Adam Gard’ner
Ōtautahi Christchurch
Summary
I am an inclusive, relationship-focused person who brings a calm, positive, and collaborative approach to my work. Guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi, I am fluent in te Reo Māori and embrace culturally responsive behaviour. I have strong facilitation, co-design and systems change skills working primarily in this area for the past six years. I bring over 30 years of experience as a coach and educator, delivering everything from personalised one-on-one sessions to dynamic presentations for large groups. I have extensive experience in community development, building trusted partnerships, and innovation. I am dedicated to equity, community wellbeing, and transformative outcomes.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Tamariki Lead – Play and Sport
Sport Canterbury
2021 - Current
- Ensuring inclusive, community-led approaches that honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity, cultural representation and diversity.
- Leading systems-change initiatives to increase equitable access to play and sport across Waitaha Canterbury, identifying strategic levers in planning, policy, and investment.
- Co-designing and testing innovative solutions with community stakeholders, fostering creativity and transformative outcomes.
- Building strategic partnerships with local government, community stakeholders, and kaupapa Māori organisations to influence systems change.
- Using data and insights to evaluate impact, inform decisions, and support continuous improvement for equitable outcomes.
- Educating internal teams and community stakeholders on the value of play and sport and inclusive practices, contributing to organisational and sector capability build.
- Disability Rōpū Member.
Play Systems Innovator
Healthy Families Ōtautahi Christchurch
2019 - 2021
- Used a systems-change approach to identify opportunities to influence and create change to increase quality play opportunities and environments in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
- Fostered relationships with community leaders, local government partners and systems stakeholders to amplify existing initiatives and influence planning and investment into play.
- Used data and insights to partner with stakeholders to explore innovative interventions and solutions.
Trainer
Sport NZ Ihi Aotearoa
2017 - 2023
- Workshop facilitator for the recreation and sport sector.
General Manager
Tennis Canterbury Region Inc.
2017 - 2019
- Managed operations, risk compliance, recruited and led staff and contractors to ensure strategic plan implementation.
- Managed financial budgets, facilities, and built relationships with members (primarily clubs), community stakeholders, external funders, and sponsors.
Coach Development Manager
Tennis New Zealand
2015 - 2017
- Overseeing the delivery of coach education programmes nationally, including resourcing, coordinating and facilitating coach development courses.
- Managed a national network of coach developers and coordinated the Coaching Advisory Group.
Senior Coach
Waimairi Tennis Club
2013 - 2017
- Coached players and facilitated tournaments and events.
Director of Tennis
Shanghai Racquet Club
2001 - 2012
- Managed sports operations, staff, programmes, events and facilities.
Mainland China Director
PTR (Professional Tennis Registry)
2001 - 2012
- Managed operations of PTR Mainland China.
- Developed, marketed, and facilitated PTR workshops and symposia in Mainland China.
Education
Diploma in Te Rōnakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi - Intermediate Full Immersion, Level 5
Te Wānanga Aotearoa
Diploma in Te Aupikitanga ki te Reo Kairangi - Advanced Full Immersion, Level 6
Te Wānanga Aotearoa
Diploma in Te Pīnakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi - Advanced Full Immersion, Level 7
Te Wānanga Aotearoa
Skills
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Collaborative
- Creative and innovative
- Passion for equitable outcomes
Accomplishments
- New Zealand Local Hero Award recipient, 2017
- New Zealander of the Year nominee, 2017
- Successful Co-Campaigner of the Awaroa Beach Campaign, 2016
- Professional Tennis Registry Clinician of the Year, 2008
- Professional Tennis Registry Volunteer of the Year, 2004
- AMP Scholarship Recipient - Funded to study at Van der Meer Tennis University, USA, 1999
Community
- Lincoln High School Board, Parent Representative, 2019-present
- Responsible for school policies development.
- Ngā Mātāpuna o Ngā Pākihi Kāhui Ako Stewardship Group Chair.
- Prebbleton School Board, Parent Representative, 2016-2022
- Play Aotearoa Board Member, 2022-2024
Timeline
Tamariki Lead – Play and Sport
Sport Canterbury
2021 - Current
Play Systems Innovator
Healthy Families Ōtautahi Christchurch
2019 - 2021
Trainer
Sport NZ Ihi Aotearoa
2017 - 2023
General Manager
Tennis Canterbury Region Inc.
2017 - 2019
Coach Development Manager
Tennis New Zealand
2015 - 2017
Senior Coach
Waimairi Tennis Club
2013 - 2017
Director of Tennis
Shanghai Racquet Club
2001 - 2012
Mainland China Director
PTR (Professional Tennis Registry)
2001 - 2012
Diploma in Te Rōnakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi - Intermediate Full Immersion, Level 5
Te Wānanga Aotearoa
Diploma in Te Aupikitanga ki te Reo Kairangi - Advanced Full Immersion, Level 6
Te Wānanga Aotearoa
Diploma in Te Pīnakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi - Advanced Full Immersion, Level 7
Te Wānanga Aotearoa
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