Sports Industry to Have Own Organistion in NZ

MEDIA RELEASE

19 October, 2005

Sports Industry to Have Own Organistion in New Zealand

One of New Zealand’s fastest growing industries is set to have its own industry body with this week’s launch of the New Zealand office of the Institute of Sport Management (ISM), a global organisation with members throughout Australia, United States of America, Canada, Europe, Asia and South Africa.

In New Zealand, paid employment in the sport sector has grown significantly, increasing from around 15,000 in 1991 to more than 26,000 this year. Based on the current industry growth rate of more than 2.6 percent per year, ahead of overall employment growth rates of 1.2 percent, the industry expects this figure to exceed 30,000 by 2010.

ISM New Zealand Director, Richard Dryden, said with the growth of the sport management profession, the industry is long overdue to have its own organisation in New Zealand. “The sports sector is a significant employer in New Zealand and it now provides a genuine career opportunity for many people, however it has not experienced a corresponding growth in professional development,” said Mr Dryden. “The ‘kitchen table’ model for sporting organisations is fast becoming an anachronism and sport in New Zealand must be managed in a conventional and businesslike way.”

Mr Dryden said ISM has developed a strong brand and membership in Australia and other western countries and the time is right to provide New Zealand sports managers with the support and resources of ISM, tailored to meet this country’s specific requirements.

Mr Dryden’s views are shared by CEO of Surf Life Saving New Zealand, Geoff Barry, who has been a member of ISM’s Australian organisation for the past two years. “In the absence of a local body representing sports managers I have been a member of the Australian ISM, however I am delighted there will now be a New Zealand operation which will encourage a relevant local sports management structure, primarily through driving professional development for and in the New Zealand market,” said Mr Barry.

ISM was launched in September 2000 and is a global network of sports managers, driving and developing industry benchmarks while providing a single, representative voice for and on behalf of the sport management profession.

It will be launched to representatives of the sports industry at this week’s annual Business of Sport summit being held in Auckland. Key note speakers at the Summit include Mr Barry along with David Gallop, Chief Executive of the NRL who is also a member of ISM in Australia.

ISM has, as its mission, to represent and service the interests of sports managers, to enhance their profile, professionalism and ongoing development. It will offer members industry recognised certification, be governed by a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and maintain and upgrade professional development. It will provide members with an integrated e-commerce website, scholarships and strategic partnerships with professional development providers.

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