Boosting sport in Kaikōura

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

The chance to return home and work in sports coaching was too good to refuse for a young Kaikōura woman.

Saraya Brown (pictured) took up the role of Sport Tasman community outcomes adviser for Kaikōura towards the end of last year after attending boarding school and university in Christchurch.

‘‘I studied sport coaching and was looking at teachers’ college, but then this job came up.

‘‘I love that I am able to provide people in our community with the opportunity to participate in physical activities which maybe aren’t on offer or they don’t have the means to do.’’

Brown said she is keen to hear ideas from the community and hopes to bring back the Kaikōura Warrior Run, an obstacle course challenge.

She was active in sport at school, but after a few injuries she decided to focus on coaching.

Brown coached junior netball in Christchurch and is continuing to coach the youngsters in future ferns netball in Kaikōura.

Through Sports Tasman’s connections, Brown said is able to break down some of the barriers of Kaikōura’s isolation and the cost of participating in sport.

Being based with the Kaikōura District Council, Brown is able to work with council and local Environment Canterbury staff.

She recently worked with Environment Canterbury Kaikōura zone facilitator Jodie Hoggard on activities for Sea Week, helping to organise surfing, kayaking, a quiz night and a beach clean up.

‘‘It is so cool. You hear Sport Tasman and you think of structured netball or rugby, but it is about active recreation and sport, so it could be kayaking, surfing or an art class on the beach, if that is what the community wants.

‘‘I am driven by the community’s voice and my aim is to be as responsive as I can to the community’s needs.’’

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.