The story of SafeSport

SafeSport NZ was launched by three kiwis who’ve lived the sport system. Who understand the challenges, the expectations, and the reality of trying to do the right thing with limited time, people, and resource. Joe Hitchcock, Jamie Tong, and Amy McClintock came together with a shared goal: to make integrity easier to put into action across all levels of sport in New Zealand.

Between them, they’ve led national and regional organisations, supported sport through complex cultural change, and worked directly with athletes, coaches, volunteers, and Boards. They’ve seen first-hand how hard it can be to keep people safe, meet expectations, and still focus on the day-to-day delivery of sport - especially in a not-for-profit environment.

SafeSport NZ was set up to help with exactly that.

Turning Policy into Practice

Too often, integrity sits as a policy on a shelf or falls off the edge of an overloaded desk. SafeSport supports organisations to bring policies to life - through training, tools, assessments, planning, and tailored advice.

From safeguarding to complaints handling, culture change to capability building, SafeSport’s role is to walk alongside sport and recreation organisations to create environments that are safe, inclusive, and values-led — from grassroots clubs to high performance settings.

Whether it’s helping a national body improve its complaints systems, supporting a regional organisation to meet the Integrity Code, or building safeguarding skills in local clubs — SafeSport’s focus is practical, accessible support that fits the sector.

Why We’re Here

Our team didn’t start SafeSport to compete with anyone. We started it to fill a gap - to be the hands-on, trusted support partner many organisations said they needed.

We work with organisations that want to do better but aren’t sure where to start. Who want to feel confident that they’re keeping people safe. Who want to lead with integrity and deliver with care.

That’s what SafeSport is here to support - real people doing real work, right across the motu.

Want to Know More?

Explore our services, get in touch for a kōrero, or check out how we can support your team at www.safesport.co.nz