Latest news with #Halberg
Scoop
04-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Porirua's BizFest Announces Two Outstanding Speakers
Press Release – Porirua City Council Topics of discussion on the day will include whats on the economic horizon, how business leaders are navigating uncertain times in the business world, and what are the key ingredients for innovation and success now and into the future. One of New Zealand's most iconic athletes will be speaking at Porirua's BizFest on 1 July, joining the founder of an international dance company who grew up in Cannons Creek. BizFest 2025: Kōpū i te pae – Light up the Horizon will take place on 1 July, a day that aims to inspire and connect business people in our city. Topics of discussion on the day will include what's on the economic horizon, how business leaders are navigating uncertain times in the business world, and what are the key ingredients for innovation and success now and into the future. Dame Valerie Adams is recognised worldwide for her feats in shot put and is a leader and role model in the Pacific community for her work outside athletics. From 2006 to 2016, Dame Valerie was unbeaten in major championships and won Olympic gold at Beijing 2008 and London 2012. A seven-time Halberg sportswoman of the year, her story is one that inspires – post her shot put career, she works in the community to support a number of causes and with commercial partners, while also being chair of the World Athletics Athletes' Commission, a World Athletics Council member and on the board of High Performance Sport New Zealand. Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says having Dame Valerie speak in Porirua is a coup, bringing value to the event by being able to share her experiences as an athlete at the very highest level, her commitment to her community and health and wellbeing, and her advocacy for athletes, especially among women in sport. 'Someone like Dame Valerie will add immense value to BizFest – she is someone who has demonstrated perseverance, discipline and an amazing work ethic, prioritising health and wellbeing, and commitment to helping others. I can't wait to hear what she has to say about pushing through challenges and building resilience,' Mayor Baker says. Black Grace's Neil Ieremia, meanwhile, will add a homegrown flavour to BizFest, with his journey one of inspiration and perspiration. Born in Cannons Creek and of Samoan heritage, Ieremia left home and his banking job at 19 and enrolled in a fulltime dance programme. Founding dance company Black Grace in 1995, he has enjoyed sell-out performances in the US, Mexico and Canada and won numerous accolades at home and abroad for what Black Grace has achieved across the world. Appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2016, Ieremia received the inaugural Moana Creative Enterprise Award at the 2022 Pacific Business Trust Awards and is an honorary member of Dance ICONS, the international organisation of choreographers, along with numerous other honours. Mayor Baker says Ieremia's talk at BizFest should not be missed. 'Neil was rightly inducted into our Hall of Fame at Te Rauparaha Arena in 2022 – he is a local who has gone on to impressive heights around the world and will have a beautiful and authentic story to tell about seizing opportunities and taking our stories from Porirua to the global stage.'
Scoop
04-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Porirua's BizFest Announces Two Outstanding Speakers
Press Release – Porirua City Council Topics of discussion on the day will include whats on the economic horizon, how business leaders are navigating uncertain times in the business world, and what are the key ingredients for innovation and success now and into the future. One of New Zealand's most iconic athletes will be speaking at Porirua's BizFest on 1 July, joining the founder of an international dance company who grew up in Cannons Creek. BizFest 2025: Kōpū i te pae – Light up the Horizon will take place on 1 July, a day that aims to inspire and connect business people in our city. Topics of discussion on the day will include what's on the economic horizon, how business leaders are navigating uncertain times in the business world, and what are the key ingredients for innovation and success now and into the future. Dame Valerie Adams is recognised worldwide for her feats in shot put and is a leader and role model in the Pacific community for her work outside athletics. From 2006 to 2016, Dame Valerie was unbeaten in major championships and won Olympic gold at Beijing 2008 and London 2012. A seven-time Halberg sportswoman of the year, her story is one that inspires – post her shot put career, she works in the community to support a number of causes and with commercial partners, while also being chair of the World Athletics Athletes' Commission, a World Athletics Council member and on the board of High Performance Sport New Zealand. Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says having Dame Valerie speak in Porirua is a coup, bringing value to the event by being able to share her experiences as an athlete at the very highest level, her commitment to her community and health and wellbeing, and her advocacy for athletes, especially among women in sport. 'Someone like Dame Valerie will add immense value to BizFest – she is someone who has demonstrated perseverance, discipline and an amazing work ethic, prioritising health and wellbeing, and commitment to helping others. I can't wait to hear what she has to say about pushing through challenges and building resilience,' Mayor Baker says. Black Grace's Neil Ieremia, meanwhile, will add a homegrown flavour to BizFest, with his journey one of inspiration and perspiration. Born in Cannons Creek and of Samoan heritage, Ieremia left home and his banking job at 19 and enrolled in a fulltime dance programme. Founding dance company Black Grace in 1995, he has enjoyed sell-out performances in the US, Mexico and Canada and won numerous accolades at home and abroad for what Black Grace has achieved across the world. Appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2016, Ieremia received the inaugural Moana Creative Enterprise Award at the 2022 Pacific Business Trust Awards and is an honorary member of Dance ICONS, the international organisation of choreographers, along with numerous other honours. Mayor Baker says Ieremia's talk at BizFest should not be missed. 'Neil was rightly inducted into our Hall of Fame at Te Rauparaha Arena in 2022 – he is a local who has gone on to impressive heights around the world and will have a beautiful and authentic story to tell about seizing opportunities and taking our stories from Porirua to the global stage.'
Scoop
04-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Porirua's BizFest Announces Two Outstanding Speakers
One of New Zealand's most iconic athletes will be speaking at Porirua's BizFest on 1 July, joining the founder of an international dance company who grew up in Cannons Creek. BizFest 2025: Kōpū i te pae - Light up the Horizon will take place on 1 July, a day that aims to inspire and connect business people in our city. Topics of discussion on the day will include what's on the economic horizon, how business leaders are navigating uncertain times in the business world, and what are the key ingredients for innovation and success now and into the future. Dame Valerie Adams is recognised worldwide for her feats in shot put and is a leader and role model in the Pacific community for her work outside athletics. From 2006 to 2016, Dame Valerie was unbeaten in major championships and won Olympic gold at Beijing 2008 and London 2012. A seven-time Halberg sportswoman of the year, her story is one that inspires - post her shot put career, she works in the community to support a number of causes and with commercial partners, while also being chair of the World Athletics Athletes' Commission, a World Athletics Council member and on the board of High Performance Sport New Zealand. Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says having Dame Valerie speak in Porirua is a coup, bringing value to the event by being able to share her experiences as an athlete at the very highest level, her commitment to her community and health and wellbeing, and her advocacy for athletes, especially among women in sport. "Someone like Dame Valerie will add immense value to BizFest - she is someone who has demonstrated perseverance, discipline and an amazing work ethic, prioritising health and wellbeing, and commitment to helping others. I can't wait to hear what she has to say about pushing through challenges and building resilience," Mayor Baker says. Black Grace's Neil Ieremia, meanwhile, will add a homegrown flavour to BizFest, with his journey one of inspiration and perspiration. Born in Cannons Creek and of Samoan heritage, Ieremia left home and his banking job at 19 and enrolled in a fulltime dance programme. Founding dance company Black Grace in 1995, he has enjoyed sell-out performances in the US, Mexico and Canada and won numerous accolades at home and abroad for what Black Grace has achieved across the world. Appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2016, Ieremia received the inaugural Moana Creative Enterprise Award at the 2022 Pacific Business Trust Awards and is an honorary member of Dance ICONS, the international organisation of choreographers, along with numerous other honours. Mayor Baker says Ieremia's talk at BizFest should not be missed. "Neil was rightly inducted into our Hall of Fame at Te Rauparaha Arena in 2022 - he is a local who has gone on to impressive heights around the world and will have a beautiful and authentic story to tell about seizing opportunities and taking our stories from Porirua to the global stage."
Otago Daily Times
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Having an absolutely Rippa time with rugby
More than 1000 year 3-8 children from 19 schools played through sunshine and downpours in last week's District Rippa Rugby Tournament at Balclutha showgrounds, in their choice of competitive or non-competitive grades. "The festival has been running since 2007 with Tiny Carruthers ... I've been involved since I started in this role in 2018," Sport Clutha regional co- ordinator Craig Gordon said. "It's grown and evolved [and] expanded to use all available fields." "This year marked the first enabler session, led by Zoe Tully [Halberg], Paris Skipper [Parafed] and Chris Moffitt [Special Olympics] ... four children attended ... one didn't want to go home, another who isn't known for smiling was absolutely beaming, and his teacher aide mentioned she had never seen him so active ... it clearly meant the world to them [and] it will only grow from here. "One of the most rewarding things is seeing past participants returning ... as referees [and] to help coach and support their former schools. Mr Gordon wanted to give a big thanks to the wider community that supported the event. "To the parents who volunteer their time, the schools who continue to support the event despite increasing travel costs and especially to South Otago High School, without whom the festival couldn't happen."
NZ Herald
22-05-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
On the Up: Halberg Foundation launch ‘Make Play Possible' to help kids with disabilities play sport
But the costs are making it more difficult for people to participate, and Halberg Foundation chief executive Tom Smith is desperate to change that. ' Sir Murray said that everyone should have the opportunity to play sport,' said Smith. 'We're still failing them because there's still thousands of young people out there that just aren't getting the opportunity to participate in sport. 'If you're not actively participating in sport or you're not part of a team or a group of people, you're going to lack self-confidence. These opportunities that people miss in sport, they lead to lack of ... opportunities in life.' Isabel Venter is an example of a child who has benefited from the Halberg Activity Fund grant. She was born with an upper limb difference and, with the support of Halberg, she managed to participate in the Games and start riding lessons. 'I really like being around the horses,' said Isabel. 'It makes me feel happy, calm and relaxed. When I first started I was quite weak and couldn't do everything I wanted to, but I'm getting stronger. 'I really enjoyed Halberg Games because I could compete with other people with the same limb difference as me. 'My favourite part was the rock climbing because it exercises both of my arms. I loved the experience, and I hope I can go again.' Despite all that, Smith is pleased to see the number of kids benefiting from taking part in events like the Halberg Games, which is proving to be a stepping stone to further success. He highlights the success of wheelchair racers Jaden Movold and Sarah James, who have benefited from participating. 'It's also about the kids coming to the Halberg Games for the very first time,' said Smith. 'These are children who often aren't picked for Aims Games or rep teams. They're the ones left behind in class when their peers get to put on the Auckland Blues jersey or the green of Manawatu. 'They're left out, and for them, the Halberg Games might be the first time they're away from home without their parents. 'It could be the first time they're managing their own medication, and it becomes a real coming-of-age experience. 'I always say to people that we talk about creating moments of joy, but the finish line at the Halberg Games is just this amazing place of humanity.'
