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Why WORD? Qualifications, Certifications, Our Policies and the Integrity Code
Photo Credit: Caleb Smith
Rider: Instructor Jesse Cseh
Why WORD
“WORD is values driven and led. We are industry leaders in the recreation sector, leading the way in accreditation adoption, sector standards, instructor training, programme development and have recently adopted the integrity code. I believe we truly make a difference in the lives of the kids we reach, and I invite you to join us for the ride.”
❋ WORD is adopting the integrity codeWhat does this mean?
Having integrity is being honest, ethical and having strong morals. It's doing what's right, even when no one is watching.
A club or organisation with a strong culture of integrity is safer and fairer for everyone. The culture helps prevent and respond to harmful behaviour in sport and recreation.
A culture of integrity means having an environment that is safe and fair. It is achieved through shared values and a shared commitment to high standards of behaviour.
There are powerful benefits
Building a culture of integrity has powerful benefits for both individuals and organisations.
For our participants and whānau
We want a culture where you feel safe, respected, and included.
Where you are confident concerns are taken seriously, and they have the full backing and support from their club or organisation if they raise a concern.
People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged and feel safe to join and participate, including people who may have previously felt unwelcome or left out.
Our whānau is more likely to stay involved and contribute positively to our community.
For organisations
It enhances WORD’s reputation and builds trust with participants, families, and future members.
It strengthens our relationships with partners, funders, and the wider community.
It helps prevent harm and reduces the risks of legal or reputational issues.
It supports a positive environment where everyone can focus on enjoying and developing through sport and recreation.
When people and organisations thrive, they uplift everyone around them, building safer, stronger, and more connected communities.
For you
Nothing changes with our intent or commitment to offer the best mountain bike skills courses and be the best youth organisation in the land
By signing up to any of our courses you are agreeing to be bound by the Integrity Code.
WORD has adopted the integrity code in March 2026, and is aiming to have full compliance by 2027
To see which organisations have adopted to code - have a look HERE
WORD has been Adventure Activity Certified by Worksafe to operate for since 2017! WORD was the first youth MTB operator to achieve this certification. Our safety processes and standards are rigorously audited yearly. This is a legal requirement to look after your kids in a adventure activity, yet we are the only youth organisation to have this certification in the Wellington region.
Your child’s safety is our biggest priority. We want them to have fun, but in order to do this they need to be in a safe environment- physically, mentally and socially. WORD is proud to be accredited as an Adventure Activity Operator.
❋ WORD is an Adventure Activity Operator
❋ WORD is committed to ongoing training and up-skilling of its instructorsAnnual training, instructor manuals, camps, regular competency checks, first aid requirements and Global Syndicate Mountain Bike Coaching (GSMBC) qualifications - WORD has the most robust training systems for any youth mtb organisation in the country. We now have 14 Level 1 GSMBC instructors and 1 Level 2 instructor!
Sport NZ has recognised our leadership in the youth recreation space and are supporting over the next two years to progress our teen programmes.
We are pleased to announce a new partnership with Sport New Zealand through the one-off active recreation investment fund.
Sport New Zealand through the active recreation investment fund, are supporting one-off impactful strategic initiatives with the intent to influence better, or increased, delivery of active recreation opportunities for rangatahi/young people (aged 13 to 18).
❋ Support from Sport NZ
I’d like to raise a concern:
The Integrity code - the policies and procedures that guide usHow we act with integrity and abide by the code
You may think that all sporting organisations are equal. WORD is proud to be a member of the first cohort of the Integrity Commission pilot programme and a sport and recreation leader! We are among 8 organisations to be the first in New Zealand to work towards adopting the Sport and Integrity Code and couldn’t be more proud to continue delivering safe programmes for our rangatahi. If you have any concerns about child welfare, safety, what is or isn’t a prohibitive behaviour or would like to reach to to raise a concern… this is where you can find all our documents and policies