Physical activity and sport are an essential part of our wellbeing and development across all stages of the lifespan.

Māori (Ngati Ruanui) from Petone ventured across the world to pursue her dreams. Graduating with her PhD from the University of Delaware (USA), Lara has returned home and is now the Co-Director of Te Hau Kori – Centre for Physical Activity and Wellbeing. Lara provides strategic leadership Māori for the design and development of the Centre's new teaching and learning programmes. Lara works closely with Sport New Zealand to support future-focused workforce development opportunities in Physical Activity, Sport, Play, Hauora and Wellbeing.

On the diamond, Lara (Captain) has earned 107 international caps for the NZ White Sox with 186 total games. She also captained the University of Delaware (USA) Division 1 Softball team and became the 1st NZ female to play Professional in the United States (Pittsburgh). Lara is passionate about designing and developing youth programmes to help mentor and inspire youth to build confidence, self esteem and skill development while creating a pathway to higher education through sport.