As Programme Manager (Sport) for the Asia New Zealand Foundation, Kirsty Sharp has made sporting connections around the world.
She studied at Lincoln College (way back in the '80s), then backpacked around the world for four years before returning to settle in Gisborne.
As a stay-at-home mum, she volunteered for many community, school, and sports groups before taking up a role of community sports adviser at Sport Gisborne Tairawhiti. This role included managing the Tairawhiti Rising Legends, a programme that recognises, supports and develops local talented athletes to compete on the world stage.
After a move to Auckland in 2014, Kirsty took up the role of leverage and legacy manager for the Rugby League World Cup 2017 (NZ).
Kirsty joined the Foundation in November 2018.
