Company Profiles

SPARC

Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) is a government agency which was established in 2003 to promote, encourage and support physical activity and sport in New Zealand.  The team at SPARC is dedicated to keeping kiwis on the move and our athletes in the top spot! We work with key partners in the sport and recreation sector such as the National Sports Organisations, Regional Sports Trusts and National Recreation Organisations to make this vision a reality.

There is a huge range of career options at SPARC and within the sport and recreation sector generally.  Apart from elite athletes and coaches, there is a whole host of people in different roles such as marketing, communications, finance and administration, relationship management, human resources, research, policy and evaluation.   You name it, we’ve got it! 

If you’re passionate about sport and physical recreation, look at what our sector has to offer in terms of paid employment and volunteering. 

Here’s what some of our people say about working in SPARC:

Guy Davenport-Brown
“I’ve been working as a graphic designer at SPARC now for nearly 3 years, and have really enjoyed my time here. I especially appreciate the positive working vibe that comes from my marketing team. Everyone is working towards the same positive goals – to promote sport, health and physical activity.

There are plenty of personal/career development opportunities available, and workplace activity is encouraged – so lunchtime gym visits are a real bonus – sweet! If you have a passion for sport then I highly recommend a career in this sector.”

Veronica Thompson
“Kia ora!  I’m Veronica and I am the Advisor–Maori in the Pathways team at SPARC.  I’m responsible for:

• working with the He Oranga Poutama programme to increase participation of Maori in physical activity;
• providing advice and support in relation to Maori participation in sport and recreation at community level; 
• being an advocate for positive Maori development approaches in the sport and recreation sector.

The things that help me in my job are a love for sport, life-experiences within Maori Whanau and community, a good knowledge of Te Reo me ona Tikanga, a good tertiary qualification, strong communication skills, understanding of government process and a commitment to people.  I enjoy the challenges my work offers and the way our sector connects with people at grass-roots communities.  No reira, mauri ora kia koutou katoa!"