TECT Community Trust (TECT) is proud to support Parafed Bay of Plenty through a three-year funding agreement, backing inclusive sport, recreation and play that strengthens wellbeing, connection and community vibrancy across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.

This funding provides Parafed Bay of Plenty with long-term certainty to grow inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities, while also supporting broader change across the region. By challenging perceptions, removing barriers, and encouraging more inclusive practices within mainstream sport and recreation.

Parafed Bay of Plenty supports people with physical disabilities to take part in sport, recreation and play. Its work spans grassroots participation through to high-performance pathways, while also supporting clubs, schools and community organisations to build their confidence and capability to deliver inclusive experiences.

Play and Youth Lead Jo Jackson says multi-year funding has been a game-changer for the organisation.

“Receiving three years of funding from TECT has provided Parafed Bay of Plenty with much needed stability and certainty, which is incredibly valuable for an organisation like ours. It has allowed us to move beyond short-term planning and instead take a more strategic, long-term approach to how we deliver and grow our programmes.”

That longer-term approach has supported steady growth across the region. Parafed Bay of Plenty’s membership has increased from 85 in 2020 to 256 in 2026, alongside the expansion of programmes ranging from wheelchair rugby, basketball and boccia, through to swimming, surfing, paddleboarding and sailing delivered through strong local partnerships.

“Ultimately, multi-year funding enables us to create a deeper, more meaningful impact for our community,” Jo says.

Alongside increased participation, Parafed Bay of Plenty is seeing a growing demand for inclusive sport and recreation across the Bay of Plenty. Many programmes, particularly ocean-based activities, are reaching capacity, with increasing engagement from schools, families and young people seeking ongoing pathways to stay involved. However, access to inclusive opportunities remains inconsistent, highlighting the need for more regular, accessible programmes across communities.

A key driver of visibility and connection is Parafed Bay of Plenty’s Healthvision Festival of Disability Sport, one of the largest disability sport festivals in Aotearoa New Zealand. This year, the two-day event will be held on 23 and 24 May at Mercury Baypark Arena in Tauranga.

“Events like the Healthvision Festival of Disability Sport are important for both participants and the wider community because they create opportunities that go far beyond competition,” says Jo. “They help people connect, reduce isolation, and showcase what is possible when environments are inclusive and accessible.”

Beyond events and direct delivery, Parafed Bay of Plenty’s work plays an important role in normalising inclusive sport and recreation across the region. By working alongside clubs, schools and community providers, Parafed helps embed inclusive practice into everyday sport, building capability, shifting perceptions and strengthening the overall sport and recreation network.

TECT Deputy Chair Kate Barry-Piceno says supporting organisations like Parafed Bay of Plenty reflects TECT’s commitment to community wellbeing and priority communities.

“This three-year partnership recognises the value of long-term investment in inclusion. Parafed Bay of Plenty’s work supports wellbeing, builds connection and helps create a region where people of all abilities are welcomed and able to participate. When inclusion is embedded across communities, everyone benefits.”

Parafed Bay of Plenty’s regional impact is reflected in the work of local organisations delivering inclusive programmes on the ground, including Te Puke Gymsports’ Movement Unlimited programme, also supported by TECT.

Movement Unlimited provides adaptive gymnastics and parkour sessions for tamariki and rangatahi with disabilities, delivered for schools at the club with a focus on confidence, belonging and enjoyment. Sessions are tailored to individual students’ needs, removing barriers that can prevent young people from participating in physical activity.

Te Puke Gymsports General Manager Erin McKenna says inclusion is central to the organisation’s values.

“Inclusion to us means that everyone in our community can participate in a way that works for them, feel that they belong and are valued at our club.”

The programme fills an important gap for families and schools, offering accessible, fully supported gymnastic opportunities for young people who may otherwise miss out.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to participate in a way that works for them and is comfortable for them. We have a stronger and more connected community when everyone has the opportunity to participate and thrive,” Erin says.

Together, region-wide organisations like Parafed Bay of Plenty and grassroots programmes such as Te Puke Gymsports’ Movement Unlimited programme reinforce a shared message that disability sport, recreation and play are about opportunity, inclusion and connection. When barriers are removed, individuals, families, clubs and communities all benefit.

Through continued investment in inclusive programmes, TECT is supporting a Western Bay of Plenty where diversity is normalised, participation is accessible, and everyone has the chance to experience the wellbeing and connection that come from being active and included.

© Scoop Media