Community Team

Introducing Selwyn Sports Trust’s Community Team

We are excited to introduce our Activators charged with enhancing the physical activity opportunities in and for the Selwyn District. You will get to meet them through their direct involvement with your local school and through the community events and activations they host.

We are very appreciative of all our supporters and encourage you all to engage with them at every opportunity. You can join the team of supporters by contacting us today.

Our Activators are involved in many initiatives throughout the District. Some of which are listed below; Sports Spectaculars, Whakatipu Kaihautū (leadership through physical activity), Winter and Summer Sport, Fundamental Sports Spectaculars, Teacher PD sessions.

Mitch Prendergast – Activator Manager mitch@selwynsportstrust.org.nz 

Mitch was born and raised in Dunsandel. He attended Ellesmere College and then went on to complete a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management at Lincoln University.  He is stoked to be able to stay in the district and make a positive contribution to all areas of sport and active recreation. Mitch has played rugby his whole life and currently plays for Southbridge RFC. He plays social touch and a spot of cricket on the side. He has also been involved in various different coaching opportunities and is excited to lead the relationships across the Malvern and Ellesmere Wards.

Jacinda Valentine – Community Activity & Event Manager jacinda@selwynsportstrust.org.nz 

Jacinda completed a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation majoring in Outdoor Education, then spent her first 10 years working in the outdoor education sector in Auckland, with youth development program’s and in her spare time climbing up rocks.  After moving south to Christchurch Jacinda took up a role for Christchurch City Council in the Recreation and Sport Unit, until leaving to raise her family of now two rowdy boys.  Jacinda has started in the role of Community Connector and is looking forward to connecting with local clubs, businesses, schools, and community groups around Selwyn.  In her spare time, you’ll find Jacinda out with her family riding bikes and eating ice cream.

Karysa Wilkinson – Wāhine Activator karysa@selwynsportstrust.org.nz

Karysa is originally from the United States and moved to New Zealand in February of 2019 to study Sports Coaching at the University of Canterbury. After graduating, she started in her current role in which she works closely alongside the local tamariki and kaiako to make a positive difference in sport and play in the Rolleston community. At some point, she hopes to take her community sport related learnings, experiences, and practices back to the States and share them with her indigenous relations. She currently lives in Sumner where she enjoys surfing, skating, and walking the trails embedded in the nearby hills

Kate Lloyd – PLD Activator kate@selwynsportstrust.org.nz

Kate grew up in Ashburton making the most of the outdoors and sporting activities the region has to offer. Being involved in netball led her to gaining a sports scholarship at Lincoln University where she completed a Bachelor of Sport & Recreation Management.  She has played in the ANZ Premiership netball comp since 2017 and is currently with the Mainland Tactix. Her greatest achievement was being part of the World Cup winning Under 21 NZ netball team.  Kate is excited to bring her passion for children’s growth in their physical development and looks forward to building positive relationships in the Selwyn region.

Sarah McClure – iBike Lead sarah@selwynsportstrust.org.nz

Tahu Kaa – Malvern Activator tahu@selwynsportstrust.org.nz

Tahu Kaa is an aspiring rugby player who has been involved with the Crusaders Academy, and also a number of professional rugby squads over the past few years. Tahu currently plays for the Lincoln University Premier team, and he has recently graduated from Lincoln University with a Sport and Recreational Management degree. Tahu is a mentor, a leader, a male Māori role model, and a young person finding his feet, who is keen and always open to learning and gaining a strong network while also appreciating the joys of life. Tahu is looking forward to enhancing physical activity opportunities in local Selwyn Kura by creating great connections and relationships. “If we can provide an environment for children to connect, feel included, and enjoying themselves through active play, then it will help build their confidence and aspirations in the future”