Sport Manawatū

🏉 Celebrating 140 Years of Manawatū Rugby

Sport Manawatū CEO Kelly Shanks was honoured to attend Manawatū Rugby Union's 140th Anniversary Celebration, marking an incredible milestone for one of our region's most enduring sporting organisations.

The evening was a powerful reminder that great sport is built on passionate people and strong community support. While there was pride in reflecting on 140 years of history, there was also excitement for the future, with women's and men's rugby celebrated together as the next chapter of the game.

A fantastic celebration of the people, connections and community spirit that continue to make Manawatū Rugby thrive.

Congratulations to all the volunteers, administrators, supporters and sponsors who has contributed to the legacy of Manawatū Rugby over the past 140 years.
Cr Rachel Bowen Nick Crosswell Doug Tietjens

What would your tamariki love to do during Play Week? Let's fund their fun!

Applications for the Quick Release Play Fund are now open - helping bring children's play aspirations to life.
💰 Up to $1,000 available
🎈 For community-led play activations
👧 Benefiting tamariki aged 5+ years
📅 To be delivered during Play Week | Tākaro Mai Aotearoa this October

Let's create more spaces, opportunities, and moments for tamariki to play, imagine, and thrive.

More information is available on our website.
https://www.sportmanawatu.org.nz/play-week-2026

📣 Calling all School Senior Leaders!

Join us for a morning of great kai, connection, and conversation at the School Leaders Breakfast.

We're excited to welcome Gregor Fountain, Sport New Zealand's Strategic Engagement Manager, who will share insights from the Active Bodies, Active Minds report and explore how physical activity can positively impact learning, wellbeing, attendance, and broader educational outcomes.

📅 Friday 30 October 2026
⏰ 7:30am – 9:00am
📍 Levin Waitārere Surf Lifesaving Club
689 Waitārere Beach Road, Waitārere Beach

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow student leaders, enjoy a great breakfast, and gain valuable insights into the role of physical activity in education.

✅ Register now and find out more via the link:
https://www.sportmanawatu.org.nz/viewform/525897

🌿 We're Taking a Wellness Day

Today, the Sport Manawatū team is stepping away from our desks and taking some time to focus on our own wellbeing.

Whether that's getting active, spending time with whānau, enjoying the outdoors, or simply taking a moment to recharge, we're practising what we encourage others to do every day.

We'll be back on Monday and will respond to any messages as soon as we can.

Thanks for your understanding. 💚

Applications close 6:00pm today for the Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa Fund - last chance to apply!

Find out more and apply for Tū Manawa here:
https://www.sportmanawatu.org.nz/tu-manawa

Applications close tomorrow for the Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa Fund - don't miss out!

Find out more and apply for Tū Manawa here:
https://www.sportmanawatu.org.nz/tu-manawa

2026 Steve's Tyre Service + Auto Care Secondary School Sports Awards nominations are now open🏆

Celebrating outstanding achievements and contributions of student athletes, coaches, officials, administrators and sporting leaders from across the Manawatū region.

Reach out to your school sports coordinator who can submit nominations on your behalf.

Nominations close 17 September.
For more information visit: www.sportmanawatu.org.nz

📢 Have your say, Manawatū clubs!

The National Sport Club Survey is open now. Your feedback helps create a better understanding of the challenges, successes, and support needs of clubs across the country.

👉 Take part here: https://aut.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9ZAosCJdLj6E9qS

We're proud to see our partnership with the Feilding Pathways Residence featured in Harikoa magazine.

What started as a participant-led programme grew into 10 weeks of fun, movement and connection, culminating in residents transitioning into local Green Prescription activities and celebrating their achievements.

A big shout out to our Community Connectors, Bike Team and GRx Team for making it happen.

Read the full story here: 👉 https://www.pathways.co.nz/support/harikoa-magazine