Speed skating in New Zealand covers both ice speed skating (short track) and inline speed skating. Speed Skating New Zealand governs both disciplines. Inline speed skating is the more widely accessible form, active at velodromes and outdoor surfaces. Short track ice skating operates at New Zealand's limited ice facilities. This guide covers the key funding sources.
Speed Skating NZ governs both ice and inline speed skating:
- Short track ice speed skating
- Inline speed skating racing
- National championship events
- International competition pathway
Contact Speed Skating NZ for access to Sport NZ investment and national programme guidance.
Sport NZ funds speed skating through Speed Skating NZ:
- National programme investment
- Winter sport and wheel sport development
RSTs fund community speed skating development.
RSTs fund speed skating clubs:
- Equipment grants for inline speed skates
- Junior development programmes
- Women's sport participation
Key RSTs:
- Aktive Auckland: Auckland inline speed skating at velodromes
- Sport Canterbury: Christchurch speed skating community
Gaming trusts fund speed skating clubs:
- Four Winds Foundation: Community sport organisations
- Grassroots Trust: Wheel sport and winter sport development
- Pub Charity: Equipment grants
- Lion Foundation: Junior sport
Gaming trust applications for speed skating:
- Inline speed skate fleet for beginners
- Protective equipment (helmets, knee pads, wrist guards, gloves)
- Timing systems and cones for inline training
- Ice skates for short track athletes
Short track speed skating:
- Paradice Auckland: Short track can use hockey rink ice
- The Hub Christchurch: Ice facility for short track
- Ice time is the primary ongoing cost
Inline speed skating is more accessible:
- Velodromes: Primary training venues (outdoor tracks)
- Smooth outdoor surfaces: Car parks, paths, indoor venues
- Equipment: Inline speed skates with 5-wheel frames
Key equipment:
- Inline speed skates: Low-cut boots with 5-wheel setup ($300–$800+)
- Short track ice skates: Short blade, $400–$1,200
- Skinsuit: Racing suit
- Helmet: Required for competition
- Protective gear: Knee pads, wrist guards, cut-resistant gloves for ice
Junior pathway:
- Junior inline racing: Age-grade competition
- Junior short track: Ice speed skating pathway
- Learn-to-skate: Entry through recreational inline skating
- School integration: PE and school sport connection
Women's speed skating:
- Speed Skating NZ women's programme: Female development
- Sport NZ women in sport: Female participation grants
- Women's inline racing competitions
Para inline speed skating:
- Paralympics NZ: Para sport where applicable
- Disability sport organisations: Adaptive speed skating programmes
Lottery Sport funds community sport:
- Speed skating clubs with active community programmes can apply
Strong applications demonstrate:
- Participant numbers: Skaters by discipline, age, and gender
- Surface or ice access: Confirmed velodrome or rink relationship
- Junior development: Youth pathway — both inline and ice
- Women's participation: Female athletes in programmes
- Equipment specifics: Skates, helmets, protective gear — justified per athlete
- Competition calendar: Race events at club, regional, and national level
- Safety protocols: Progressive skill development and protective equipment
- Club governance: Financial health, affiliation to Speed Skating NZ
Tahua's grants management platform helps speed skating clubs manage grant applications across Sport NZ, gaming trusts, and RSTs, tracking the participation and equipment outcomes that funders value.