Sarah Murray recognised with national leadership award
We’re delighted to announce our Chief Executive, Sarah Murray, has recieved the C.K. Doig Leadership Award at Sport NZ’s annual New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards, held in Wellington tonight.
In presenting the award, Sport NZ noted:
“As Chief Executive of Recreation Aotearoa, Sarah Murray has played a pivotal role in strengthening the organisation’s influence in national recreation strategy – a complex and dynamic role to which she brings courage, clarity, and impact-driven change.
Bringing 20 years' experience in community development and public sector leadership, she has long championed equitable access to recreation as a pillar of community wellbeing. Earlier roles included leadership at the Department of Conservation and Wellington City Council, as well as founding contributions to the Shift Foundation to improve access to recreation for young women, advance gender equity and leadership pathways.
In just over two years as Chief Executive, Sarah’s inclusive and strategic leadership has produced significant gains – shaping sustainable, community-focused initiatives that are transforming the recreation sector.
These include Te Whai Oranga 2025–2030 – Recreation Aotearoa’s intergenerational strategy that is driving transformational change across the recreation sector, including growing and deepening sector cultural capability through a range of new and innovative programmes.
Sarah has shifted Recreation Aotearoa from a sector supporter to a sector shaper – with strong values at the core of its mission.”
We’re incredibly proud to see Sarah’s work and leadership recognised at this level.
For more on the award and other winners, visit the Sport NZ website:
2025 New Zealand Sport and Recreation Award winners
To learn more about Te Whai Oranga 2025–2030, explore our latest strategy: