Sport Hawke's Bay

22/09/2026

Do you know an athlete who has achieved something special this year? A coach who goes above and beyond? A volunteer who works tirelessly behind the scenes? Or a team that has made Hawke’s Bay proud?

Now is the time to recognise and celebrate the people who make sport and recreation in our region so special.

The 2026 Forsyth Barr Hawke’s Bay Sport & Recreation Awards are now open for nominations, and we want to hear about the individuals, teams and organisations making a difference across our community.

🌟 Athletes
🌟 Teams
🌟 Lifetime Contribution
🌟 Volunteers
🌟 Community Innovation

Don't assume someone else will nominate them. Your nomination could be the reason an incredible achievement receives the recognition it deserves.

Help us celebrate the people who inspire, connect and strengthen Hawke’s Bay through sport and recreation.

👇 Submit your nomination today! 👇

https://www.sporthb.net.nz/Events/forsyth-barr-hawkes-bay-sport-and-recreation-1

21/09/2026

Finding a happy place with horses.

For tamariki with high and complex needs across the Wairoa district, trying something new can be a big step.

With support from the Sport New Zealand Tū Manawa funding, students from Nuhaka School, St. Joseph's School, Wairoa, Te Mahia School and Wairoa Primary School travelled to Gisborne Riding for the Disabled. Over just a few visits, tamariki grew in confidence, communication and willingness to take part, while building new connections with other students, whānau and their community.

As one kaiako shared:“Several of our tamariki with ADHD have found the horses to be their happy place.”

Read the full story and see the difference this opportunity has made

https://www.sporthb.net.nz/News-1/Case-Studies

Wairoa District Council Sport New Zealand

18/09/2026

Kia kaha Te Reo Māori!

He aha tō tino hākinakina?
What's your favourite sport?

Ā, he pēhea koutou i whakanui ai i Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori?
And how did you celebrate Māori Language Week?

18/09/2026

The rain didn’t dampen spirits at Heretaunga Intermediate’s Ngā Wero o Heretaunga Superbowl Event!

Despite the wet weather, tamariki embraced the challenge, proudly showing off their creative dress-ups and diving into a range of fun, engaging activities. Designed to strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills, the event provided an exciting opportunity for students to put their learning into action.

At the heart of the day was a celebration of Heretaunga Intermediate’s values of Whanaungatanga, Manaakitanga, and Rangatiratanga, bringing the whole school together in a hub-based experience that fostered connection, leadership, and belonging.

While the weather eventually got the better of us after around five activity rotations, the enthusiasm and energy from students never wavered. In fact, the event left tamariki wanting more, with plans already underway to incorporate some of the activities into an existing Term 4 event.

A huge mihi to everyone who helped make the day such a success, rain and all!

Ka mau te wehi!

17/09/2026

This weekend is your chance to give BMX a go as the team at the Hawke's Bay BMX Club put on a give it a go for for the community. All abilities welcome so head down to the track and have some fun.

🚲🔥 COME & HAVE A GO AT BMX! 🔥🚲

Never tried BMX racing before? Keen to give it a go? Or maybe you’ve been thinking about getting back on the bike?

This Sunday is your chance! 🙌

With a few of our members away, we’re keeping things nice and casual with a Have A Go / Training Session at the Hawke’s Bay BMX track.

📅 Sunday, 20th September 2026
⏰ 10am – 12pm
📍 Hawke’s Bay BMX Track

Come along, get on a bike, have a ride around and see what BMX racing is all about. We will be around to help, encourage and show you the ropes. 🤘

No pressure. No need to be an expert. Just come and HAVE A GO! 🖤🤍

Bring a bike if you have one — and if you don’t, come and chat to us about giving it a try.

Tell your mates, bring the kids and come see what all the fun is about! 🚲💨

Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora!

17/09/2026

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori | Te Tai Whanake - Porritt School

He taonga te reo, he taonga ngā tamariki. ❤️

What a privilege for Healthy Active Learning to be invited into Te Tai Whanake – Porritt School to share the kōrero and pūrākau behind poi toa, teach tamariki how to make their own, and then bring the kēmu to life!

The pride on their faces as they created, learned and played together was awesome to see.

A beautiful example of Tū Manawa funding in action, connecting tamariki to te reo, pūrākau, movement and whanaungatanga.

Ngā mihi nui for inviting us to be part of this kaupapa.

14/09/2026

Our Play Fund is back for Play Week 2026!

Got a great idea to get tamariki and rangatahi playing, connecting, and having fun? This is your chance to make it happen!

To celebrate Play Week 2026 (19-25 October), we have a Play Fund available to support schools, marae, and local organisations to deliver fun, inclusive, and creative play experiences in their communities.

Apply for up to $1,000 to support you in creating these play opportunities.

📅Applications open now and close 30 September 2026

To apply, speak to your Sport Hawke’s Bay contact, or email [email protected] for an application form.

Some cool Play Week ideas or inspiration could include:
• Nature play
• Play on the Way activations
• Outdoor games area
• Dress-up boxes and imaginative play stations
• Arts and crafts hubs
• Loose parts play
• Or check out the Play tips and resources from Sport New Zealand for heaps more inspiration - https://sportnz.org.nz/play/play-tips-and-resources/

10/09/2026

Have a Go at Lawn Bowls!

Looking for a fun, social, and active way to spend your Sunday afternoon?

Come along and give lawn bowls a try at Bowls Napier! Whether you're young or young at heart, lawn bowls is a game for all ages and abilities. No experience needed, just bring yourself and a pair of flat-soled shoes.

📍 Bowls Napier
35 Herrick Street, Napier

📅 Sunday 13 September 2026
⏰ Any time after 1:30pm

✅ Coloured bowls supplied
✅ No charge
✅ Free BBQ
✅ Great opportunity to meet new people and try something different

Bring your whānau, friends, neighbours, or come along yourself. The team would love to see you there!

10/09/2026

Stay Active, Stay Connected, Stay Well!

Are you looking for ways to stay active, healthy, and connected as you age?

Join Age Concern Hawke's Bay at the Active Ageing Expo 2026 and discover a wide range of opportunities, services, activities, and support available across our community.

📅 Friday 2 October 2026
⏰ 10.00am - 1.00pm
📍 Havelock North Function Centre
☕ Refreshments provided

Whether you're keen to explore new activities, meet like-minded people, learn about local services, or simply gather ideas to support your wellbeing, there's something for everyone.

Come along, bring a friend, and find out how you can continue to live an active, healthy, and connected life.

We look forward to seeing you there!



Sport Hawke's Bay proudly supports active, connected communities across Hawke's Bay

09/09/2026

NOMINATE TODAY || Nominations for the 2026 Forsyth Barr Hawke's Bay Sport and Recreation Awards are now open.

Whether it's a volunteer who gives countless hours, a young athlete chasing their dreams, a coach changing lives, or a team achieving success, these awards celebrate the people and organisations that make our region such a vibrant place to live, play, and connect.

Too often, the people making the biggest impact don't put themselves forward. That's where you come in.

Nominate them today and help us celebrate the very best of Hawke’s Bay sport and recreation.

Together, let's shine a light on the stories, achievements, and contributions that deserve to be celebrated.

https://www.sporthb.net.nz/Events/forsyth-barr-hawkes-bay-sport-and-recreation-1