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Overview

Regional sports trusts (RSTs) share SPARC's focus on sport and recreation.

Kids underwater. In April 2004, SPARC formally recognised RSTs as key partners and from July 2004, contracted each of the trusts to achieve twin high-level outcomes:
  1. To increase regional levels of physical activity
  2. To strengthen regional sport and physical recreation infrastructures.

SPARC invests in each RST using a population-based formula and also provides further investment for targeted initiatives such as Green Prescription, CoachForce, He Oranga Poutama, Active Movement, Active Schools and Sportfit.

What RSTs do

The seventeen RSTs are independent not-for-profit organisations governed by a Board of Trustees drawn from the local community.

Positioned as network hubs, RSTs have strong working relationships with sports organisations, local councils, health agencies, education institutions, local businesses and the media. By mobilising financial and 'in kind' resources within their local community, RSTs add value to SPARC's own regional investment.

As 'umbrella' organisations, RSTs work across the broad sport and physical recreation spectrum, assisting regional sports organisations, schools and clubs as well as supporting individuals and community groups participating in less structured physical activity. They provide a regional voice for their sport and recreation communities.

Mountain bike rider airborne. Working with SPARC

RSTs are important 'centres of influence'. They offer SPARC unique pathways into the different communities of New Zealand and:

  • provide a professional presence 'on the ground' that is clearly aligned with SPARC's philosophy and mission
  • provide an effective distribution network for SPARC's messages, programmes and promotions
  • are a politically-neutral facilitator for comprehensive regional planning.

As part of the partnership with SPARC, RSTs report twice a year against agreed business plans.

RST accountabilities

RSTs are accountable to a variety of stakeholders.

They often have contractual relationships with local councils, health agencies, community trusts and commercial sponsors. As service organisations, they are also responsive to the needs of their regional sport and physical recreation communities.

Photos: Children underwater: Murray Wilson
Bike: P Walter

Updated | 13 Mar 2007.

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