of possible questions that may be asked throughout the evening.

1. Sport and Recreation earns the Bay of Plenty $337 million per year or 2.9% of regional GDP. 3,500 people work in the industry earning $60 million. What is your long term Vision for the Sport,

Recreation & Health sector in the Bay of Plenty?

2. NZ ranks 3rd worst in the OECD for obesity, with 33% of adults being obese in the Bay of Plenty. Moderate physical activity is proven to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes by 35-50%. What are your thoughts on encouraging physical activity to reduce obesity?

3. In the Bay of Plenty, only 58% of men and 51% of women meet the New Zealand physical activity guidelines (30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on five or more days in the past week). Yet almost 70% are interested in doing more, or trying something new. How would you help them be more active?

4. The Bay of Plenty hosts many national and international sporting events, with strong club infrastructure and 73,000 club members aged 5+. How would you support growing sport and recreation clubs?

5. Informal sport is another growth area, with many people preferring free or casual pay-to-play formats. 90% take part for fun and fitness, and adults take part in 3.9 different activities per year in the Bay of Plenty. How would you encourage more informal sport, and convert people into formal club sport?

6. People love to Play in the Bay. 53% of adults take part at parks in towns or cities, and 48% on paths, cycleways or walkways. What are your thoughts on provision of parks, cycleways and walkways as a means to get people more active in their everyday lives?

7. Volunteers are the backbone of sport and recreation, with 53,000 Bay of Plenty volunteers investing 7 million hours per year. How can we attract and engage more volunteers?

8. 94% of young people in the Bay of Plenty spend 3 or more hours per week on sport and recreation. Yet only 72% of adults participate once a week. How can we keep all of those young people participating as they transition into adults?

9. School sport is thriving in the Bay of Plenty, with 18,000 secondary students and 22,000 primary school students representing their schools in sport. How would you support teachers to ensure young people get the best out of their learning by being fit and active?

10. Active transport has long been a trend in cities across the world. People say they would cycle to work more often if it was safer and more separate from vehicle traffic. How would you encourage active transport in the Bay of Plenty on a daily basis?

11. Bay of Plenty has the highest preference for outdoor active pursuits in New Zealand, with 87% of adults participating in natural settings. What are your thoughts on retaining our position of highest ranking for people getting outside to be active?

12. 87% of adults also participate at built facilities. This year we have completed a Regional Facilities Strategy in consultation with Councils and Funders across the Bay of Plenty. What are your priorities for sport and recreation facilities in our growing region, now and into the future?

13. Water is a common aspect of the Bay of Plenty with our many lakes and beaches. How would you support Water Safety for children as they grow up and experience multiple water environments?

14. Sport New Zealand’s funding to the regions has declined in recent years, partly due to the targeting of the 4 metro areas Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton. How will you ensure the Bay of Plenty gets their share, and advocate for higher levels of national funding for sport and recreation?

15. The Bay of Plenty is characterised by a higher proportion of Maori and elderly, with more people living in areas of high deprivation. We have lower incomes and more people in part-time work. Cost is the second biggest barrier to sport participation, so how would you make sure sport and recreation are affordable for all to take part?

16. Research tells us that quality coaching is the biggest factor in sustaining and retaining young people in sport, and 56% of adult participants receive coaching. How will you advocate for more funding for coach development, recruitment and retention?

17. Fundamental skills development in schools gives children skills and confidence to stay in sport and activity for life, and contributes to health, social and community outcomes. What are your thoughts on building fundamental skills through

ENDS

© Scoop Media