Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in many countries, and New Zealand is no exception. Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong on a smaller court with a slower ball, pickleball is exceptionally accessible — particularly for active older adults and players transitioning from tennis. Clubs and associations need funding for court conversion, equipment, and development. This guide covers the key funding sources for pickleball in New Zealand.
Pickleball New Zealand is the national governing body for the sport, developing as pickleball grows rapidly across the country.
Key areas:
- Club and court development
- National competitions
- Coaching development
- National body development and Sport NZ engagement
Contact Pickleball NZ and your regional contacts for guidance on Sport NZ investment and national programme access. The sport is rapidly developing its national infrastructure.
Sport NZ is interested in pickleball as a growing participation sport with strong appeal to groups Sport NZ wants to reach:
- Active older adults: Pickleball excels at engaging 50+ participants
- Non-traditional sport participants: People who wouldn't join a traditional sport club
- Women: Strong female participation rates
As the national body develops, Sport NZ investment in pickleball is likely to grow. Check Sport NZ's current growing sport investment framework.
RSTs are the frontline for pickleball funding in New Zealand:
- Club development grants: Getting new clubs established
- Equipment grants: Paddles, nets, balls for community clubs
- Court conversion support: In some regions
- Active ageing programme support: Pickleball as active ageing
RSTs vary significantly by region. Contact your local RST (Aktive Auckland, Sport Wellington, Sport Canterbury, etc.) for current grant rounds and appetite for pickleball.
New Zealand gaming trusts are a key funding source for community pickleball:
- Four Winds Foundation
- Grassroots Trust
- Pub Charity
- Lion Foundation
- Southern Trust
Gaming trusts fund:
- Paddles, balls, portable nets
- Court conversion contributions
- Club event and competition costs
Most pickleball courts in New Zealand are converted from tennis courts (up to 4 pickleball courts per tennis court) or repurposed multi-use courts. Court conversion funding:
- Local councils: Recreation facility investment — many councils are adding pickleball courts
- Tennis clubs: Conversion of underused tennis courts for pickleball
- Sport NZ and RSTs: Facility access for growing sports
- Gaming trusts: Minor conversion and equipment
A single tennis court can serve 4 pickleball games simultaneously — councils are increasingly interested in the space efficiency.
Pickleball's appeal to older adults is its greatest funding strength:
- Low-impact on joints compared to tennis
- Social and engaging
- Evidence-based falls prevention and balance benefits
- Accessible for people with reduced mobility
Health sector funding:
- ACC: Falls prevention and injury prevention through physical activity
- Health New Zealand: Active ageing physical activity investment
- PHOs: Exercise as medicine commissioning
Pickleball programmes for older adults that frame outcomes in health terms (falls prevention, chronic disease management, social isolation) can access health sector funding in addition to sport funding.
Pickleball is growing in New Zealand schools and junior clubs:
- School sport: Primary and intermediate school programmes
- Sport NZ school sport: Growing sport in schools
- Gaming trusts: Junior programme grants
Junior pickleball's growth is creating a two-generation community sport opportunity.
Lottery Sport funds community sport organisations. Pickleball clubs can apply through annual rounds as the sport develops a track record.
Strong pickleball applications demonstrate:
- Participation numbers: Total players, breakdown by age
- Active ageing: Older adult participation — this is the sport's funding strength
- Court access plan: How courts are accessed, what conversion is planned
- Equipment needs: Specific justified lists
- Health outcomes: Falls prevention, social connection, chronic disease management
- Growth trajectory: Evidence that the sport is growing rapidly
- Club governance: Financial health, volunteer structure even for new clubs
Tahua's grants management platform helps community sport organisations manage grant applications, track court and equipment funding, and demonstrate the active ageing and participation outcomes that funders value.