Fixing the adverse effect Covid-19 has had on Maori wellbeing and levels of physical activity will be the focus of a $7 million government investment.
The Wellington Maori rugby team, Te Upoko o Te Ika, in 2014. Photo: Te Tini a Maui
Sport NZ Ihi Aotearoa has announced the new investment over the next four years to improve wellbeing outcomes for Maori as part of the $265 million sport recovery package.
A number of new organisations that contribute to wellbeing outcomes that are for, by and with Maori will benefit from the funding boost.
Sport NZ chief executive Peter Miskimmin said the investment was a "significant milestone".
"This is the first time Sport NZ will simultaneously advance a number of mechanisms to engage whanau, hapu, iwi, Maori and build meaningful relationships in these communities," Miskimmin said.
Sport NZ's Peter Miskimmin. Photo: photosport
"Maori are over-represented in obesity, cardiovascular, and diabetes statistics and have a lower life expectancy compared with non-Maori. Being physically active assists in addressing all of these conditions, we know however that every week, 31-percent of Maori do not participate in sport or recreational activities.
"We are seeking to enable and empower Maori communities to improve physical activity levels through Te Ao Maori and Matauranga Maori approaches, and we believe this will make a significant difference."
The plan will focus on four specific initiatives: Maori National Sport Organisations, wellbeing programme He Oranga Poutama, digital tool MaraeFit Aotearoa and Te Ihi Fund to increase Maori participation by supporting existing culturally distinctive organisations and channels.
Investment decisions for Maori NSOs and Te Ihi Fund will be announced in late 2020. MaraeFit Aotearoa and He Oranga Poutama investment will be announced in early next year.