Minister backs female athletes

Sports Minister Grant Robertson puts increased support for professional women athletes as his main priority in a letter of expectations to Sport NZ.

‘‘I wish to see Sport NZ promote the importance of support for our elite women athletes and where feasible, the development of professional sport opportunities in New Zealand, including the long-standing issue of equitable remuneration’’ Robertson says in the letter.

Robertson has asked Sport NZ to focus on how sport and physical activity could contribute to the Government’s wider priorities across the social sector. He said steps had already been made to fulfil these expectations, revealing the possibility of a women’s Super Rugby competition.

‘‘If not next year, and I really hope it is next year, but it could be the year after, we will end up with a Super Rugby competition for women’s teams.

‘‘It’s just taking a little bit to put together. It will start just as a New Zealand competition and I’m sure it will grow out from there.’’

Robertson’s priorities are:

Improve the overall rates and quality of participation in sport and recreation by low participating populations

Strengthen the long-term opportunities for New Zealanders with disabilities

Address the drop off in young people’s participation in sport and physical activity once they leave school.

Robertson believed NZ Football’s pay parity policy was a step in the right direction, describing it an ‘‘an astounding development’’.

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