Matthew Cooper Email & Phone Number

I’m a keen advocate for all things active, and have been involved in sport and active recreation as long as I can remember. Rugby has been a big part of my life from a young age and I was lucky enough to play professionally for Waikato and the All Blacks. Now my focus is on enjoying the active recreation that is a big part of the Waikato region – the Hakarimata steps a firm favourite, with walks and bike riding a regular activity. As the CEO of Waikato’s regional sports trust Sport Waikato for many years (I've stopped counting), I get the opportunity to lead a passionate team of people impacting the sector to deliver the Moving Waikato strategy in partnership with other regional organisations.I've seen a fair amount of change. Since its inception in 1986 as the Waikato Sports Foundation, Sport Waikato is in an exciting phase with its vision of 'Everyone out there and active'. Our focus is on increasing physical activity levels of people in the Waikato region through play, active recreation and sport. And we do this in a partnered (collaborative) way with other strategic organisations to influence system change. I value partnerships and relationships and am always keen to connect with others to see how we can work together to influence change in the sport and recreation sector.