Motorsport in New Zealand encompasses circuit racing, karting, speedway, drag racing, rally, and off-road. Community motorsport clubs and karting tracks need funding for facilities, equipment, and development programmes. This guide covers the key funding sources for motorsport in New Zealand.
MotorSport New Zealand (MSNZ) is the national governing body for motorsport in New Zealand, affiliated with the FIA.
Key areas:
- Circuit racing and time attack
- Karting (Kartsport NZ)
- Rally NZ
- Hillclimb and speedway (under associated bodies)
Contact MSNZ and your regional motorsport club for guidance on Sport NZ investment and club support. MSNZ administers national licensing and competition calendars.
Kartsport New Zealand governs karting as a standalone organisation. Karting is the most accessible motorsport for young people and community clubs. Kartsport works with Sport NZ and gaming trusts for:
- Junior karting development
- Club and track development
- Equipment grants
Speedway NZ governs speedway and associated oval-track motorsport. Community speedway venues across New Zealand access:
- Gaming trust grants
- Local council relationships for venue management
- Community sport funding
Sport NZ does fund some motorsport — specifically karting and community motorsport with youth development components. Access is through:
- Direct Sport NZ investment in national bodies (MSNZ, Kartsport NZ)
- Regional Sport Trust funding for affiliated clubs with community programmes
Community motorsport with junior programmes is most likely to attract Sport NZ-aligned investment.
RSTs may fund community karting clubs and motorsport organisations with active community and youth programmes. Not all RSTs fund motorsport — check with your local RST.
New Zealand gaming trusts are significant funders for community motorsport:
- Four Winds Foundation
- Grassroots Trust
- Pub Charity
- Lion Foundation
Gaming trusts fund:
- Junior karting programmes and equipment
- Club track safety upgrades
- Equipment for community clubs
Junior motorsport applications are strongest for gaming trust funding.
Motorsport facilities — club tracks, karting venues, drag strips — are significant capital investments:
- Local councils: Co-investment for facilities on council-managed land
- Regional development agencies: For motorsport precincts with economic and tourism benefit
- State government (MBIE and regional): Regional infrastructure investment
- Gaming trusts: Safety upgrades to existing facilities
Safety improvements to existing motorsport venues are more fundable than new construction.
Rally NZ organises events ranging from community club rallies to international events. Funding for rally:
- Regional tourism agencies: Events with significant economic impact and tourism benefit
- Local councils: Event support for community rallies
- Gaming trusts: Community club rally events
Junior motorsport development is the most fundable part of the motorsport landscape:
- Kartsport NZ: National junior karting development programmes
- Regional karting clubs: Junior club competitions
- Gaming trusts: Junior sport — karting is particularly fundable as a youth sport
Modified vehicles allow people with disability to participate in motorsport. Disability motorsport funding:
- Sport NZ and RSTs: Disability sport inclusion
- Gaming trusts: Adaptive motorsport
- CCS Disability Action and disability funders: Adaptive recreation programmes
Strong motorsport applications demonstrate:
- Youth development: Junior karting and youth motorsport are the priority
- Safety: Comprehensive safety plans, appropriate equipment, medical coverage for events
- Community access: Motorsport accessible beyond wealthy families
- Facility specifics: Safety upgrades, equipment with detailed justification
- Environmental responsibility: Noise management, fuel and oil handling, community relations
- Club governance: Sound management, active membership, financial health
Tahua's grants management platform helps sport organisations manage their grant applications, track reporting requirements, and demonstrate community impact to funders.