New research commissioned by Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa (Sport NZ) has revealed a lack of education and access to period products is still limiting participation and confidence in grassroots sports clubs across the country.
In 2024, 48 clubs joined a pilot initiative to address this.
Included was Pakuranga United Rugby Club, which reported the initiative increased player attendance and promoted a more female-friendly environment, encouraging more female representation.
But once the initiative ended, The Period Place, the not-for-profit driving the change, was inundated with enquiries from clubs seeking ongoing support, underlining the urgency of the issue.
From August 11 to September 7, Woolworths New Zealand is teaming up with The Period Place to continue the fight for period equity.
It’s simple for Kiwis to help. Shop as normal and Woolworths will donate five cents from every period product sold, alongside direct product donations.
Suppliers U by Kotex, Libra, Tom, Stayfree, Carefree, Tampax, Oi Organics, Vagisil, Femfresh and Woolworths’ own brand Evamay are also supporting the cause by donating a single period product for every pack sold.
The Period Place general manager Debbie Baker says the findings of the research commissioned last year confirm what her organisation has known for years.
“Periods are still being treated as a private inconvenience, when really they’re a public equity issue,” she says.
“No one should miss out on sport, school or social connection just because they have their period, but it’s happening every day.
“If we expect players to turn up and perform, we need to meet their basic needs.”
The Sport NZ pilot saw more than 45,000 pads and 44,200 tampons distributed to 48 sports clubs around the country.
Of the 5895 players surveyed, 93 per cent felt comfortable using the products and 85 per cent were satisfied with their availability.
Many clubs also reported increased attendance and more open conversations around menstrual health.
“When the pilot ended, the phones started ringing,” Baker says.
“Clubs were calling to ask how they could keep the support going.
“It’s simple – when people have access to period products, they can focus on the game.
“Woolworths’ ongoing support means we can continue getting these products into the places they’re needed most.”
Woolworths customers don’t need to do anything extra to contribute – simply buying their usual period products in store or online from participating brands this month triggers a cash and product donation.
Woolworths New Zealand’s director of brand, Bríd Drohan-Stewart, says the appeal is about driving lasting impact beyond the supermarket aisle.
“We know that real equity in sport, and in life, means showing up for people’s basic needs.
“That includes making period care accessible, whether you’re on the field, at school in the workplace or out in the community.
“We’re proud to help break down stigma, support inclusion from the grassroots up and partner with organisations like The Period Place to make period care normal, visible and available to everyone who needs it.”
The four-week appeal is running in all Woolworths supermarkets nationwide from August 11 to September 7.
