While major strides have been made to elevate and invest in women’s sport, one basic barrier - access to period products -continues to sideline emerging stars, according to a new study.

Research commissioned by Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa (Sport NZ) shows that a lack of education and access to period products continues to limit participation and confidence across New Zealand’s grassroots clubs, reinforcing the call for period care to be treated as a standard part of sporting infrastructure, not an afterthought.

To help tackle the issue, Woolworths New Zealand and its supply partners are teaming up with The Period Place to launch their nationwide appeal, aiming to improve period equity with a cash donation and free period products to community clubs across the country.

Running until September 7, the four-week appeal sees Woolworths NZ donate five cents from the sale of every period product sold during the month.

Suppliers U by Kotex, Libra, Tom, Stayfree, Carefree, Tampax, Oi Organics, Vagisil, Femfresh and Woolworths own brand Evamay are also supporting by donating a single period product (e.g. tampon, pad, cup, underwear or liner) for every pack sold.

In 2024, Sport NZ launched a one-year research project providing free period products to 48 community sport clubs across the country.

Clubs involved in the initiative reported improved player confidence, more open discussions about menstruation and a positive shift in club culture with access to period products reducing barriers and ensuring players could focus on the game with fewer concerns.

The Period Place general manager Debbie Baker said the findings confirm what they’ve known for years.

“Periods are still being treated as a private inconvenience, when really they’re a public equity issue,” Baker said.

“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% felt comfortable using the products and 85% 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 added.

“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.

“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," Woolworths New Zealand’s director of brand Bríd Drohan-Stewart said.