GIRL POWA
Empowering girls through active recreation
Our award-winning GIRL POWA Programme is designed to address the decline in participation in sport and outdoor recreation among teenage girls.
GIRL POWA allows teen girls aged 12-18 years to adventure for free when accompanied by a paying adult female (19+ years old). So far we have been on adventure days, caving, kayaking, rock climbing, abseiling, trying out archery and the High Ropes. Our '2 for 1' ticket is so that an adult female can come along to support, inspire the girls and show them that adventures are not just for boys. Mums, Nanas, Sisters, Cousins, Aunties and friends come along with their teen and the all-female environment creates a safe space, where teens are fully supported. The benefits of taking part in outdoor activities are huge. It can help our girls grow in confidence, boost their self-esteem, help them make new friends as well as provide a physical challenge and make connections with their whenua. Cost is a huge barrier for participating. We have been very fortunate to receive funding from Sport New Zealand's Tu Manawa Active Aotearoa fund, administered by Sport Waikato. This funding allows us to offer the teen place at no cost. We also receive donations through our givealittle page . This was set up as funding is never guaranteed. The donations will help to make sure all teen girls get the opportunity to participate in GIRL POWA regardless of her ability to pay. |
Award WinningIn 2024 GIRL POWA , along with our POWA programme, won the Women in Sport Aotearoa Innovation Impact Award and was also awarded Supreme winner during their Change in Action week.
GIRL POWA also won the 2024 Recreation Aotearoa - Te Whau Oranga Te Tohu - Whakaaweawe Kaupap/ Outstanding Event/Programme Award. The Award "recognises the significant contribution that events and programmes make to outdoor recreation and adventure activities in New Zealand." Previously in 2023 GIRL POWA was a finalist in the Commitment to Accessibility & Inclusion category at Sort Waikato's annual Sport and Active Recreation Awards. 
Kate featured in this article in LockerRoomNZ talking about her commitment to empowering women and girls. You can read the article here.
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"A fun day with my daughter and our friends (we signed up together), the most precious moment was when a girl who seemed scared to do the abseiling came down together with Kate. I was so touched and I think this experience was possibly life changing for her. Well done Kate. You were never pushy, respected people's boundaries and at the same time encouraging. Not easy but you really managed that extremely well."
