Advocating for fair and equitable access to quality sport, physical recreation and play opportunities is at the heart of what we do.

We work hard to influence policy, funding, and strategy, and to advocate for the needs of our diverse communities across the Whanganui region. We also share information and advice to support clubs, schools, and the wider sport and recreation sector to be heard.

He rā ki tua – Horizons Region Spaces & Places Plan 2023-2043

He rā ki tua – Horizons Region Spaces & Places Plan for Sport & Recreation is a plan for developing and improving play, sport and recreation facilities in our region.

Developed by Sport Whanganui, Sport Manawatū, Sport New Zealand, Horizons Regional Council, community partners and district councils from Palmerston North, Manawatū, Tararua, Rangitīkei, Ruapehu and Horowhenua; the Plan gives us a shared direction and priorities to focus on over the next twenty years.

He rā ki tua – Horizons Region Spaces & Places Plan for Sport and Recreation (PDF 2MB)

Current submissions

Draft Health and Physical Education curriculum

The Ministry of Education has released the draft Health and Physical Education curriculum (Years 0–10) for consultation. Submissions are open now and close Friday, 24 April 2026.

Sport Whanganui has produced a guidance document which outlines key messages, high-level concerns and a coordinated advocacy plan to support school principals and key stakeholders to make a submission.

You can view organisational responses from Sport Whanganui and the Regional Sports Trust Network (RSTN) below.

Important reminder: The Ministry has advised that submissions must be authentically written. Any copy-and-paste submissions will be grouped and counted as one submission, which significantly reduces their impact. You do not need to respond to every question in the submission portal.

Guidance Note on the Draft Health and Physical Education Curriculum (PDF)

Sport Whanganui submission to the Ministry of Education (PDF)

Regional Sports Trust Network submission to the Ministry of Education (PDF)

Make your submission