Auckland Pride celebrates fresh Sport NZ process as win for trans rights

Auckland Pride will discontinue its judicial review of the Minister for Sport and Recreation and Sport New Zealand, after the Minister restarted the decision-making process for guidance on transgender people in community sport.

Auckland Pride Spokesperson Bhen Goodsir says the outcome is a meaningful win for trans rights and government accountability.

“We brought this case because the Minister removed practical community sport guidance without considering the rights of the people most affected,” Goodsir says.

“The Government cannot make decisions about transgender, non-binary, and takatāpui communities while treating their rights as an afterthought.

“After Auckland Pride filed this case, the Minister has started a new process. The original decision will not simply stand as it was. Sport NZ must now consider its response through a fresh process.”

“That is a meaningful win. It shows that when our communities stand together, we can hold government decision-making to account.”

Auckland Pride brought the case after documents released under the Official Information Act showed the Minister did not consider the Human Rights Act, the Bill of Rights Act, or Sport NZ’s obligations before directing Sport NZ to remove the Guiding Principles for the Inclusion of Transgender People in Community Sport.

“Clubs and volunteers need practical tools grounded in human rights, dignity, fairness, and inclusion. Clear guidance helps them make consistent decisions, reduce confusion, and keep sport focused on participation, belonging, and fair play.

“Trans rights are human rights. This case is not the end of the issue. Auckland Pride will be following the new process closely to make sure the next steps properly consider the rights of trans and takatāpui whānau.”

Auckland Pride will now focus on the next stage of the process and continue working with rainbow and takatāpui communities, sports organisations, advocates, and local leaders.

ENDS

Media enquiries:

• Spokesperson: Bhen Goodsir
• Phone: 02102936437
• Email: [email protected]

FAQ: Auckland Pride, Sport NZ, and trans inclusion in community sport
 

What has happened?

Auckland Pride will discontinue its judicial review of the Minister for Sport and Recreation and Sport New Zealand.

We are doing this because, after Auckland Pride filed the case, the Minister restarted the decision-making process for guidance on transgender people in community sport. Sport NZ must now consider its response through a fresh process.

Does this mean Auckland Pride won the case?

There has not been a court judgment.

Auckland Pride considers this a meaningful win because the original decision we challenged will not simply stand as it was. The Minister has restarted the process, and Sport NZ must now consider its response again.

For us, the key point is accountability. When the Government makes decisions that affect transgender, non-binary, and takatāpui people, it must consider our rights.

Why did Auckland Pride bring the case?

Auckland Pride brought the case after the Minister directed Sport NZ to remove the Guiding Principles for the Inclusion of Transgender People in Community Sport.

Documents released to Auckland Pride under the Official Information Act showed the Minister did not consider the Human Rights Act, the Bill of Rights Act, or Sport NZ’s obligations before making that decision.

Our case was about lawful decision-making, human rights, and the need for practical support for community sport.

What were the Sport NZ Guidelines?

The Guiding Principles for the Inclusion of Transgender People in Community Sport were practical guidance for clubs and sporting organisations.

They were developed after sports organisations asked Sport NZ for support on how to include transgender people in community sport. The process took two years and included consultation with sporting organisations, rainbow and transgender organisations, academics, government agencies, and advocacy groups.

The Guidelines focused on community sport. They covered principles such as wellbeing, safety, privacy, dignity, inclusion, anti-discrimination, listening, and education.

Why does guidance matter?

The Government has said decisions about how transgender people participate in sport are best left to sports organisations.

That makes practical guidance even more important.

Community sport is often run by volunteers. Clubs and codes should not be left to navigate complex human rights issues without support. Clear guidance helps people make consistent decisions, reduce confusion, and keep sport focused on participation, belonging, and fair play.

What does Auckland Pride want to happen next?

Auckland Pride wants Sport NZ’s fresh process to properly consider the rights, dignity, and participation of transgender, non-binary, and takatāpui people.

We also want sports organisations and community clubs to have practical tools that help them make fair, lawful, and respectful decisions.

What happens now?

Auckland Pride will discontinue the court proceeding and focus on the next stage of the process.

We will continue working with rainbow and takatāpui communities, sports organisations, advocates, and local leaders to support community sport that is fair, safe, and welcoming.