Sport Hawke’s Bay has been presented with their renewed Governance Mark, first attaining the good governance accreditation in 2021.

Launched in March 2016 by Sport New Zealand, the Governance Mark is intended to set governance standards for the play, active recreation, and sport sector, through a process of self-assessment, third-party review, governance development and reassessment.

The Governance Mark indicates an organisation that is clear about how it intends to use its time and money. It ensures the Board has a considered process for development of strategy and an ongoing regime for monitoring efficacy of that strategy and is clear that accountability to stakeholders is delivered through a planned programme of communication. Assessments also include ensuring the business of the organisation are conducted within a clear ethical framework and that the Board understands the strategic nature of its role as well as meeting processes mean that time is well spent, and the agenda is primarily future focussed.

Sport Hawke’s Bay Board Chair Graeme Taylor states “The process for being awarded the Mark has been thorough, and the achievement reflects the hard work and dedication from our Trustees. This three-year renewal will now allow the Board to focus on supporting the Sport Hawke’s Bay leadership to work towards achieving its key strategic outcomes.”

“We started this process in August 2024 and over that time we have updated the Statement of Strategic Direction and worked through the Governance Mark renewal – two key pieces of work that will set Sport Hawke’s Bay up for ongoing success for years to come” Taylor added.

Sport New Zealand Chief Executive, Raelene Castle, says Sport Hawke’s Bay should be proud of their achievement.

“We would like to congratulate Sport Hawke’s Bay on being awarded the Governance Mark for a second time. It is deserved recognition for their effort and commitment to on-going improvement.

“The process for being awarded the Mark is a rigorous one, and this achievement is a reflection of Sport Hawke’s Bay’s hard work and strong leadership in our sector.”

Sport Hawke’s Bay Chief Executive, Ryan Hambleton added “Attaining the Governance Mark shows the true leadership and guidance as set by our Trustees. Sport Hawke’s Bay is lucky to have a strong Board and is well led by Graeme. It has made coming on as a new CE a positive experience and I know the Sport Hawke’s Bay team always have the Boards full support.”

The Board acknowledged having a capable independent assessor, in Sport Hawke’s Bay’s case Hilary Poole - as being invaluable in driving the assessment of the Board’s ongoing capability development, both individually and collectively.

Media Release End

Article added: Monday 22 September 2025