The Vision, Mission and Why
of Women In Sport Waitaha
Our Story
Women in Sport Waitaha was founded after the second Women in Sport Aotearoa Summit held in October 2020, after which we hosted a number of networking opportunities and developed a wider network of members/supporters.
- In March 2022 a working group including a Steering Group and Advisory Group met to agree our Name, Vision and Mission, facilitated by Fran McEwen from The Shift Foundation.
- In April 2025, we successfully became an Incorporated Society.
Women in Sport Waitaha has grown due to a shared passion for equity. We started as a group of local advocates who saw the need to bring people together — to share ideas, highlight local champions, and take collective action to support women and girls being active.
Now, as an Incorporated Society, we’re here for the long term — working alongside communities, clubs and organisations to make Waitaha a place where every woman and girl can participate and lead in sport with confidence.
What we do
Our current strategic objectives and areas of focus are:
- To connect: We will build a strong and connected community. We want to bring people together — from grassroots groups to regional leaders — to share knowledge, strengthen networks and support each other’s work.
- To inspire: We will showcase and celebrate stories of women and girls in sport and recreation. We want to show what our local women are already achieving, but also to highlight the potential that can be reached with greater access, opportunities and investment.
- To advocate: We will stand up and strive for systemic change in sport. We want fair opportunities, visibility and leadership for women and girls across our region. We will collaborate with others to influence systems and want to spark change that lasts.
Who we are
Our committee is made up of volunteers from across Waitaha. We all care deeply about creating a more inclusive future for women and girls in sport. We meet monthly to progress our mission and push our strategic priorities forward.
Your 2026 committee:
L to R: Back: Char Poaka, Katrina Mansfield (Chair), Ellie Bell, Rebecca Archibald, Angela Leatherby, Pat Barwick
Front: Lou Satherley, Tammy Mehrtens, Annette Purvis, Rachel Harris
We are also grateful for those who have driven this mission forward with us in the past: Georgia Canning, Shani Clark, Libby Davenport, Anna Galvan, Leanne Hammersley, Kim Lazor, Hayley Lee, Josh Sprott, and Wendy Trolove.
Got questions?
Feel free to reach out.