An interview with Anne-Marie Parsons
As part of FISU Oceania’s celebration of International Women’s Day in 2024, we are talking to women involved in university sport across the Pacific. Our in depth interviews aim to not only highlight the wonderful work women (and others) do in our sector here in Oceania, but to inspire other women and men to follow their passion.
FISU Oceania (FO): Introduce yourself to our audience Anne-Marie.
Anne-Marie Parsons (AM): My name is Anne-Marie and live in Auckland New Zealand where I am the Associate Director of Campus Life (Student Engagement and Wellbeing) at The University of Auckland. I am also the Board Chair of University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand.
FO: Why do you love working in University Sport
AM: University Sport is such a positive and enthusiastic environment to be involved in. It’s wonderful to see students having fun, making friends, enjoying physical activity and participating in healthy competition. There are so many positive aspects to engaging in sport as a University student, from the impact that exercise has on physical and mental wellbeing, to being part of a team, through to the development of community – it’s rewarding to have the opportunity to contribute to something that is so beneficial. And the people who work in University sport are extremely passionate about what they do, and it’s a real joy to work in this atmosphere and alongside these colleagues.
FO: What motivates you to come to work each day
AM: I love that I play a small part in helping people to have a great university experience, and to persist at university. The benefits of a University education to individuals is well known, but the benefits to our society are even greater. Helping to provide an environment that allows students to grow and develop, to make new connections and build communities, and to learn new skills that will help our future societies to flourish is an absolute privilege, and gives me constant motivation to do the best I can in my role and with my teams to help make the University the best place it can be for students.
FO: Do you have advice to women wanting to work in sport
AM: My advice to women working in any industry is to be proactive and inventive. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you, see what you can do to create opportunities for yourself. If you have an idea about how things can be improved, share it. If you see an opportunity for a new development, pitch it. If there’s a role that would be perfect for you, go for it or create it. Take the initiative!
For more information about The University of Auckland Campus Life – visit their website.
For more information about university sport – contact us.
