Sport Whanganui’s still hard at work

Published date01 September 2021
Midweek asks how they cope with their responsibilities during this time. Thanks to Louise Follett for making this happen.

Danny Jonas, chief executive

■ How do you manage contact with clients/stakeholders under level 3 and 4?

A varied approach consisting of text, email, newsletter, phone calls, Zoom and Teams.

■ What are your biggest challenges?

How much is too much?/or not sufficient contact?

Having an understanding of the overall picture and other factors that involve our stakeholders.

The situation can change with very little notice.

Getting the balance right — what’s in front of us today vs future thinking and challenges.

■ What do you see as the most important part of your role during Level 3 and 4 Lockdown?

The team’s wellbeing.

■ What’s your most significant learning over this time?

Appears to be a little less chaotic and more measured.

How quickly we can and did manoeuvre.

That this virus isn’t going away!

How lucky we are to live in NZ!

Deb Byers, active wellbeing manager

■ How do you manage contact with clients/stakeholders under level 3 and 4?

Working remotely from home we can access information to enable us to make contact with clients on our programmes. Technology has been great for this and we are lucky to be able to focus on our clients and their needs.

With New Zealand moving to different alert levels, we continue our delivery of the Sport Whanganui Active Wellbeing programmes, Green Prescription, Hauora ki te Mahi, Fit for Surgery and 9 to 5 Thrive as an online, text, email and phone-based service. This means that any referral consultations can still be done over the phone or via email.

We also offer Home Based Exercise Library, wellbeing support and mailouts for those who need personal assistance with activity.

■ What are your biggest challenges?

Although technology has been a great advantage during lockdown, it doesn’t replace the face to face contact that we have at our consultations. The team are missing that connection with our clients and we’re looking forward to reconnecting again.

Providing the right balance of support to our clients — those who need extra support to stay motivated and those who can maintain their regular activities but require just a few fresh ideas.

A high percentage of clients attend community facilities to exercise at eg. Splash Centre and local gyms and, with these closed, it can be challenging. This is where we come in to offer ideas on alternative exercise options. It is important to help clients keep up the...

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