Affinity Gymnastics

Affinity Gymnastics Academy offers an extensive programme, catering to all ages, abilities and backgrounds with pathways to develop into the future. The club offers Pre-School Gymnastics, Recreational Gymnastics, Women's and Men's Artistic Gymnastics, Adult Gymnastics, Cheerleading and Tumbling classes. Schools participate weekly in gymnastics with groups of students with a range of learning challenges and disabilities. Several children with challenges visit for one-on-one sessions. We also facilitate home school classes during the day. Our popular school holiday programme serves the community, noting that we don't require attendees to be registered members. This is also the case for our birthday parties. Our participation in the Selwyn Sports Activation Spectacular and Disability Play Partnership at the Selwyn Sports Centre, plus the Halberg Games, has enabled more children access to the sport of gymnastics, and in a format that caters for all.

Aurora Dance Studio

Our dance studio has made an outstanding contribution to active recreation by creating a vibrant, inclusive space where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can engage in physical activity through the art of dance. We offer a wide range of programs—from toddler movement classes to adult sessions—promoting lifelong participation in dance as both recreation and personal expression.

Diamond Charitable Trust Board

The Diamond Charitable Trust has made an exceptional contribution to active recreation, and community well-being by delivering large-scale, purpose-driven initiatives that unite movement with mental health advocacy. Our flagship event, HIIT For Hope, is a Guinness World Record attempt to bring together over 7,000 people in a single, empowering moment of fitness, connection, and awareness — right in the heart of Rolleston. We also host Donation-Based Group Classes to remove financial barriers that many people have after a tough financial year last year. We’ve expanded our impact with the launch of Diamond Activewear, where a portion of all proceeds supports The Mighty Organisation, founded by Sir John Kirwan. We’ve also introduced Diamond Workwear, a workwear brand designed to back wellbeing in the trades sector. Through this, we’ve partnered with Live Well Build Well, an ACC-funded program that supports mental health in the construction industry. Additionally, we’ve collaborated with BMW to raffle a vehicle and raise funds for the Walk Without Fear Trust, founded by Eugene Bareman and supported by ambassadors like Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker. We aim to establish Selwyn as one of New Zealand’s epicentres for community well-being events and infrastructure.

Our Applicants

Broadfield Touch Club

The club started in 2013, with one team, with a focus on rangitahi. In 2024 it consisted of 25 teams (264 players), with only one of these teams being an adult team. Broadfield Touch Club It's all about the kids and parents, whereby: 1) Our kids play a team sport with friends, school mates and rugby teammates alike 2) Developing new skills 3) Bring the community together 4) Building an identity for Broadfield 5) Fun for the kids, parents, coaches and supporters. It has taken many, many hours of dedication to achieve what we are about today.

Empower HER

My contribution to sport, active recreation, and play is centered around creating inclusive, empowering spaces for females of all ages to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. Through my business Empower—and specifically the EmpowerHER program—I have designed a unique initiative that supports girls and women in understanding their bodies, building confidence, and staying active in a safe and enjoyable way. EmpowerHER includes four core branches: Move & Play, Know Your Body, Strong, Safe & Power Up, and Fuel & Recover. Each branch offers a combination of education and practical tools focused on body literacy, nutrition, injury prevention, confidence, leadership, and recovery. The program is designed to ensure that females not only participate in physical activity, but feel confident, supported, and empowered while doing so. Through EmpowerHER, participants gain a deeper understanding of how their bodies function, how to care for them, and how to grow both physically and mentally through sport and movement.

Jody McCarthy-Dempsey

As a dedicated track and field athlete, I have not only pursued excellence in my athletics but also used it as a platform to inspire and uplift others. Through consistent training, competition, and mentorship, I’ve demonstrated the values of discipline, resilience, and teamwork. I have represented my club and community at various levels, achieving personal milestones while also supporting younger athletes in their development. I actively volunteer at local meets, assist with coaching sessions, and advocate for greater access to athletics for youth—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. My commitment extends beyond performance; I aim to create an inclusive, supportive environment where others can discover the benefits of sport, build confidence, and reach their potential.

Manawa Retreat

At Manawa Retreat, our core mission is to foster active lifestyles through a holistic approach to wellness that integrates physical activity, mental health, and community engagement. We offer a variety of programs, including guided nature walks, yoga sessions, fitness activities and mindfulness workshops, all thoughtfully designed to encourage physical movement while nurturing mental and emotional well-being. Our approach uniquely blends wellness practices with sport team focus activities, ensuring accessible and inclusive opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to participate. Manawa sits on 88 acres of land and it provides endless space for outdoor team sports, and space for creative play. By cultivating a supportive atmosphere that prioritizes connection with both nature and self, we aim to inspire our participants to make active recreation a regular part of their daily lives.

Busy Bumbles

At Busy Bumbles, inspiring active lives is woven into everything we do. Across our before school, after school and holiday programmes, we champion play, movement, and fun as the foundation for confident, healthy tamariki. Our term-time planning follows the “Design, Discover, Make, Move, Play” model — ensuring a balance of creativity and physical activity every day. Children are encouraged to explore a wide range of games, sports, and physical challenges that foster resilience, coordination, and confidence. We partner with local businesses such as Action Indoor Sports to run engaging, high-energy activities offsite, and dedicate entire days in our Holiday Programmes to movement and active recreation — making physical play the highlight of the day for many tamariki. In addition, we feature a dedicated “Sport of the Day” during Holiday Programmes to keep movement front and centre, while catering to a variety of interests and abilities. We ensure our venues are well equipped with both indoor and outdoor play equipment, and prioritise getting outside — rain or shine — to encourage active recreation.

Lincoln and Districts Community Care Association Inc

Lincoln and Districts Community Care Association’s (LDCC) services are primarily for people of retirement age and others who have mental and/or physical disabilities. Thus LDCC’s contribution is focused more toward active recreation and play rather than vigorous sport. These activities range from two walking groups and a cycling group for active retirees, through “Fitness for Seniors” in cooperation with Lincoln University which organises thrice-weekly safe exercises for senior adults and allows a limited time in the gym. SAYgo is a set of weekly gentle exercises designed to help those with limited movement, and the least rigorous exercise occurs in group known as the Tuesday Club where some of the activity borders on play, but may provide more exercise than the participants do at home. Even the LDCC service to enable people to hire mobility aids can assist people to exercise.

O-Studio Rolleston

At O-Studio, our mission is to redefine what it means to be active and well by creating inclusive, holistic spaces that support both movement and recovery. We extend the traditional view of sport and recreation by championing a model of sustainable wellness that integrates strength, mobility, mental clarity, and recovery. Our studio offers a unique range of services from yoga/ Pilates / breathwork to contrast therapy and floatation all designed to support long-term physical and mental performance. We’ve cultivated a welcoming environment where elite athletes, everyday movers, and those new to wellness can train, recover, and grow side by side. Our impact reaches beyond our studio walls. We collaborate with local sports teams, schools, and wellness professionals to deliver education that enhances mental resilience, emotional regulation, and physical recovery.

Coach Tane Fitness

At Coach Tāne Fitness, our passion lies in making movement accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable for everyone in the Waikirikiri Selwyn district. We go beyond traditional gym culture by creating an environment where active recreation is a social, supportive, and fun part of everyday life. Our unique flexible circuit training model removes barriers like strict class times and intimidating gym atmospheres, making it easier for people of all ages and backgrounds to stay active on their own terms. We actively welcome families, encouraging parents to bring their children along so fitness becomes a shared experience rather than a sacrifice. We also blend sport, play, and fitness through our boxing and hypertrophy programs—engaging members physically and mentally while fostering community spirit. Our coaching team focuses on mindset and habits alongside physical training, empowering members to build lasting wellness habits that positively impact all areas of life. Through community events, inclusive programming, and partnerships with local organisations like childcare centres, we create meaningful opportunities for people to connect, play, and thrive. We believe health and fitness should be a source of joy and connection, not stress or exclusion.

Submerge Aquatics

Submerge Aquatics is committed to creating lifelong engagement in sport through inclusive, supportive, and purposefully designed aquatic programmes. From age 8 to 80+, we offer pathways that promote regular physical activity, personal growth, and community connection. We run weekly swim squads, technique classes, and adult fitness groups that emphasise fun, health and wellbeing, and self-improvement. Our popular Carnival Nights are open to both members and non-members and focus on participation, trying new events, and celebrating individual progress—making aquatic sport accessible and enjoyable for both first-time swimmers and experienced athletes. Being the sole-provider of this level of our aquatic sport in the district, we are committed to providing a programme for a wide range of the district, including current participants joining us from Darfield, Kirwee, West Melton, Leeston, Lincoln, Prebbleton, Springston, Dunsandel and Rolleston among other smaller townships. Beyond the pool, we integrate holistic health education into our programming. We provide resources and workshops on healthy living, mental skills training, and lifestyle balance to support the full wellbeing of our members.

Jym Findlay

Jym Findlay has been the driving force behind junior football in the Selwyn district for nearly 30 years. His leadership of the First Kicks and Fun Football programmes at Selwyn United has enabled thousands of children aged 4–10 to develop a love for the game in a safe, fun and welcoming environment. What began with just 60 children has grown to more than 700 participants, with Jym coordinating every detail — from team placement to washing the kits himself. Jym’s commitment goes far beyond coaching. He ensures children are grouped with friends or familiar faces to ease anxiety, and he personally supports parents and volunteers to feel connected and involved. His approach is centred on enjoyment, inclusion and belonging — making football not just a sport, but a community anchor. What sets Jym apart is the longevity of his service and the enduring impact he’s had on the lives of others. Across three decades, he has remained a consistent, trusted presence in a region that has undergone rapid population growth and change. His people-first mindset and steady leadership have helped build a culture where families feel welcome, and former players are inspired to return as volunteers. Jym has inspired generations and has been the quiet architect behind one of Selwyn’s most successful junior sport programmes.

Selwyn Rowing Inc

The Selwyn Rowing Inc was founded in July 2025, since its inception it has transformed rowing from a niche, often inaccessible pursuit into a thriving, inclusive community sport for secondary school students within our community. By uniting five education providers—including all four Selwyn High Schools and the Selwyn Home School Association— Selwyn Rowing Inc has created Selwyns first cross-school, volunteer-led rowing club. This model has removed historic barriers around cost, transport, and access to facilities. With a focus on equity, the club ensures no student is turned away, thanks to the low fees, gifted equipment and shared resources. Beyond physical activity, the club fosters character, connection, and confidence. Students learn teamwork, discipline, and resilience—values that serve them far beyond the river. The club has an amazing group of volunteers who have invested many hours of support to get the club up and running. It has begun to reshape local attitudes toward youth sport as something inclusive, affordable, and empowering.

Weedons Cricket Club

Weedons Cricket Club has been a proud part of the Selwyn community for over a century, offering cricket opportunities for all ages and abilities — from junior beginners through to senior competitive teams. Our mission is to make cricket accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable while building a strong sense of community. We’ve significantly contributed to active recreation by delivering free school programs, launching our Weedons Academy for youth development, and creating low-cost pathways into sport. We actively promote participation for girls and young families, and continue to remove barriers to entry through gear support and subsidised fees. Our volunteers are the heart of the club — driving coaching, events, groundskeeping, and player development. Recent initiatives include establishing preseason tours, building stronger regional ties, upgrading facilities, and fostering an environment where sport connects people both on and off the field. We believe cricket is more than a game — it’s a way to support physical and mental wellbeing, grow character, and unite people from all walks of life.

Selwyn Angler Alliance Club

As the founder and volunteer coordinator of a local fishing club in the Selwyn District, I have dedicated my time and energy to supporting newcomers into the sport of fishing while promoting an active, inclusive, and community-oriented lifestyle. My aim has been to create a space where people of all backgrounds and age groups can discover the physical, mental, and social benefits of outdoor recreation through fishing. The club was established to break down barriers to participation in recreational fishing, especially for those new to the sport. Barriers are removed because I lead skill-based training sessions, organise day trips and weekend excursions, and promote a supportive environment where members can learn, connect, and build confidence.

Veilomani Selwyn Fijian Community

We encourage healthy lifestyle for our Selwyn Fijian Community by organizing our Veilomani team to play in the Selwyn Social netball competition. We came out first in three consecutive seasons. I also organized 2 mixed volleyball team to compete in the Canterbury Volleyball competition at the Selwyn Sports Center. At the end of last year I was instrumental in volunteering for our district to host South Island Fiji Day which attracted more than 3000 visitors to the area. On the day we organized Soccer, Rugby, Netball and Volleyball tournaments.