Junior Armstrong, of Ngāti Kahungunu decent, is the Strategic Lead - Priority Communities at Sport NZ Ihi Aotearoa. Junior plays a pivotal role in driving Sport NZs place-based approach to enhancing access to play, active recreation, and sport within local communities, particularly where barriers to participation are greatest. Junior brings a wealth of experience in community engagement and strategic leadership. Junior's work focuses on fostering a system of aligned national, regional, and local approaches to improve physical activity outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi. Junior is also involved in various collaborative initiatives aimed at reducing youth offending through physical activity. He is also a director of Pūmanawa Āwhina, contributing to initiatives that empower local communities across Aotearoa.

Mark Curr is a dedicated advocate for play and physical activity, currently leading Play projects for Sport New Zealand. One of his key initiatives is the development of the Local Play Workforce, a group of 17 play professionals embedded within local government authorities. This team works to promote play as an integral and ubiquitous activity, ensuring it is woven into the fabric of community life. Prior to this role, Mark served as a Local Government manager, overseeing projects in the UK and New Zealand.

Jean-François Laurent is Secretary General at TAFISA and a Sport for All leader and advocate since 2013. Convinced about the power of sport and physical activity to positively impact the lives of people and communities, Jean-François dedicates his life to drive change at all levels through Sport for All. Originating from Nancy, France, he graduated in social and political sciences as well as sports management at the Institute of Political Studies of Grenoble and Aix-Marseille University, France in 2012. He also studied at the University of Adelaide, Australia.