This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Joseph, one of our dedicated Regional Advisors, as part of our Inclusion Champions in Action theme. Joseph has been at the heart of some incredible moments recently, leading the Halberg x Sport Auckland Primary School Adaptive Sports Day and the Ice Skating Day with Disability Sport Auckland. His passion for creating spaces where tamariki and rangatahi feel a true sense of belonging highlights the power of inclusion in action – not just in the sidelines, but right in the centre of sport and recreation. So lets get into it.
THIS MONTHS THEME IS INCLUSION CHAMPIONS IN ACTION – WHAT DOES THIS PHRASE MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY, AND HOW DOES IT REFLECT YOUR MAHI AS A REGIONAL ADVISOR?
For me, it’s about creating spaces where young people can not only participate in sport but truly feel like they belong. It’s about making sure our schools, partners, and communities recognise the value of every young person’s contribution. In my role as an advisor, I feel lucky that I get to see and experience Inclusion Champions in Action on a regular basis.
AUGUST IS A BIG MONTH FOR YOUR REGION! CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE TWO EVENTS THAT HAVE HAPPENED THIS MONTH?
It’s been a big and exciting month! The Adaptive Primary Schools Sports Day was about introducing students to a range of sports and activities in a setting where they could feel free to be themselves, knowing that our coaches, teachers, and student leaders were there to support them every step of the way. The Ice Skating Day with DSA was all about fun with friends and whānau, and giving young people the chance to try something new that they might now have thought was possible before. Both events were about creating memories, building confidence, and showing that sport and recreation is for everyone.
HOW DO THESE EVENTS BRING THE CONCEPT OF INCLUSION TO LIFE FOR TAMARIKI, RANGATAHI, AND THEIR WHĀNAU?
These events give young people the chance to see themselves in sport, not on the sidelines, but right in the middle of it. For Whānau, it shows them what’s possible when barriers are removed, and that their child can thrive in a sporting space.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CREATE THESE KINDS OF OPPORTUNITIES IN YOUR REGION?
Because if we don’t, some young people simply miss out. Auckland is a big and diverse region, but opportunities for disabled young people can still be limited. Creating these moments means schools and whānau can see the pathways that exist and it helps shift the mindset from ‘why’ to ‘why not?’
WHAT MAKES THESE EVENTS PARTICULARLY SPECIAL OR DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ACTIVITIES YOU HAVE HELPED DELIVER?
These events are special because they have been created in partnership with organisations like DSA and Sport Auckland, which makes them truly collaborative. They are also unique in that they are not traditional sports days, instead the focus is on creating opportunities for young people to simply enjoy playing alongside their friends and whānau. That sense of connection is what makes them stand out.
INCLUSION DOESN’T HAPPEN ALONE – WHO ARE SOME OF THE CHAMPIONS YOU’VE WORKED WITH TO MAKE THESE EVENTS A REALITY?
Sport Auckland has been incredible in co-leading the Primary School Adaptive Sports Day. Their buy-in shows how regional sports trusts can play a huge role in this space. For the Ice Skating Day, the team at Disability Sport Auckland have been amazing partners, they bring a real passion for creating fun, accessible opportunities. Planning was underway for months, with lots of collaboration and input from sports, venues, and volunteers.
CAN YOU SHARE EXAMPLES OF HOW YOUR COMMUNITY – SCHOOLS, PARTNERS, OR VOLUNTEERS – HAVE STEPPED UP THE SPIRIT OF INCLUSION?
One of the best examples of people stepping up in the spirit of inclusion was the PALs leaders at the Primary School Adaptive Day. For many of them this was a completely new experience, but they embraced it and did an outstanding job. By jumping in, supporting their peers, and encouraging others to give things a go, they showed what inclusion looks like in action creating a space where everyone could participate and feel part of the day.
WHAT GOES INTO PULLING THESE EVENTS TOGETHER? FROM THE PLANNING STAGES TO THE FINAL TOUCHES, WHAT DOES YOUR TOOL LOOK LIKE IN ACTION?
It’s a bit of everything! I’m connecting with schools, making sure transport and access are sorted, working with sport providers to modify their delivery, and thinking through the little details that make a big difference like having the right equipment or making sure everyone feels welcome.
THIS MUST HAVE BEEN A HECTIC MONTH FOR YOU – HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO JUGGLE MULTIPLE EVENTS WHILE STAYING CONNECTED TO THE KAUPAPA?
I lean of my colleagues and partners…inclusion is a team effort, and we all share the load. I think having a strong why is also really important!
WERE THERE ANY MEMORABLE MOMENTS DURING BOTH EVENTS THAT REALLY IMPACTED YOU?
Having my own little boy, the moment that hit home the most for me was seeing parents on the ice with their children. Being able to do something you love alongside the people you love is really special, and those connections are what make these events so memorable.
HOW DO YOU THINK THESE EVENTD INFLUENCED THE WAY PARTICIPANTS, SCHOOLS, AND COMMUNITIES THINK ABOUT INCLUSION?
I think they plant a seed. Once schools or other organisations see what’s possible, it challenges them to think differently about how they run sport and PE. For whānau, it shows that their child’s opportunities aren’t limited. It starts to shift the community mindset toward inclusion as the norm, not the exception.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BE AN INCLUSION CHAMPION IN THEIR OWN COMMUNITY?
Start small, but start. Sometimes it is as simple as inviting someone.
FINALLY, WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU AND YOUR REGION FOR THE REST OF 2025?
Making Waves Part 3! Bigger and better! Hopefully carry the momentum of August forward and focus on getting into more schools and clubs to provide inclusion trainings.
