Touch New Zealand

What Is AWHI?

Originally designed as Touch New Zealand’s Positive Support Sideline programme, AWHI has become much more in recent times with its principles of Attitude, Whanau, Harmony and Integrity reflecting the true nature, attitudes and behaviours of not just our touch whanau, but of entire communities.

Who Uses AWHI?

AWHI is widely recognised and used by our Referees and Coaching sectors, our social good arm Pūmanawa Āwhina, as well as many of our Provincial and Module based players and supporters.

The AWHI Promise

Underpinning this Kaupapa is the AWHI Promise with its simple values that go to the heart of what we as a sport strive for, positive and supportive environments that are respectful and inclusive for all.

Embedded in Our Events

At all Pūmanawa Āwhina and Touch New Zealand events, the AWHI Promise has become a fundamental part of the registration process for Coaches, Referees, Managers and Administrators. Recently, even players are now completing the AWHI Promise, reflecting the increasing desire of athletes to compete at the highest level in fair, positive and supportive environments.

Proven Community Impact

As the programme has grown, AWHI has become a powerful driver of culture change across our community. Each season, thousands of participants engage with AWHI through events, workshops and sideline activations - helping to reduce poor behaviour, strengthen whānau-friendly environments, and reinforce positive values on and off the field. Its proven, repeatable framework has drawn interest from schools, clubs and other codes looking to uplift their own environments, positioning AWHI as a trusted and scalable community-wellbeing initiative.

Why Partners Choose AWHI

For commercial partners, AWHI offers a tangible, values-aligned, and nationally scalable opportunity to support positive behaviour, youth development and healthier communities. With strong adoption across touch and growing interest from wider sport and community settings, AWHI provides a meaningful platform for partners committed to real social impact.