Rob Waddell, centre, with the language leadership award alongside Fonterra’s Tana Luke, left and Whakaata Māori chief executive Shane Taurima.
A project run under the umbrella of Rob Waddell’s business Waddell, the New Zealand Sport Collective (NZSC), has won an award in partnership with Whakaata Māori.
Rob Waddell shooting hoops at the opening of the new ‘Hoops in Schools’ at Kelston Girls’. Photo: Roshy Uelese
The former New Zealand high-performance athlete has been encouraged by the project’s feedback.
The NZSC is a group including National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) and event organisers which have come together to achieve greater funding, participation, and social outcomes than they could achieve individually.
Collectively they have created the School Sport Series, a collection of over 30 National Schools Championships, which happen around New Zealand and are broadcast on Whakaata Mãori, Mãori Active and the Whakaata Mãori YouTube channel.
NZSC picked up the award from Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, the Māori Language Commission, for incorporating bilingual commentary into their school sports broadcasts.
“It was very humbling. We were very pleased to win it and it’s something we share collectively with Whakaata Māori,” Cambridge-based Waddell said.
Mark Ross from Unit2Go, Rafael Caso from Live Well Build Well, and Rob Waddell during their successful campaign that raised $100,000 for tradies’ mental health.
Waddell, 51 next month, was born in Te Kūiti and attended Piopio Primary School where he lived on a dairy farm with parents Jim and Susan.
“We’ve been doing this kaupapa with them in and around youth sport.
“Their goal is the revitalisation and normalisation of Te Reo Māori. We’ve been able to bring that to life through one of our projects, which is youth sport and the coverage of that.
“All of our events have bilingual commentary, which we arrange, at least 30 per cent Te Reo Māori, but the goal is to do that in a really educative way. So that the listeners can enjoy it and learn new phrases and kupu along the way.”
The project has been in operation for three and a half years.
Waddell said it’s a rewarding space to be in.
“It’s actually a big set of eyeballs now. A lot of people watch the content and it’s really well received.
“It’s a really nice way to bring communities together. There’s a lot of whānau and friends that want to connect and watch but can’t always afford the cost or the time of being able to make these events. So being able to watch from afar is always appreciated.
“Whakaata Māori have been an amazing partner. They’re very purpose driven and great people to work with.
“It’s rewarding to see those outcomes being recognised at a national level.”
See: Building a legacy beyond sport
The New Zealand Sport Collective was winner of the He Tohu mō te Whakarangatira i te Reo (Language Leadership Award) at the 2025 Ngā Tohu Reo Māori Awards, in partnership with Whakaata Māori – Back Row: Natalie Sharp (from left), Hoani Smith, Rob Waddell, Ethan Smith, Quinn Smith. Front Row: Maria Barlow, Keeley Sander, Susan Waddell, Toby Fleming.
