Rachel Batty

About Me

“I began my industry-based career as a sport event and venue manager. Working within the complex landscape of event stakeholder relationships sparked my interest in understanding and navigating the nexus between those who are impacted by sport and those who can impact sport. This interest ultimately led me to undertake a PhD examining how the effective management of stakeholder relationships can shape the provision of, and access to, sport. Building on this foundation, I developed a parallel academic career where I lecture in (and research) sport development, sport governance and sport-based sociology. Across my varied roles in sport management and academia, I actively incorporate and showcase the value of accessible sport environments for participants of all abilities. To remain current with best practice, I have completed the Sport New Zealand Governance 101 course and the Griffith Business School ‘Leading with Impact: Leading Others’ course. I have also undertaken inclusive practice training through the Halberg Foundation, further strengthening my commitment to fostering inclusive and adaptive sport participation. I place significant value on contributing my time and expertise to charitable and not for profit sport organisations and have accrued more than a decade of governance experience in doing so. Such service has included roles as deputy chair, co chair, and chair. I have supported the strategic leadership of several national sporting bodies, including Baseball New Zealand, New Zealand Lacrosse, and the New Zealand American Football Federation. These positions have required a strong understanding of the national and international sporting environments and regular engagement with national and global sporting bodies. I currently co-chair the Para-sport focused NSO, Boccia New Zealand. My governance capabilities are well developed and highly transferable, encompassing strategic planning oversight, stakeholder relationship management, and policy development. I am personally committed to supporting organisations in strengthening their strategic capability and upholding high standards of sport governance. I am a Senior Lecturer in Sport Management, based in Auckland.”