Sport means ‘family and church’: sport in New Zealand Pasifika communities

Abstract

This study was conducted to gain a better understanding of the role that sport plays in New Zealand Pasifika communities. Eight focus groups and six key individuals were interviewed using a Talanoa approach. Spirituality, family and friends, the developing of life skills, fitness and health, and the release of aggression were all seen as important outcomes from participation in sport. Sport was conceptualised in a variety of ways by those interviewed. These differing conceptualisations of sport, many of which differed markedly from the traditional viewpoint, have ramifications for those working and researching in this area. While participants' experiences of sport were predominately positive, sport was also seen in a negative light by others. The negativity of some towards sport also suggests the need to consider reframing, reducing, or possibly replacing sport with alternatives when looking to promote physical activity.