New Zealand's snow sports sector — skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, biathlon, ski jumping, and freestyle skiing — has produced world champions and Olympic medallists. Community ski clubs and snow sport organisations support thousands of New Zealanders on mountain and indoor facilities. Grant funding helps make snow sports accessible beyond the ski resort. This guide covers the key funding sources for snow sports organisations in New Zealand.
Snow Sports New Zealand (SSNZ) is the national governing body for alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, biathlon, and ski jumping.
Key programmes:
- Junior snow sports: Development for young athletes from introductory to competitive
- Club development: Resources for affiliated ski clubs
- Para snow sports: Inclusive competition and development
- Coaching development: Coach accreditation programmes
- High performance: Pathways to national and international competition
Access: SSNZ works through affiliated clubs and organisations. Contact SSNZ for guidance on Sport NZ investment and what's available for your club.
Sport NZ funds Snow Sports New Zealand and regional sport trusts.
Community access:
- Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa Fund: Community-led physical activity — ski clubs and snow sport programmes can apply
- Regional sport trusts may support snow sports through community sport development
Gaming trusts fund community snow sport programmes and equipment.
Key trusts:
- New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT)
- The Lion Foundation
- Pub Charity
- Pelorus Trust
- Regional gaming trusts
What gaming trusts fund for snow sports:
- Ski and snowboard equipment (junior equipment in particular)
- Helmets and safety equipment
- Junior development programmes
- Competition entry fees and travel
- Coaching clinics and training camps
- Club operations (affiliated ski clubs)
The Lottery Grants Board funds sport equipment and programmes.
For snow sports:
- Equipment grants (particularly junior and adaptive equipment)
- Programme development
- Facility contributions for indoor facilities
Snow sports face a significant accessibility challenge: ski resort access, equipment, lessons, and transport are all expensive. Funders are particularly interested in programmes that make snow sports more accessible:
Youth snow sport scholarships: Funded through community trusts and SSNZ to enable talented athletes from lower-income backgrounds to compete.
Subsidised junior programmes: Gaming trusts and community trusts can fund subsidised lesson programmes.
Tū Manawa / Sport NZ: For community-led snow sport programmes that reduce financial barriers.
SchoolSport NZ: Some schools run ski trips and programmes that can access Ministry of Education and sport funding.
Para snow sports — sit skiing, mono-skiing, visually impaired skiing, and para snowboard — have a dedicated programme through SSNZ and competitive pathways to the Paralympic Games. Funding for para programmes:
- Paralympics New Zealand: Para sport development investment
- Lottery Grants Board: Para sport programme funding
- IHC Foundation and disability funders: For participants with intellectual disability
- Gaming trusts: Inclusive programme grants
New Zealand ski clubs (both field clubs and racing clubs) may access:
- Gaming trusts: Equipment and programme grants
- SSNZ: Technical guidance and possible co-investment for club development
- Lottery Grants Board: Equipment and facility grants
- Community trusts: Sport development funding
Ski clubs are encouraged to demonstrate community access — not only for competitive racers but for recreational and junior participants.
Cross-country skiing and biathlon are niche but have dedicated communities, particularly on the South Island. These disciplines can access:
- SSNZ investment: Through the national body
- Gaming trusts: For equipment and development programmes
- Lottery Grants Board: Equipment and programme grants
Strong snow sport applications demonstrate:
- Accessibility: How are financial barriers reduced for participation?
- Youth development: Junior programmes are highly valued
- Para sport inclusion: Adaptive snow sports attract specific funding streams
- Community reach: Not only elite or well-resourced athletes
- Equipment specifics: Detailed justification for equipment purchases
- Safety: Evidence of appropriate safety standards, particularly for youth
Tahua's grants management platform helps sport organisations manage their funding applications, track reporting requirements, and demonstrate community impact to funders.