Halberg Foundation

28/11/2025

When nine-year-old Zara first clipped into a snowboard, she wasn't just trying a new sport, she was opening the door to a whole new world of freedom and adventure on the snow. Born with Tibia Hemimelia, Zara has grown up learning to do things her own way. She is strong, determined, and always ready for a challenge 💪💛

After a skiing accident three years ago, Zara wasn't very keen on being up the mountain. Thanks to the support of the Halberg Foundation Activity Fund, and the encouragement of her snowboarding instructors, she has found her confidence again. This opportunity has meant more than just learning to ride down a slope. It has given her the chance to grow in confidence, test her balance and coordination, and most importantly, rediscover the joy of being on the mountain 🏔️⛷️

Her instructors have been amazed at how quickly she has adapted. At first, standing on the board felt wobbly, but with each sessions she has found her rhythm, linking turns, keeping her balance, and tackling small slopes with a huge smile on her face 🤩 Every run builds her belief that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to.

Snowboarding has also given Zara something bigger: a sense of belonging in the outdoors and the thrill of trying a sport many of her friends enjoy. She talks excitedly about her progress and dreams about the next time she'll get to be on the mountain!

Her family is incredibly grateful to Halberg for making this journey possible. "Halberg's support has helped Zara take on new challenges, rebuild her confidence, and experience the pure joy of snowboarding. Thank you for investing in her potential and giving her the chane to chase her dreams 💙

28/11/2025

⏳ Just 3 days left!

Time is running out to nominate someone who’s making a lasting difference in disability sport and recreation across Aotearoa. 💛 The Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award, proudly supported by CityFitness, celebrates the champions of inclusion — the coaches, mentors, volunteers and advocates who inspire others to get active, be seen and belong.

✨ If someone in your community embodies that spirit, now’s your moment to recognise them.
Don’t let their impact go unnoticed.

👉 Nominate today: https://halberg.co.nz/halberg-awards/nominate/
🗓️ Nominations close Monday 1 December at 8pm!

Let’s honour those carrying on Sir Murray’s legacy — one nomination at a time. 🙌

26/11/2025

Congratulations to all involved in the postponed Waikato Eagles Men's Golf Tournament on Tuesday, raising ~$6000 which will support young people with physical disabilities to access sport and recreation opportunities.

Huge thanks to the Waikato Eagles team, Hamilton Golf Club, Craig's Investment, The Golf Warehouse and all players for your generosity. We were honoured to have been joined by Andrew Fairweather who supervised the sausage sizzle before sharing a little of his journey with the Halberg Games and the Activity Fund which comes from the Eagles Society donation each year.

At 17 years old, Andrew was informed this morning that he has made the Para Badminton World Cup in 2026. Congratulations Andrew 🙏💙💛

25/11/2025

Inclusion starts with people - the coaches, teachers, students, and volunteers who champion inclusive spaces where all young Kiwis can thrive 🌿 Our Halberg Inclusion Trainings are helping equip these everyday heroes with the knowledge and confidence to make real change. This is the kind of impact we love to see - practical, ongoing, and rooted in community care!

Let's keep celebrating and supporting those making a difference on the ground 💚

25/11/2025

What an awesome day in West Auckland ☀️🫶 The West Auckland All Abilities Sports Day at Green Bay High School - run in collaboration with Sport Waitākere - was full of clear skies, good vibes, and so much fun for tamariki from across the region.

From skating to cricket, gymnastics to hungerball, the smiles said it all! A huge thank you to all the amazing providers and student volunteers who helped make the day unforgettable!

Regional Advisor Tyler summed it up perfectly: "The day was a blast...what an amazing day...the kids absolutely loved it!"

⚡ Read the full recap and relive the highlights here - https://halberg.co.nz/west-auckland-all-abilities-sports-day-2025/

24/11/2025

A world-class athlete. A passionate advocate for inclusion. A true role model for what's possible 💪💫 Bay of Plenty's own Siobahn has had an incredible journey - from her early days in Para swimming to winning multiple medals at the Para Cycling Wold Championships this year!

Now she's helping others find their confidence and joy through sport in her role as a Halberg Regional Advisor.

Here story is one of perserverance, purpose, and pride - and trust us, it's not one you'll want to miss!

👉 Click the link to read Siobhan's full Q&A - https://halberg.co.nz/november-advisor-spotlight-siobhan/

24/11/2025

🚨 Only 1 week left!

There’s just one week to go to nominate someone incredible for the Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award, proudly supported by CityFitness.

This award honours those making a real difference in disability sport and recreation — the mentors, coaches, volunteers, and community champions who live and breathe inclusion across Aotearoa. 💛

If someone comes to mind, now’s the time to recognise them.
Don’t miss your chance to celebrate their impact! 🙌

👉 Nominate today: https://halberg.co.nz/halberg-awards/nominate/
🗓️ Nominations close 1 December at 8pm

23/11/2025

Natalie is a passionate advocate for inclusion in sport, and we’re thrilled to have her voice helping shape the future for young people with physical disabilities.

Read more 👉

The 18-year-old lost her sight when she was 6 but says sport has shaped her life.

19/11/2025

The Halberg Foundation is pleased to welcome 2degrees as the new naming rights partner for the Sportswoman of the Year Award at the 63rd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards.

Aligned with 2degrees’ SupportHer campaign, this partnership strengthens our shared commitment to elevating women in sport across Aotearoa — from emerging athletes to those performing on the world stage.

The 2degrees Sportswoman of the Year Award remains one of the most distinguished and highly contested categories of the Halberg Awards, recognising extraordinary athletes who embody excellence, resilience and inspiration.

To read the full announcement, including reflections from Dame Valerie Adams and commentary from Halberg Chief Executive Tom Smith:

👉 Read the full story on our website: https://halberg.co.nz/2degrees-new-naming-rights-partner-for-halberg-awards-sportswoman-of-the-year/

19/11/2025

🌏🌟 Today we celebrate World Children's Day - a reminder of the importance of creating a world where every child can thrive. At Halberg, we believe all tamariki deserve the chance to play, move, and belong! Through inclusive sport and recreation, we're helping to break down barriers so every child has the opportunity to shine 💙

Let's keep working together to build a brighter, more inclusive future fot all kids!

19/11/2025

17/11/2025

The Sir Murray Halberg Award, proudly supported by CityFitness, celebrates individuals who embody the values and vision of Sir Murray Halberg - making a lasting impact in their community through inclusion, leadership and a commitment to creating opportunities for all 🌟

Last year's winner, Michael, left a lasting impression - as you can see from the kind words shared! Now it's your turn to recognise someone who continues that legacy 💛 💬

Nominate today at https://halberg.co.nz/halberg-awards/nominate/