Sport Canterbury - Mid Canterbury

Volunteer Spotlight 💚

For Volunteer Week, we’re once again recognising Seija Parkkali Glew, Greg Donaldson Contracting Volunteer of the Year at the 2026 Mid Canterbury Sports and Recreation Awards.

Seija has given extensive service to dressage across local, regional, and South Island levels. As an event manager and committee member, she supports major competitions, facility development, and rider education, helping strengthen participation and future planning for equestrian sport in Mid Canterbury.

A valued contribution to the growth and success of the sport 🙌

New Volunteer Toolkit now live! 💚

Looking after your volunteers doesn’t have to be hard. Small things can make a big difference in helping volunteers feel valued and supported.

Check out our toolkit for practical ways to support, grow, and recognise your volunteers:
https://www.sporty.co.nz/sportcanterbury/resources/volunteer-toolkit

One month to prepare to take on the Ashburton Rowing Club Inc Erg Challenge.

✅ Planning to apply for Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa? Start gathering youth voice now.

Applications must show evidence that tamariki and rangatahi want the opportunity, for example, a short survey summary, photos of a brainstorm, or a quick video kōrero.

This part matters because it shows your activity fits what young people actually want and need.

More information and resources: https://www.sportcanterbury.org.nz/funding/tu-manawa-active-aotearoa

Mid Canterbury Hockey support their junior super stars by encouraging their coaches to go through the coaches checklist ✅

When everyone gets a go, everyone grows!! 👍

🌟 𝐀 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬! 🌟

At Mid Canterbury Hockey, we know that our junior coaches are the heart of our game. Every week you give up your time, energy, and enthusiasm to help our young players learn, grow, and most importantly, have fun. We truly appreciate everything you do for our hockey community. 💚

To support you in the fantastic work you're already doing, we've created this 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭. It's not about winning or losing—it's about creating positive experiences where every child feels included, valued, and excited to come back next week.

This simple checklist is designed as another tool in your coaching toolkit, helping ensure:
✅ Every player gets involved
✅ Everyone has opportunities to learn and try new things
✅ Positive behaviour and sportsmanship are encouraged
✅ Players leave the turf smiling and feeling successful

When everyone gets a go, everyone grows!

Thank you again to all our coaches for the incredible impact you have on our young players both on and off the turf. We couldn't do it without you. 👏

Way to go Jorja!!!

They say form is temporary and class is permanent. Well, Jorja Miller is permanent.

From making her debut back in 2022. A breakout season in 2023 and winning Rookie of the Year. A gold medal in Paris 2024. A switch up to XVs and picking up a bronze medal at RWC2025, not a problem for Jorja. Over 100 HSBC SVNS Series tries. Countless medals and tournament wins along the way. The numbers speak for themselves.

But, Jorja Miller is about so much more than just the numbers. It’s the work she puts in for her team. For her whānau. It’s the way she glides through defenders who have no hope of stopping her. The way she turns defence into attack in the blink of an eye. The first to pounce on a loose ball, securing a ruck like it’s nothing. Winning penalties. Making the hard yards. This is what makes a world class athlete. This is what makes a leader. This is Jorja Miller.

Women’s SVNS Player of the Year:
2025 🏆
2026 🏆

Jorja Miller. Built different.

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These artist impressions are looking pretty awesome! Head over to the Tarbotton RideSmart Park to keep updated on the progress :)

Amazing to have our School Communities interested in supporting this Community project! Thank you Rakaia School

Thank you Rakaia School for your generous donation towards this fantastic community project!

Put this one in the Calendars!!!

Ashburton Paintball are hosting their APL Paintball Series PRO Clinic, where they are excited to welcome international players, including Hanna Tait, who competes across Australia and New Zealand. This is a great opportunity for wāhine in our community to hear from a woman in the sport about her experiences, challenges, and what paintball means to her.