Source: Auckland Council
The Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund is a 10-year, $150 million fund provided through Auckland Council’s 2021-2031 10-year Budget.
Mayor Phil Goff says that this multi-million-dollar investment will enable more Aucklanders to be participate in community sport and recreation activities.
“The fund’s aim is to support communities that currently have low participation in sport because of a lack of facilities or fewer opportunities to get involved. This significant investment will enable sports organisations to maintain, develop and expand their facilities,” says Mayor Goff.
“By supporting our grassroots sport and recreation organisations, we can help more people to enjoy sport – and all the health and wellbeing benefits that it brings.”
Councillor Alf Filipaina, Chair of the council’s PACE Committee, says that we cannot underestimate the important role that recreation plays in our lives and communities.
“Sport and recreation are a major contribution to our quality of life, health and wellbeing. We’re proud to partner with sports organisations to enhance the lives of Aucklanders.
“This investment fund ensures we continue to support those working in our communities and helping us stay, or become, active,” says Cr Filipaina.
What are the priorities for funding?
The fund prioritises investment into large-scale community sport facility development projects that can leverage additional investment.
The fund is contestable and open to non-council organisations for significant facility development with the focus on communities that are in the greatest need of investment.
The fund is contestable and open to non-council organisations for significant facility development with the focus on communities that are in the greatest need of investment.
Expressions of interest were received from 103 community groups, which were narrowed down to 38 stage two applications seeking funding to build or upgrade their sport and recreation facilities.
An independent panel assessed each application, taking into consideration a lack of sport and recreation infrastructure in Tāmaki Makaurau, delivering value-for-money by leveraging external investment, responding to changing participation preferences, and getting more Aucklanders physically active.
This year, 24 projects were approved across 14 local board areas and 16 sports codes. 95 per cent of the funding was allocated to construction projects.
Dave Stewart, the council’s Active Communities General Manager, says that the fund’s focus is on creating the best outcomes for Aucklanders while ensuring value for investment is achieved.
“Sport and recreation continue to be a high priority for Aucklanders of all ages with many people wanting choices when looking to be active. This fund allows the wider sport and recreation community to deliver a broader range of activities than ever before to stay fit and healthy,” says Dave Stewart.
Expressions of Interest for 2023/2024
Expressions of Interest for the 2023/2024 funding round are due to open in late October 2022 and we encourage sport and recreation organisations to read the funding guidelines [PDF] to understand whether they could be eligible to apply.
To discuss your proposal and to initiate the Expression of Interest process, please contact sportandrecreation@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Visit the council’s website for more information about the fund.
