TET Athletics

Athletics Taranaki is the governing body for competitive athletics in the Taranaki region. The organisation caters to 13 clubs, who look after the needs of track and field athletes and non stadia events.
 
“We needed to upgrade our equipment to host major national events, for example the North Island Colgate Games and New Zealand Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships. We purchased a new wind gauge and finish line race clock. The wind gauge is important for us to meet international athletics rules for events,” said Melissa Maw, Executive Officer of Athletics Taranaki.

A grant of $20,000 from Toi Foundation allowed the organisation to refurbish the track and purchase a wind gauge.

“We applied to Toi Foundation because they are a community-minded organisation that mirror the values of community organizations like TET Athletics Taranaki. They have supported us for a very long time,” Melissa said.
 
“I work closely with the schools in the region looking for opportunities to grow the sport. The grant gave us the opportunity to showcase what we have here in Taranaki.”

“We have the Junior and Senior Track and Field championships coming up soon. In December, we will be hosting the NZ Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships and that brings in athletes from secondary schools all around New Zealand. It is the biggest athletics event on the calendar,” Melissa said.

Athletics Taranaki is a nonprofit organisation. The sport is mainly run by volunteers who are passionate about it.

“We have club evenings at the Jubilee Park in Inglewood. By having upgraded our equipment, it gives the people in the community more opportunity to train and share their love of the sport.”