Sport New Zealand (Sport NZ) is the government agency responsible for sport and recreation — investing public money in activities that improve the health, wellbeing, and performance of New Zealanders. Understanding how Sport NZ funds sport and recreation — its investment programmes, its relationship with regional sports trusts and national sports organisations, and what it funds at the community level — is essential for organisations in the New Zealand sport and recreation sector.
Sport NZ is a Crown Entity established under the Sport and Recreation New Zealand Act 2002. Its mandate is to:
- Increase participation in sport and recreation for New Zealanders
- Support high performance sport (through High Performance Sport NZ)
- Develop strong, sustainable sporting organisations and systems
- Ensure sport and recreation is inclusive and accessible
Sport NZ is funded through government appropriation and manages a significant investment portfolio — approximately $250-300 million per year across all programmes.
Active NZ
Active NZ is Sport NZ's approach to increasing physical activity participation — particularly for people who are least active. Active NZ investment supports:
- Activities and programmes that help people get active
- Reducing barriers to participation (cost, access, cultural factors)
- Green Prescription and other primary care referral programmes
- Workforce development for community sport delivery
Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa
Tū Manawa is Sport NZ's community sport and recreation fund — supporting organisations delivering sport and recreation programmes at the community level. Tū Manawa funding is delivered through Regional Sports Trusts to local organisations.
Tū Manawa focuses on:
- Increasing participation for underserved populations (Māori, Pacific, disabled, female, older adults)
- Reducing cost barriers to participation
- Flexible, community-led approaches
Ihi Aotearoa — Sport NZ Māori
Ihi Aotearoa is Sport NZ's commitment to Māori sport and physical activity — investing in kaupapa Māori approaches, Māori sport participation, and Māori leadership in sport. Māori communities are engaged as partners in designing and delivering Māori sport and recreation investment.
Pacific Sport
Pacific Sport investment supports sport and physical activity for Pacific communities — recognising the significant health benefits of physical activity and the cultural importance of sport in Pacific communities.
High Performance Sport NZ
High Performance Sport NZ (a division of Sport NZ) manages investment in elite athlete development and performance — funding national training centres, coach and athlete support, and New Zealand's Olympic and Paralympic programme.
National Sports Organisations (NSOs)
Sport NZ invests in NSOs — the governing bodies for individual sports — to develop strong, capable sport systems. NSO investment covers governance, coach and referee development, participation programmes, and performance pathways. NSOs then work with clubs and regions to implement their development plans.
Regional Sports Trusts are Sport NZ's key delivery partners at the regional level. There are approximately 17 RSTs across New Zealand, each covering a geographic region.
RSTs:
- Distribute Sport NZ investment to local clubs and organisations in their region
- Provide development support, advice, and capability building to local sport organisations
- Run local sport development programmes
- Connect local clubs with national resources and networks
For most local clubs and community sport organisations, the RST is the primary connection to Sport NZ investment.
Community sport programmes
Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa funds community sport programmes delivered by clubs, RSTs, and community organisations — particularly programmes that increase participation for underserved populations.
Workforce development
Training for coaches, referees, administrators, and volunteers — building the volunteer and professional workforce that delivers sport and recreation at the community level.
Facility development (limited)
Sport NZ has limited direct facility investment; major facility funding comes from local councils, Lottery Grants Board, and community trusts. However, RSTs sometimes assist with minor facility improvements.
Innovation and new approaches
Sport NZ invests in new approaches to increasing physical activity — including non-traditional sport models, technology-enabled approaches, and community-led innovations.
Work through your RST
The first step for most community sport organisations is to connect with your Regional Sports Trust. RSTs manage the distribution of Tū Manawa and other Sport NZ community investment; they're the primary gateway to Sport NZ funding at the local level.
Connect with your NSO
For sport-specific funding, connect with the National Sports Organisation for your sport. NSOs may have club development grants, coach development support, or equipment funding flowing from their Sport NZ investment.
Direct applications (limited)
Some Sport NZ programmes accept direct applications from organisations outside the RST/NSO pathway. Check the Sport NZ website for current open funding opportunities.
Tahua's grants management platform supports sport and recreation organisations in New Zealand — with grant tracking, funding deadline management, and relationship tools that help clubs and regional organisations manage their Sport NZ and other funding relationships.