By Zubran Nabi, General Manager New Zealand

According to the latest Active NZ Participation Survey, only 54% of New Zealand adults meet the recommended physical activity guidelines weekly. Participation is lower among Pacific and Asian adults, and while Māori have higher rates of participation in organised sport, they also face greater health inequities.  

It is clear that more than ever, we must work to reduce barriers and increase access so that every person, in every New Zealand community, can move more, live well and feel connected. I’m proud to work for a company that doesn’t just manage venues, it activates communities. Here at Belgravia Leisure New Zealand, we believe having access to participate in recreation is a powerful force for good, capable of transforming lives physically, mentally and socially. 

Across Aotearoa, our work is grounded in a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and hauora (holistic wellbeing). As General Manager for Belgravia Leisure in New Zealand, I’ve seen how our partnerships with councils, iwi, and community organisations create more than just access – they open doors to opportunity, connection and lifelong participation. 

We are part of the wider Belgravia Group, a values-led organisation founded with a vision to help people live happier, healthier, longer lives. Our Chairman, Geoff Lord, has set a bold mission: to get one million tamariki and rangatahi active across Australia and New Zealand. This isn’t just a number – it’s a commitment to intergenerational change. It is about tackling sedentary lifestyles, improving health outcomes and giving young people the tools to thrive. 

From the Far North to the Deep South, our footprint spans a diverse range of communities including urban, rural, coastal and inland. We operate in places like Kaitaia, Waikato, Rotorua, Wairarapa and across the South Island. Each location brings its own story, its own challenges, and its own aspirations. What unites them is a shared desire for connection, wellbeing and the opportunity to improve lives. 

Our work is deeply aligned with Sport NZ’s Outcomes Framework which recognises that play, active recreation and sport contribute to the wellbeing of all New Zealanders. It also acknowledges the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the need to uphold its principles in all aspects of system design and delivery.  

At Belgravia Leisure New Zealand, we honour the three principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the following ways: 

• Partnership: We work collaboratively with iwi, hapū and Pacific community leaders to co-design recreation experiences that reflect tikanga, whakapapa and cultural identity. Whether it’s through kapa haka-inspired movement classes, Pacific swim safety programs or community-led festivals, we are creating spaces where whānau and aiga feel seen, valued and empowered. 

• Protection: We are committed to protecting Māori and Pacific cultural practices and promoting holistic wellbeing. Our programs are increasingly delivered in te reo Māori and Pacific languages and we embed health models such as He Oranga Poutama and Fonofale to ensure our services are culturally safe and inclusive. 

• Participation: We actively remove barriers to ensure equitable access to recreation for Māori and Pacific peoples. This includes subsidised memberships, targeted outreach and inclusive programming that reflects the aspirations of the communities we serve.  

Every day I can see our staff living and breathing these principles in our venues right across New Zealand. In Masterton, Trust House Recreation Centre’s Duty Manager and lifeguard TK has turned local ideas into action by building strong connections with regular visitors via initiatives such as the launch of the town’s first Manu Bombing Competition.  

At Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa in Rotorua, Guest Experience Host Maia Te Tuhi brings hauora and manaakitanga to life, guiding manuhiri through cultural wellness journeys while also completing Rotorua’s 21km Run the Forest. Wai Ariki recently worked alongside Run the Forest organisers to support over 4,500 participants across Rotorua’s trails, helping to smash a $20,000 fundraising goal while celebrating connection, culture and community wellbeing. 

One of the most exciting aspects of our work is the activation of the Belgravia Foundation Aotearoa, which supports access for marginalised communities. Whether it’s through open days, community events or our ‘Join and Give Back’ campaign, we’re creating opportunities for people to engage with recreation in ways that feel safe, empowering and meaningful. Just in the past few months, the Foundation has generated $1000 in donations, with Belgravia Leisure NZ matching this for community activation initiatives in the local communities we serve. 

Looking ahead to FY26, our goals are ambitious but grounded: increase visitation and participation across venues and deliver quarterly community events that reflect local priorities. We’re also committed to hosting Community Network Forums that bring together diverse voices to co-design solutions. I’m so proud to see the feedback from these Community Network Forums put into action; A Women’s Only Swim Lesson Program at Trust House Recreation Centre was initially co-designed to support local Refugee women, but expanded into a family and children opportunity too with many enquiring to join the Swim Tangaroa Program. These forums have already engaged over 1,000 stakeholders across the Belgravia Group and will continue to be a cornerstone of our engagement strategy. 

Ultimately, our mission is simple: Together, we move more. It’s a call to action, a statement of belief, and a reflection of the values that guide us. In a time when wellbeing has never been more important, we’re proud to stand alongside our partners in delivering recreation that heals, connects and transforms. 

Let’s keep moving together – MOVE AOTEAROA MOVE.

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