Netball NZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie has used a Parliamentary coronavirus hearing to call for funding equity between men's and women's sport in New Zealand.
Wyllie has told the Epidemic Response Committee that "systemic underinvestment" worth hundreds of millions of dollars in women's sport has placed her code in a precarious position under coronavirus shutdown.
But she insists the hiatus has provided Government with a chance to "reset" the funding model.
"Because sport is rebuilding in so many capacities, the time is right to create equality in the opportunities for both girls and boys to play," she says.
"New Zealanders should not squander this chance to address the systemic inequities across sport.
"Any response to women's sport is a visible acknowledgement to our communities that you see them and they matter."
Describing netball as New Zealand's No.1 sport for women and girls, Wyllie highlights the role it plays, not just at elite level, where the Silver Ferns are reigning world champions, but also at grassroots, where the code provides a haven for many of society's most disadvantaged.
"This financial impact [of COVID-19] is a reality for all of us, but I'm equally concerned about the unseen impact that we should be anticipating, with respect to the mental health of New Zealanders.
"This will be our most dangerous epidemic and we will continue to battle this for years to come."
More to come
