As part of our Winter WarmersL Stories that Inspire series, we’re shining a light on the incredible people helping create more inclusive opportunities for young people across Aotearoa. This month, we caught up with Lawrence Wilkinson, Halberg Advisor for the Waikato region, to hear about the power of connection, the impact of inclusive sport and recreation, and the inspiring young people, whānau, schools and communities he works alongside every day. From heartwarming success stories to exciting initiatives happening across the region, Lawrence shares what continues to motivate him and why every young person deserves the chance to belong, participate, and thrive.

WINTER CAN SOMETIMES BE A QUIETER SEASON. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WAYS YOU SEE SPORT AND RECREATION HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE STAY CONNECTED DURING THIS TIME OF YEAR?

Sport and recreation are fantastic ways to build social connections, both on and off the field. The friendships formed through sport can last a lifetime and help young people stay connected during quieter periods like winter. Whether it’s catching up with teammates for a playdate or simply spending time together outside of training, these moments often become some of the best memories of childhood. That’s why access to inclusive sport is so important, it ensures every young person has the opportunity to build those meaningful connections.

AS A HALBERG ADVISOR IN WAIKATO, WHAT DOES “CONNECTION” MEAN TO YOU WHEN WORKING ALONGSIDE YOUNG PEOPLE, FAMILIES, SCHOOLS, AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS?

Connection means being intentional and present.

Being intentional means building relationships that create positive opportunities for young people, whether that’s helping them achieve their sporting aspirations or developing new skills. Recently, two Waikato rangatahi joined me at the PENZ Conference in Auckland to share their experiences of school camps with teachers and education leaders. Watching them confidently share their voices was incredibly rewarding.

Being present means listening to young people and responding to what they tell us, rather than assuming we know what’s best. Strong relationships with schools, sporting organisations and community groups are built on trust, transparency and a shared commitment to inclusion.

CAN YOU SHARE A RECENT MOMENT THAT REMINDED YOU WHY CONNECTION AND INCLUSION ARE SO IMPORTANT?

We’ve recently partnered with Taumarunui High School to help grow their capability to support all students through their Outdoor Education programme. Together with the team at Whakapapa Ski Area, we’ve developed an adaptive skiing experience where Outdoor Education students can learn to use sit skis, bi-skis and tethers with qualified adaptive instructors.

The goal is for those students to then support their peers from the schools Kea class during adaptive ski lessons. It’s a fantastic example of inclusion in action, where young people are learning alongside and supporting one another.

IS THERE A YOUNG PERSON, WHĀNAU OR ACTIVITY YOU’VE SUPPORTED RECENTLY THAT HAS INSPIRED YOU? WHAT MADE THEIR STORY STAND OUT?

Supporting whānau through Activity Fund applications is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.

We’re currently supporting a family with applications for adaptive equipment for their twins. The commitment shown by both the whānau and the school has been inspiring. Adaptive equipment can be expensive, but they’re determined to make it happen because they know it will allow the family to spend more time together outdoors.

Helping them navigate funding opportunities and hearing their determination has been incredibly inspiring.

HOW HAS ACCESS TO SPORT AND RECREATION HELPED THIS YOUNG PERSON OR FAMILY BUILD CONFIDENCE, FRIENDSHIPS, OR A SENSE OF BELONGING?

This whānau loves spending time outdoors together. Supporting young people’s aspirations, whether they’re sporting, recreational or something else, it helps to strengthen their sense of belonging. Being active in nature creates opportunities to explore, connect with others and build friendships through shared experiences.

WHAT IMPACT HAVE YOU SEEN ON THE WIDER WHĀNAU WHEN A YOUNG PERSON IS ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES THEY LOVE?

When people are able to participate in activities they love, everyone benefits.

Whether it’s WCMX, Boccia, or Sambo, sport creates opportunities for connection with coaches, teamates, competitors and supporters. Families get to watch their young person grow in confidence and ability, and that positive impact often extends well beyond the individual into the wider community.

WHAT’S BEEN ONE OF YOUR FAVOURITE FEEL GOOD MOMENTS FROM THE WAIKATO REGION THIS YEAR?

Working alongside a Regional Sports Organisation during a BLEENZ Day was a real highlight.

Using the STEP Model, the Development Officer adapted Turbo Touch to make it accessible for vision-impaired students. The feedback from students, teachers, and whānau was incredibly positive, and it demonstrated just how powerful inclusive thinking can be.

HAVE THERE BEEN ANY ACHIEVEMENTS, BIG OR SMALL, FROM A YOUNG PERSON YOU’VE WORKED WITH THAT DESERVE CELEBRATING?

There have been so many. From attending their first Halberg Games, to leading adapted sports within their schools, and joining me at Inclusion Training sessions and speaking opportunities to advocate for inclusion, every achievement deserves celebrating.

WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT CONSISTENTLY INSPIRES YOU ABOUT THE YOUNG PEOPLE AND WHĀNAU YOU WORK ALONGSIDE?

Their positivity, kindness and determination. No matter the challenge, they never give up.

ARE THERE ANY EXCITING PROGRAMMES, EVENTS OR INITIATIVES HAPPENING IN WAIKATO THIS WINTER THAT ARE HELPING CREATE INVLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES?

There are plenty of exciting opportunities happening across the region, including:

  • Taupō Adapted Sports on Courts
  • Te Awamutu Play Your Way (returning for a second Term 3 session)
  • Te Aroha All Abilities Day
  • Lichfield All Abilities Days
  • Whakapapa Adaptive Ski Festival

Parafed Waikato also continues to deliver fantastic opportunities for young people throughout the region.

HOW DO LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN WAIKATO COME TOGETHER TO SUPPORT INCLUSION AND PARTICIPATION DURING THE WINTER MONTHS?

The same way they do all year round by listening to the voices of tamariki and rangatahi.

WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED DURING THE COLDER MONTHS WHEN SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES ACROSS THE REGION?

If you know me, you’ll know I love wearing shorts, so I have to keep moving or my legs get cold!

More seriously, what motivated me is knowing that when we take action, positive things happen. My biggest fear is that if we nothing, nothing changes.

IF YOU COULD SHARE A MESSAGE WITH FAMILIES CONSIDERING GETTING INVOLVED IN SPORT AND RECREATION THIS WINTER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Karawhiua! Give it a go!

Reach out to Halberg, even if you’re not sure where to start. We can connect you with the right people, support your journey, or work alongside your school, sports club or community group to build more inclusive opportunities.

At Halberg, we sue sport and recreation as the vehicle for inclusion.

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE REST OF 2026, WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THE WAIKATO REGION?

I’m looking forward to meeting new individuals, whānau, organisations and communities, while continuing to strengthen existing relationships and seeing many of the initiatives we’ve been planning come to life over the coming months.

WINTER IS OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH WARMTH AND COMFORT. WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST “WINTER WARMER” FOR YOU IN YOUR ROLE THIS YEAR?

Without a doubt, it’s seeing the smiles and moments of joy on the faces of the young people I meet while out in the community. Those moments remind me exactly why I do what I do.