The Sport and Recreation Minister says he's committed to getting more women into sport.
Grant Robertson today released a study by Sport New Zealand, which highlights the importance of sport to New Zealanders, and how it benefits individuals and communities.
A report by Sport New Zealand found 60 percent of boys were participating in club sport, compared to 49 percent of girls. Photo: Twitter / Sport New Zealand
The report canvassed 1500 people including many in the sport and recreation sector.
It found almost three quarters of adults participated in sport over the past week, compared to nine out of 10 young people.
Just one in five adults belonged to a sports club and 9 percent had gym memberships.
The report also found 51 percent of young people were part of a school sports team.
However, the report said 60 percent of boys were participating in club sport, compared to 49 percent of girls.
Mr Robertson said he had made it his priority as Minister of Sport to see a greater role for women and girls in sport.
"It's also the role modelling question, we want role models to be celebrated. I'm really excited with some of the developments in women's sport we're starting to see across the codes, but there's a whole lot more to do."
Mr Robertson said he wanted to see changes at a grassroots level.
"It's actually about the priorities that we put on that - encouraging and supporting clubs, for instance, to have development officers who focus on women.
"And I know a number of the codes around New Zealand are now doing that - their development officers are not just males but they're also females."
Former Silver Ferns' coach, and head coach at Wellington netball club P.I.C, Wai Taumaunu attended the launch and said her club provided positive role models to younger women.
Former Silver Ferns' coach, and head coach at Wellington netball club P.I.C, Wai Taumaunu. Photo: Photosport
"I was fortunate enough that having started sport quite young, I was then exposed to a wide range of wonderful female role models in positions of authority," she said.
Ms Taumaunu said she strongly believed her netball club made a positive impact on her community.
