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Community Impacts

2024 Community Recipients
Capital Zone Basketball Trust (CZBT)

City Suburbs Women & Girls Community, Cricket
Tū Matau Ora, Kī-o-Rahi
dsport, Disability Sports

Capital Zone Basketball Trust (CZBT), established in 2016, is a charitable organization dedicated to using basketball as a vehicle for youth development across the Greater Wellington Region. Over the past year, CZBT has engaged over 15,000 people, installing 15 basketball hoops in schools, parks, and playgrounds to increase access to the sport. The trust runs New Zealand's most successful Kiwi Hoops program, benefiting over 10,000 children annually. With initiatives like the Matariki Basketball Festival and TE TAI HOU LEAGUES, CZBT continues to foster community connections and promote the love of basketball, embodying values like aroha and kotahitanga.

The City Suburbs Women & Girls Community Initiative was launched in 2023. It redefines cricket for kōtiro and wāhine (girls and women) in Wellington by uniting four local clubs into a collaborative network. The initiative serves approximately 200 female players across various age groups and features integrated training sessions with at least four coaches present, allowing for cross-age interactions and gradual player development. The end-of-year celebration attracted 80 attendees, including past White Fern players, highlighting the initiative’s success. By challenging traditional cricket structures, the initiative presents a progressive model that has garnered national interest, aiming to enhance female participation and retention in cricket.

Tū Matau Ora expanded its reach across Wellington, using taonga tākaro to immerse communities in te ao Māori. The initiative engaged over 1,000 students across multiple schools, including Newlands Intermediate and Paraparaumu College, in traditional Māori games such as Kī o Rahi. Tū Matau Ora also introduced Kī o Rahi to the Kāpiti Coast, with over 1,800 students participating in fun days. Their community events, including the CubaDupa festival with 11,000 participants, highlighted the popularity of Māori games. Tū Matau Ora’s focus shifted towards youth leadership development while continuing to support whānau-centered play for all ages.

dsport has made remarkable strides in Wellington, increasing participation and success across its programs. They won the national wheelchair rugby title, hosted the National Boccia Championships, and introduced goalball with 11 sessions held. The Youth Group engaged 30 members in 19 activities, including rock climbing and major events. Powerchair football continued with strong participation, and dsport provided crucial advocacy, influencing local accessibility and collaborating with various organisations. These achievements highlight dsport’s dedication to enhancing sports and active recreation for disabled individuals, ensuring inclusive and impactful experiences for their community.

Open to community/health organisations, physical activity providers, or sports clubs or groups that have undertaken a physical activity initiative (play, active recreation, sport) resulting in a positive impact or change in the community.

Achievements by nominees will only be considered if they have occurred during the qualifying period of 1 April 2023 to 1 April 2024. Up to four finalists will be recognised, and there won’t be a winner for this category.

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