This winter a new campaign is being rolled out across the Bay of Plenty to bring a shared focus on what positive behaviour looks like in sport for tamariki (children) and rangatahi (youth).
Spearheaded by Sport Bay of Plenty, the Positive Vibes Only (Me pai te wairua) campaign aims to reverberate good, positive energy across winter sports this season.
“Positive Vibes Only (Me pai te wairua) focuses on what positive behaviour looks like, encouraging people to reflect on their reo (language), actions and interactions,” said Sport Bay of Plenty sport development advisor Wayne Arthur.
“It supports small, practical shifts that make a big difference to how sport feels for everyone involved.”
Arthur said the phrase “Me pai te wairua” reflected the kaupapa of the campaign – creating a good, positive energy.
“For example, ‘Me’ suggests this is something we should all strive for, ‘pai’ means good or positive, and ‘wairua’ speaks to the feeling, energy and atmosphere we bring to sport.”
The Positive Vibes Only (Me pai te wairua) campaign’s competition run until July 20. Photo / Supplied
Arthur said the Positive Vibes Only campaign ran at the 2024 and 2025 Aims Games “and showed us that focusing on what good behaviour looks like creates better sporting environments for everyone”.
Arthur said when sideline behaviour becomes negative, pressure builds and enjoyment drops. “Young people tell us they play sport (hākinakina) to have fun, spend time with friends, and learn new skills.
“While most sporting environments are positive, it only takes a few moments of negativity to shape the experience. When the fun disappears, so do players referees and volunteers.”
Positive Vibes Only (Me pai te wairua) was created by Sport Waikato and was gaining momentum across Aotearoa.
Arthur said Sport Bay of Plenty is proud to be part of the initiative, which is supported locally by a collective (rōpū) of regional sports organisations and partners.
This included Tauranga Netball Centre, Tauranga City Basketball Association, Tauranga Hockey Association, Bay of Plenty Hockey Association, Waikato Bay of Plenty Football Federation, Squash Bay of Plenty Incorporated and Bay Venues Limited.
Tauranga Hockey Association general manager Megan Cleverley said Positive Vibes Only resonated with what she wanted sport to feel like in the hockey community “which is welcoming, respectful and enjoyable for everyone involved”.
The Positive Vibes Only (Me pai te wairua) campaign’s competition run until July 20. Photo / Supplied
“The focus on reinforcing positive behaviours, rather than calling out negatives, aligns strongly with how we want to support our players, officials, coaches and whānau,” Cleverley said.
“Being part of the regional RSO collective gives us a great opportunity to contribute to a consistent, positive culture across sport in the Bay of Plenty.”
The campaign is asking the public to get involved in the Positive Vibes Only competition, by nominating those who bring the best energy to sport in the BOP.
People can nominate the Most Positive Team, the Most Positive Coach, the Biggest Vibe Bringer, the Best Positive Vibe Only Photo, or the Best Dressed in Pink Photo.
Each category winner receives a $100 Prezzy Card – and nominators have a chance to win one of five $50 Prezzy Cards. Entries close July 20.
To enter, visit: https://tinyurl.com/52xv3bsr