The Maunga Wāhine Project, Snow Sports New Zealand’s women and girls’ strategy, has officially launched with a nationwide survey. 

Snow Sports NZ Maunga Wāhine project manager Louise Johnson is calling all women and girls over the age of 12 who have competed in snow sports in the past, or are still competing now, to take part in the survey. 

“It’s important the Maunga Wāhine project is created by women and girls, for women and girls,” she said.

“For our work to have the greatest impact we need to really understand the experience women and girls have in competitive snow sports, what’s working well, and what needs to change.”

The purpose of the Maunga Wāhine Project is to ensure girls and women feel welcomed in competitive snow sports, and thrive regardless of their aspirations.  

It focuses on female athletes and coaches and the survey is aimed at current and former female athletes who have competed in any snow sports discipline in New Zealand.  Female coaches will be surveyed at a later stage in the project. 

Alpine ski racer Mikayla Smyth said it was important for the longevity of the snow sports to encourage young girls and women.

“Making young girls feel like they can achieve anything they set out to do will lay the foundations of female snow sports athletes for the next generations to come and I can’t wait to see the impact of this project,” she said.

Two-time Winter Olympian, professional freeskier and ski guide Janina Kuzma said “by defining success, providing tailored support, and nurturing coaching talent, it will help break barriers and open doors to exciting opportunities, shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for all”. 

Those who complete the survey will be in with a chance to win a $400 Outside Sports voucher. 

Find more information about the Maunga Wāhine Project here.