SPARC's Functions, Governance and Management

SPARC's functions are set out in section 8 of the Sport and Recreation New Zealand Act 2002.

In a general sense SPARC has been charged with improving the wellbeing of New Zealanders through sport and physical recreation - this includes the physical, mental, social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits offered by participation in sport and physical recreation.

Sport and Recreation New Zealand Act 2002

SPARC's functions under the Act can be grouped as follows:

Policy

• Develop and implement national policies and strategies for physical recreation and sport.
• Provide advice to the Minister on issues relating to physical recreation and sport.
• Work with health, education and other agencies to promote greater participation in physical recreation and sport through policy development, advocacy and support, in line with the objectives of the New Zealand Health Strategy.
• Represent the Government’s policy interests in physical recreation and sport internationally.

Research and public education

• Promote and disseminate research relevant to physical recreation and sport.
• Promote and advocate the importance of participation in physical recreation by all New Zealanders for their health and wellbeing.

Targeting population groups

• Promote and support the development and implementation of physical recreation and sport in a way that is culturally appropriate to Maori.
• Encourage participation in physical recreation and sport by Pacific peoples, women, older New Zealanders, and people with disabilities.
• Recognise the role of physical recreation and sport in the rehabilitation of people with disabilities.

Funding and infrastructure delivery

• Allocate funds to organisations and regional bodies in line with its policies and strategies.
• Work with schools, regional, central and local government, and physical recreation and sports organisations to ensure the maintenance and development of the physical and organisational infrastructure for physical recreation and sport.
• Provide advice and support for organisations working in physical recreation and sport at national, regional and local levels.
• Facilitate coordination among national, regional and local physical recreation and sport organisations.

Dispute resolution

• Facilitate the resolution of disputes between persons or organisations involved in physical recreation and sport.

Board of SPARC

SPARC is a Crown agent established by the Sport and Recreation New Zealand Act 2002.

The Board of SPARC is appointed by the Minister for Sport and Recreation, and is responsible for the strategic direction of SPARC and providing governance and leadership for the agency.

At 1 June 2006, the Board of SPARC comprised:

Ministerial directions

As a Crown agent, SPARC is required to give effect to directions from the responsible Minister on government policy that relates to SPARC's functions and objectives. However, section 10 of the Sport and Recreation New Zealand Act 2002 prohibits ministerial directions that relate to the allocation of funds to, or for the benefi t of, any persons.

This section also prohibits ministerial directions that relate to a policy, practice, procedure or decision, of SPARC regarding the allocation of funds to, or for the benefit of, any person.

Reporting to the Minister

The Board of SPARC will provide the Minister for Sport and Recreation with annual and six-monthly reports on SPARC's operations and its progress towards meeting agreed performance targets.

SPARC will comply with the reporting requirements set out in the Crown Entities Act 2004, including giving notice to the Minister prior to acquiring subsidiaries or shares.

Contents | >> Next: Operating Environment

Updated | 22 Mar 2007.

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