Sport NZ gives backing for termination

Aktive Auckland Sport and Recreation has the full backing of Sport New Zealand to terminate their partnership with Counties Manukau Sport.

Sport NZ chief executive Peter Miskimmin said three of the four Auckland regional sports had bought into the One Auckland strategic approach to delivering community sport.

“Counties Manukau haven’t and while we’re disappointed in that we have to respect their decision,” Miskimmin said.

The continuing standoff has dismayed many in the South Auckland community. Former chair of CMS Frank Colson outlined this, saying that once again it would be the kids of South Auckland that would suffer.

“Aktive want to force a one- sizefits- all solution on everyone but one size doesn’t fit all. I still see the same issues that were prevalent when I was at CMS: access to funding and clear path- ways and transitions for our athletes.”

Colson reserved his most withering blast for Sport New Zealand. “Where is their leadership in this? Miskimmin could fix this with one stroke of his pen.”

Miskimmin said there was always going to “people with questions and concerns” but he hasn’t intervened or been involved because Aktive was an independent entity and he was comfortable with their response.

Miskimmin also said the idea Aktive was a Crown Entity Subsidiary rather than a Charitable Trust was a “nonsense”. He said Aktive’s remit was far broader than a funding agent.