The New Zealand Government has officially launched the Sport Diplomacy Strategy 2025-2030, a cross-government initiative designed to harness the power of sport to advance international relationships, trade, tourism, education and cultural exchange.

The strategy was launched today at the Sport Diplomacy Forum in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, attended by Associate Minister for Sport and Recreation Hon Chris Bishop, Minister for Sport and Recreation Hon Mark Mitchell and Her Excellency Neeta Bhushan, High Commissioner of India to New Zealand.

Sport diplomacy is a form of “soft power” that uses sport to build trust, open doors and create opportunities. The strategy outlines how New Zealand will use its sporting assets – our athletes, teams, events and leaders – to deliver long-term benefits for the country.

Led by 9 agencies including Sport NZ, the strategy reflects a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to international engagement.

Explore the strategy and learn how sport connects Aotearoa New Zealand to the world.