Wine, Cheese, and Wāhine Initiatives: Empowering Women and Girls in Sport and Recreation
13 November 2024
In Aotearoa, despite progress towards gender equity in sport and recreation, wāhine and kōhine continue to face unique barriers and challenges. Here at Nuku Ora, we are committed to creating an inclusive sport and recreation environment where all women and girls can thrive as active participants, athletes, and leaders. As a proud member of Hine Manawa Rau—a network coordinated by Women in Sport Aotearoa (WISPA)—we’re part of a nationwide effort to advocate for gender equity and elevate the role of women and girls in sport and recreation.
The Wine, Cheese, and Wāhine Initiatives is one of Nuku Ora’s cornerstone events, held quarterly to foster connection, education, and empowerment among wāhine and their allies across the region. Originally launched to bring together local sport and recreation leaders supporting women and girls, the initiative has since expanded to include a diverse audience—from club board members and coaches to community groups and passionate individuals.
In early 2024, the series reached a new milestone with the support of Madison Recruitment, who generously provided their office as our event venue. Each event in the series is thoughtfully curated to address key knowledge gaps and offer support to those championing women and girls in sport. Through a blend of guest speakers and panel discussions, participants delve into topics shaped by local interest, such as:
- Women in governance and why more young women should be on boards
- Leadership qualities unique to women and trends/ tips in female leader recruitment
- Coaching girls and young women, including advice and key coaching insights
- Creating safe, welcoming spaces for kōhine in sport and recreation
- The value of male allies and the importance of intersectional, collaborative approaches
- Developing a personal brand and understanding one’s purpose
Videos of each session have been made available on the Nuku Ora YouTube channel, providing a growing library of resources to amplify the voices and expertise within the women and girls space in sport. Feedback is collected after each event, allowing Nuku Ora’s Women and Girls roopū to refine and enhance future sessions. Attendees consistently appreciate the diverse speaker lineup, the wealth of knowledge shared, and the invaluable networking opportunities with others they might not ordinarily meet.
The Wine, Cheese, and Wāhine Initiatives is more than just an event—it’s a growing community where inspiration is shared, relationships are built, and opportunities for collaboration are nurtured. Together, we look forward to creating an equitable future in sport and recreation, championing women and girls, and supporting local communities for generations to come.
