Greytown Community Sport and Leisure Society Inc was formed as a result of the Sportville Study conducted by the Hillary Commission (Now SPARC) in 2000. Sportville identified key issues affecting the growth of sport and leisure clubs within New Zealand, In particular, falling numbers of participants and volunteers at all levels. Concerned members of Greytown community initially formed a management team who commissioned a feasibility study through Global Leisure Group to ascertain the status of clubs within Greytown. The result mirrored the Hillary Commission findings and Greytown Community Sport and Leisure Society Inc was formed to address these key issues.
We began operating as Greytown Sport Management Team in 2000 and became an incorporated society in 2003. Our organisation has 14 member clubs with a combined membership in excess of 900 members. Greytown Community Sport and Leisure Society has three key partners. They are the South Wairarapa District Council, Sport Wellington/Wairarapa and the Greytown District Trust Lands Trust. These three partners have a keen interest in developing sport and recreation in Greytown and took an active role in assisting with developing the Society.
The first AGM was held in October 2002 (before incorporation was finalised) when the first Board members were elected. There are 8 positions on the Society’s Board, the member clubs elect 4 representatives annually, there is 1 position representing the schools and the final 3 positions are appointed from nominations received from the community. Members of the 3 key partners appoint these 3 positions for a 2 year period.
The Society employs one full time Executive Officer who is responsible for the administration, co-ordination and communication functions associated with the management and operation of GCSLS and member sport and leisure groups. The Executive Officer also undertakes specific agreed tasks involved with the creation and maintenance of linkages within the Greytown community.
Greytown District Trust Lands Trust has been a major supporter in terms of funding for both the Society and its member clubs. Other funding has been provided by various gaming trusts to whom applications must be made each year. The South Wairarapa District Council has also assisted with funding including rent of premises.