Sport New Zealand (Sport NZ) and the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) have announced the creation of Development Scholarships to help get more women on to the boards of sport organisations.
The joint initiative between the two organisations is the first in a programme of work to encourage suitably qualified women to put themselves forward for sports governance roles.
A growing body of international research is highlighting the value of increased gender balance in governance and leadership positions, said Peter Miskimmin, Chief Executive of Sport NZ.
Better decision-making and ultimately better bottom-line performances are quantifiable outcomes from the broader perspectives gained with a diverse Board.
NZOC Secretary General, Kereyn Smith said that while real progress is being seen on the field of play in terms of participation and achievement by women, this is not the case off the field.
The London 2012 Olympic Games provided another example of women achieving at the highest level in the sporting arena, but the representation and value of women is less evident in sports board rooms, said Kereyn Smith.
At present women comprise around 27% of sports Board membership (being 142 women out of 521 positions among 71 targeted organisations). Targets have been set for women to comprise 33% of sports board membership by 2015 and 40% by 2020. The ultimate target is for 50% representation.
The Development Scholarships being offered are for women who have shown leadership and have set their sights on sports governance and are valued at up to $10,000 each. Three workshops for women interested in a sports governance role and a mentor programme for women who have recently been appointed to a sports board (or are actively seeking a role), have also been announced.
More information about these opportunities is available at www.sportnz.org.nz/governance