BELONGING STARTS WITH FEELING PART OF THE TEAM
From the deep South of Aotearoa, our newest Halberg Youth Council member Ben Muir is proof that strong communities build strong people. Based in Invercargill, Ben has grown up surrounded by rural life, tight-knit connections, and a love for sport – all of which have shaped the way he sees belonging and inclusion.
“Life’s good down south,” Ben says. “Aside from the frosty winters!” Growing up on a farm has taught him resilience and a deep appreciation for community. In a place where everyone knows everyone, connection comes naturally. Whether it’s watching rugby, having a hit of golf, or catching up with locals, Ben values the relationships that make small-town life special.
It’s those experiences — particularly through rugby — that motivated him to apply for the Halberg Youth Council. As he’s grown older, Ben has become more aware of the gaps that can exist in sport for disabled young people. He’s experienced moments where differences became more noticeable, sometimes meaning fewer opportunities or less game time.
“That’s what pushed me to get involved,” he explains. “I want to help create an environment where everyone has the chance to enjoy sport in a way that feels normal. Sport should be built around opportunity for everyone.”
For Ben, belonging is simple but powerful. It’s about trust — trusting the people around you — and having a say in what happens in your life. Being part of a community has given him purpose and direction. “It shows what I’m passionate about. It gives me something to wake up for each day,” he says.
He believes community is especially important for young people because those early years are when identity is still forming. Having support around you builds confidence and helps you feel valued. Some of Ben’s strongest memories of inclusion come from rugby at a young age — not because of wins or results, but because he was treated the same as everyone else. “It wasn’t about winning, it was about being part of a team.”
That sense of being “just one of the team” is something he wants more young people to experience. He sees inclusive sport and recreation as a powerful way to break down barriers, build respect, and strengthen connections within communities.
Since joining the Youth Council, Ben has already embraced opportunities to grow his perspective. Attending the Halberg Awards was a standout moment — an experience he describes as “awesome” and something he didn’t take for granted. Being connected to a nationwide network of young leaders, even from the far south, has been equally meaningful. It’s allowed him to build relationships with people he may never have otherwise met.
Ben is proud to bring a fresh rural perspective to the Youth Council — grounded, honest, and community-focused. He hopes to represent Southland with the respect and care it deserves, reflecting the tight-knit nature of the region he calls home.
Looking ahead, Ben hopes the Youth Council will help shift perceptions and reinforce an important message across Aotearoa: young people with disabilities are no different to anyone else. “Everyone deserves to feel included,” he says. “People shouldn’t be divided by differences. We should support each other and make space for everyone.”
With his strong sense of community and belief in equal opportunity, Ben is helping ensure that belonging in sport — and in life — feels normal, natural, and possible for all.
