Chantal Bakersmith is putting her money where her mouth is for women’s sport

Chantal Bakersmith: Championing Women’s Sports

Chantal Bakersmith is on a mission to inspire people to support the women’s sports events coming to our shores this year.

Supporting Women’s Sports

Chantal, also known as “Shorty,” is putting her money where her mouth is. As a Rugby World Cup team liaison, she knows that every bit counts in making a difference in the perception of women’s sports. She has subscribed to Sky Sport to watch the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and reads articles about the athletes, sparking conversations about gender equity in sports among her family and friends.

Before the Women’s Cricket World Cup, the first of four major events to grace our stadiums and screens this year, she had never watched the White Ferns. “But I got drawn into the characters. I knew it was important for me as a sportswoman to support the philosophy of equity in women’s sport,” she admits.

A Rugby Enthusiast

Chantal, a 42-year-old leadership lecturer at Unitec, was first inspired to get into rugby by her family. After being involved in the game for more than half her life, serving in various roles from playing and coaching to administration, rugby is woven into her core.

“As a child, that classic Kiwi story of coming together in the lounge with my grandparents, parents, and siblings in the early hours of the morning to watch the All Blacks is one of my first memories of rugby,” says Chantal. “Staying involved in rugby is based around helping people. That’s a core value of mine, embedded in my philosophy, which I think comes from my parents and family.”

Research and Recognition

Chantal’s recent oral history research project, “The Tale of the Rugby Ball and Me,” involves interviewing women who have contributed to the game. She believes the decision by World Rugby to include the 1991 and 1994 RWC winning teams on the trophy is significant. “To have those teams put on there adds to the true history of the cup,” she says.

Team Liaison and Local Pride

As a RWC team liaison for visiting teams, Chantal will continue to add to her philosophy. “When I’m in that liaison role, I want to do it the best I can to help those people. I also love showing them ‘this is my city.’ Auckland is my home, and I want to show them the amazing things we have here.”

Local Recommendations

Before the match, Chantal, her wife Rhyannon, and their son Kit will catch a train to either Morningside or Kingsland. The Morningside Tavern offers great food and drink. “The other option is getting off at Kingsland and going to Portland Public House,” she says. For other great dining spots recommended by locals, see iconiceats.co.nz.

Chantal also recommends exploring the city’s many volcanoes. “There are 53 maunga. You’ve got Mt. Albert Ōwairaka and Maungawhau, which is Mt. Eden, and that’s really special because you get to see the crater. It’s also special because you see the view of Auckland City, including Eden Park and Rangitoto.”

She says the Auckland War Memorial Museum and Auckland Art Gallery are great wet-weather options.

For her, it’s easy to see why people should come to the RWC. “First, you get to watch the best in the world. Second, you get to support women’s sports and the philosophy of gender equity. And lastly, it’s being hosted in Auckland.”