Leaders to present research at Gisborne sports and climate event

Professor Holly Thorpe said more research that focused on the experiences of rangatahi in a changing climate was needed.

A free symposium, “Sport in a Changing Climate”, will be held on Wednesday at Midway Surf Life Saving Club.

The event is described as a community insights and research symposium, featuring local and national sport and recreation leaders, community champions and researchers.

Professor Holly Thorpe of the University of Waikato, originally from Gisborne, collaborated on a Ministry of Health project focused on the health and wellbeing impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle and led the research within Tairāwhiti.

She said it was clear to her more research was needed that focused on the experiences of rangatahi [youth] in a changing climate.

Thorpe and her research team, including project manager and Gisborne photographer Josie McClutchie, who collaborated with her on a photographic exhibition on Tuesday, set out to understand how recent flooding events were impacting the wellbeing of rangatahi young people aged between 16 and 24 living in Tairāwhiti.

Using the methods of focus groups and photographic co-creation, the project examined how local youths were making meaning of recent extreme weather events, the impact on their families and community, and their hopes and concerns for the future.

The study will identify how climate change-related events in isolated communities impact young people’s thinking and decision-making about their current and future education goals, employment, and what is important in their lives.

Thorpe said focus groups were conducted with 95 rangatahi aged between 13 and 25.

The sample was intentionally diverse and representative of the community.

“We frequently heard about the importance of sport and physical activity in rangatahi lives; how their sport participation was impacted, and the value of sport in helping youths find strength, support, connection and hope in challenging times,” Thorpe said.

“We have conducted interviews and focus groups with rangatahi aged 13-25 ... and 22 coaches, managers, leaders and parent volunteers from a range of community sports clubs, including rowing, swimming, Surf Life Saving, surfing, skateboarding, kayaking, rugby, and waka ama.”

‘Sport in a Changing Climate’ event speakers:

Local keynote: Stefan Pishief and Darryl Crawford (Whiti Ora): Ūkaipō – A place of sustenance

Professor Holly Thorpe (University of Waikato): Community sport in a changing climate: Insights from flood-affected Tairāwhiti

Local keynote: Te Waiotu Fairlie (Tairāwhiti rangatahi surfer)

Panel: Community sports organisations

Sport New Zealand: Kirsty Gillooly (Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa): Play today to protect the play of tomorrow; what can the NZ sports sector do to mitigate and adapt to a changing climate?

Research insights: Dr Melody Johnston (Auckland University of Technology): “The impact of weather and climate change on NZ’s sport clubs: Insights from the National Sport Club Survey”

Research insights: Dr Chris McMillan (University of Auckland) “100% pure? Environmental sustainability policy and sporting organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand”

Keynote: Dr Madeline Orr (University of Toronto) “Big saves: Good news reports from the front lines of climate change”

The symposium concludes with workshops between 3.40pm and 4.30pm.

The event starts at 9.30am at Midway Surf Life Saving Club’s conference venue.

The event is free, but registration is required and can be done at //www.sportandclimatechange.com/symposiumevent.