Croquet in New Zealand has a small but dedicated community of clubs, particularly in provincial towns and cities. From the strategic depth of Association Croquet to the beginner-friendly Golf Croquet, croquet provides social sport for all ages. This guide covers the key funding sources for croquet in New Zealand.
Croquet New Zealand is the national governing body for croquet in New Zealand, affiliated with the World Croquet Federation.
Disciplines:
- Association Croquet
- Golf Croquet (fastest-growing)
- Ricochet (beginner variant)
- Garden Croquet
Contact Croquet NZ and your regional club for guidance on Sport NZ investment and national programme access.
Sport NZ funds community sport participation. Croquet access:
- Investment through Croquet NZ as national body
- RSTs fund community croquet clubs with active participation programmes
Croquet's active ageing appeal and growing Golf Croquet format are positive factors for Sport NZ-aligned applications.
RSTs fund community croquet:
- Club development grants
- Equipment grants (mallets, balls, hoops)
- Lawn maintenance support
- Junior programme grants (if applicable)
RSTs vary — contact your local RST for current appetite for croquet funding.
New Zealand gaming trusts fund community croquet clubs:
- Four Winds Foundation
- Grassroots Trust
- Pub Charity
- Lion Foundation
- Southern Trust
Gaming trusts fund:
- Mallets and equipment for beginners
- Hoops, balls, and competition equipment
- Lawn maintenance equipment
- Club development
Croquet requires well-maintained flat grass lawns:
- Local councils: Croquet lawns often on council reserves — councils fund major maintenance
- Gaming trusts: Minor infrastructure, irrigation, shade structures
- Sport NZ facility grants: Through Croquet NZ for affiliated clubs
Croquet has excellent active ageing credentials:
- Low-impact physical activity suitable for older adults
- Strategic and cognitively engaging
- Social and community-building
- Accessible to players with reduced mobility
Health sector funding:
- ACC falls prevention through balance and physical activity
- Health NZ active ageing programmes
- Community foundations for older adult wellbeing
Golf Croquet is simpler, faster, and more accessible than Association Croquet:
- Ideal for come-and-try events
- Growing format across New Zealand and internationally
- Strong tool for attracting new members
Clubs growing through Golf Croquet have a clear participation growth story for funders.
Lottery Sport funds community sport organisations. Croquet clubs with active community programmes can apply.
Strong croquet applications demonstrate:
- Membership numbers: Total members, age breakdown, trends
- Active ageing: Health and social outcomes for older members
- New player access: Golf Croquet and Ricochet for beginners
- Lawn condition: Specific maintenance needs and costs
- Equipment needs: Justified lists
- Club governance: Financial health, volunteer structure
- Competition engagement: Local and national competition participation
Tahua's grants management platform helps sport organisations manage grant applications, track lawn and equipment funding, and demonstrate the active ageing outcomes that croquet funders value.