Celebrating the Success of the Young Pacific Leaders Women’s Sports Programme 2025

In March 2025, the Young Pacific Leaders Women’s Sports Programme took place in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), New Zealand, marking the culmination of a transformative three-week journey for 13 exceptional women from the Pacific region. The programme, run by Women in Sport Aotearoa in partnership with Pasifika Sisters in Sport, was designed to empower young Pacific women through sports, leadership development, and cultural exchange.

This unique initiative brought together an array of key organisations, all dedicated to supporting Pacific youth and women’s leadership in sports. The collaboration between these organisations enabled a dynamic and enriching experience for the participants, providing them with the tools, networks, and confidence to make a lasting impact in their communities.

Host Organisations and Support

Several national and regional organisations played a key role in supporting the programme, each contributing their expertise and passion for empowering women in sport.

• Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ), the national governing body for basketball in New Zealand
• New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL), the national governing body for rugby league in New Zealand
• Moana Pasifika, representing the Pacific Islands in Super Rugby.
• Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), a network of Pacific health professionals dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Pacific communities
• The Cause Collective (TCC) a community organisation that aims to create the conditions for communities to thrive from this generation to the next.
• Warriors Community Foundation (WCF), the official charity partner of the One NZ Warriors delivering and coordinating all community activations on their behalf.
• Harbour Sport, a Regional Sports Trust supporting sport, active recreation, and health throughout the North Harbour region.
• CLM Community Sport, the Regional Sports Trust for the Counties Manukau Region, seeking to add value, connect, empower, and activate their community.
• Netball Manurewa, a community-focused organisation, promoting netball from grassroots to competitive levels.
• Auckland Rugby League (ARL), the governing body for rugby league in Auckland.
• Northern Region Football (NRF), New Zealand’s largest football federation.

The hosts provided the perfect setting for the young leaders to develop both professionally and personally. By connecting with peers, mentors, and experts in the sports industry, the participants experienced firsthand the value of community, leadership, and cultural exchange.

A Journey of Empowerment

The 13 women selected for the programme were diverse in their backgrounds but united by their shared passion for sports, health and leadership. Representing nine countries from across the Pacific region, each participant brought a unique perspective and voice to the programme. Throughout the three weeks, these leaders immersed themselves in various leadership and sports workshops, community engagement activities, and hands-on experiences that helped hone their skills and increase their confidence.

From developing key leadership skills to learning how to navigate the sports industry, the participants were empowered to take their next steps in creating positive change within their communities. The programme also included visits to key sports institutions, where the women learned about different models of sports governance, inclusion, and innovation. They also had the opportunity to meet influential figures in the world of sports and leadership, further expanding their networks and knowledge.

The experiences the women shared, captured in the programme’s final video watch here, highlight the powerful transformation that occurred over the course of the programme. Many of the participants spoke of the newfound sense of confidence and leadership ability they gained. From learning about the importance of women in leadership roles to understanding how to create positive social change through sports, the programme left a lasting impact on each of the participants.

Reflecting on Their Journey

As the participants reflected on their time in Tāmaki Makaurau, their stories revealed the deep bonds formed, the invaluable skills they gained, and the inspiring leaders they met along the way.

Beyond the sports-focused workshops, the women also connected with each other on a personal level, sharing their unique challenges and triumphs. Many spoke about the importance of cultural exchange and how the programme deepened their understanding of the diverse Pacific cultures represented within the group.

Looking Ahead

The success of the Young Pacific Leaders Women’s Sports Programme 2025 reinforces the importance of providing opportunities for Pacific women to excel in leadership roles. The insights gained throughout the programme will continue to shape how future generations of women in the Pacific approach leadership in sport and beyond.

We extend our gratitude to all the hosts, mentors, and participants who made this programme such a success. Their contributions and efforts have not only empowered the 13 participants but have also paved the way for future initiatives that will continue to elevate the voices and experiences of Pacific women in sports leadership.

Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to champion the leadership journeys of these incredible women.