Recently our Student Leaders proudly represented our school at the Harbour Sport Student Leader Day, hosted at Harbour Sport and held at Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
The event brought together student leaders from across the region, united by a shared purpose: strengthening student voice in sport and creating sporting environments that are inclusive, engaging and supportive for all young people.
The day began with a welcome and whakawhanaungatanga session, giving students the opportunity to connect with peers from other schools and begin building relationships as young leaders. From there, the focus shifted to what effective leadership looks like within a sporting context. Through interactive workshops and group discussions, students explored the qualities of strong leaders and reflected on the influence they can have within their own school communities. They also examined the current sporting landscape for young people, identifying both opportunities and barriers to participation.
An important part of the programme centred on important issues within sport today. Conversations addressed inclusion, access, motivation, the pressures associated with competitive environments, and ensuring sport remains enjoyable and welcoming for everyone. Our leaders engaged thoughtfully in these discussions, considering the challenges some students face and how schools can respond proactively and positively.
One of the most valuable elements of the day was the action planning workshop. Working collaboratively with students from other schools, Lily, George, Zachary and Ivy developed practical strategies to address the issues raised. They were encouraged to move beyond discussion and focus on realistic, achievable steps that could strengthen participation back at school.
Their action plan centred on:
- Encouraging wider participation across all ability levels and team sports
- Promoting a positive sporting culture and strong sportsmanship
- Reducing barriers to entry for students who may feel hesitant or excluded
- Providing accessible equipment that students can simply pick up and play
They returned energised and equipped with new ideas to enhance participation and ensure that every student feels a genuine sense of belonging within our sporting community.
We are incredibly proud of Lily, George, Zachary and Ivy for the professionalism, maturity and enthusiasm they demonstrated throughout the day. Their willingness to engage in honest conversations and advocate for positive change reflects the strength of student leadership within our school.
We look forward to seeing their action plan come to life and the positive impact it will have on making sport at Pinehurst even more inclusive, supportive and enjoyable for all.
