{"id":22,"date":"2026-03-04T19:48:15","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T06:48:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/womeninsportwaitaha.nz\/?page_id=22"},"modified":"2026-03-04T19:48:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T06:48:15","slug":"about-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/womeninsportwaitaha.nz\/index.php\/about-us\/","title":{"rendered":"About us"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignfull is-stacked-on-mobile has-ast-global-color-5-background-color has-background\" style=\"grid-template-columns:62% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"788\" src=\"https:\/\/womeninsportwaitaha.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WISW-purpose.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-153 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/womeninsportwaitaha.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WISW-purpose.png 940w, https:\/\/womeninsportwaitaha.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WISW-purpose-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/womeninsportwaitaha.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WISW-purpose-768x644.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-ast-global-color-0-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-dcbc50c4f3e32fa6348d7c6815b15cd5\"><em><strong>The Vision, Mission and Why <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-ast-global-color-0-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-0239da13a3d300439c92648aa6e25584\"><em><strong>of Women In Sport Waitaha<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-style-section-5 has-ast-global-color-8-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-text-annotation\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-4-color\">Our Story<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-default has-medium-font-size\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-4-color\">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.<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-4-color\">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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/mark><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-4-color\">In April 2025, we successfully became an Incorporated Society.<\/mark><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default has-medium-font-size\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-4-color\">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 \u2014 to share ideas, highlight local champions, and take collective action to support women and girls being active.<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-4-color\">Now, as an Incorporated Society, we\u2019re here for the long term \u2014 working alongside communities, clubs and organisations to make Waitaha a place where every woman and girl can participate and lead in sport with confidence.<\/mark><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-ast-global-color-5-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8dfc6e34 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-stretch is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-627337ab wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-text-annotation\"><strong>What we do<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-dd225191 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"is-style-text-subtitle has-medium-font-size\">Our current strategic objectives and areas of focus are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-0-color\">To connect:<\/mark><\/strong> We will build a strong and connected community. We want to bring people together \u2014 from grassroots groups to regional leaders \u2014 to share knowledge, strengthen networks and support each other\u2019s work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-0-color\">To inspire:<\/mark><\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-0-color\">To advocate:<\/mark><\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-style-section-5 has-ast-global-color-8-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-text-annotation\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-4-color\">Who we are<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-default has-medium-font-size\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-4-color\">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.<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile has-ast-global-color-5-background-color has-background\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"734\" src=\"https:\/\/womeninsportwaitaha.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20260201_135745-scaled-e1771882663260-1024x734.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-124 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/womeninsportwaitaha.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20260201_135745-scaled-e1771882663260-1024x734.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/womeninsportwaitaha.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20260201_135745-scaled-e1771882663260-300x215.jpg 300w, https:\/\/womeninsportwaitaha.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20260201_135745-scaled-e1771882663260-768x551.jpg 768w, https:\/\/womeninsportwaitaha.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20260201_135745-scaled-e1771882663260-1536x1101.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/womeninsportwaitaha.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20260201_135745-scaled-e1771882663260-2048x1468.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-3-color\">Your 2026 committee: <\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><em><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-3-color\">L to R: Back: Char Poaka, Katrina Mansfield (Chair), Ellie Bell, Rebecca Archibald, Angela Leatherby, Pat Barwick<\/mark><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><em><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-3-color\">Front: Lou Satherley, Tammy Mehrtens, Annette Purvis, Rachel Harris<\/mark><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-4-color\">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.<\/mark><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-text-annotation is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center is-style-text-display\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Got questions? <br><a href=\"womeninsportwaitaha@gmail.com\" rel=\"nofollow\">Feel free to reach out.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-social-links has-icon-color is-style-logos-only 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width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12,4.622c2.403,0,2.688,0.009,3.637,0.052c0.877,0.04,1.354,0.187,1.671,0.31c0.42,0.163,0.72,0.358,1.035,0.673 c0.315,0.315,0.51,0.615,0.673,1.035c0.123,0.317,0.27,0.794,0.31,1.671c0.043,0.949,0.052,1.234,0.052,3.637 s-0.009,2.688-0.052,3.637c-0.04,0.877-0.187,1.354-0.31,1.671c-0.163,0.42-0.358,0.72-0.673,1.035 c-0.315,0.315-0.615,0.51-1.035,0.673c-0.317,0.123-0.794,0.27-1.671,0.31c-0.949,0.043-1.233,0.052-3.637,0.052 s-2.688-0.009-3.637-0.052c-0.877-0.04-1.354-0.187-1.671-0.31c-0.42-0.163-0.72-0.358-1.035-0.673 c-0.315-0.315-0.51-0.615-0.673-1.035c-0.123-0.317-0.27-0.794-0.31-1.671C4.631,14.688,4.622,14.403,4.622,12 s0.009-2.688,0.052-3.637c0.04-0.877,0.187-1.354,0.31-1.671c0.163-0.42,0.358-0.72,0.673-1.035 c0.315-0.315,0.615-0.51,1.035-0.673c0.317-0.123,0.794-0.27,1.671-0.31C9.312,4.631,9.597,4.622,12,4.622 M12,3 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M16.804,6.116c-0.596,0-1.08,0.484-1.08,1.08 s0.484,1.08,1.08,1.08c0.596,0,1.08-0.484,1.08-1.08S17.401,6.116,16.804,6.116z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">Instagram<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-mail has-contrast-color wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"mailto:w&#111;&#109;&#101;&#110;ins&#112;ortw&#097;&#105;t&#097;&#104;&#097;&#064;&#103;mai&#108;.&#099;o&#109;\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M19,5H5c-1.1,0-2,.9-2,2v10c0,1.1.9,2,2,2h14c1.1,0,2-.9,2-2V7c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm.5,12c0,.3-.2.5-.5.5H5c-.3,0-.5-.2-.5-.5V9.8l7.5,5.6,7.5-5.6V17zm0-9.1L12,13.6,4.5,7.9V7c0-.3.2-.5.5-.5h14c.3,0,.5.2.5.5v.9z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">Mail<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Vision, Mission and Why of Women In Sport Waitaha Our Story Women in Sport Waitaha was founded after the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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