Aktive Fund boosts opportunities for target populations in Auckland

Aktive - Auckland Sport & Recreation (Aktive) has announced the outcome of the third round of its Targeted Population Groups (TPG) Innovation and Development Fund, with $270,000 going to projects that boost physical activity opportunities for Asian and Pasifika Aucklanders.

The latest round of TPG Innovation and Development funding saw $270,000 offered to Eagles Sports and Cultural Club Inc., Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Auckland Cricket, Pasifika Aotearoa Women in Sport Inc., and Volleyball New Zealand.

Advising that the assessment process was thorough and the projects will make a positive difference for the target populations, Aktive Chief Executive, Dr Sarah Sandley stated “the focus of the TPG Innovation and Development Fund is to support increased community sport and recreation opportunities for Asian and Pasifika Aucklanders, particularly those who may not have access to such opportunities.

"As with our previous funding rounds, the calibre of the applications was impressive, and all were given due consideration by the decision panel. We anticipate the successful projects will positively engage members of the Asian and Pasifika communities; a fantastic result for these communities and Tāmaki Makaurau."

Established in 2016, the contestable TPG Innovation and Development Fund aims to support innovative projects that demonstrate a collaborative approach to reducing barriers to participation in sport and recreation at a community level by Asian and Pasifika Aucklanders. Indian participants are the primary Asian target population and Samoan participants are the primary Pasifika target population; with a focus for both groups on newer (first and second) immigrant populations who may not currently be active in physical activity, sport or recreation.

Applications for the TPG Innovation and Development Fund are reviewed by a panel comprising Sport New Zealand, Auckland Council and Aktive, with the Aktive Board receiving notice of panel decisions (for under $50,000) and recommendations (for over $50,000 investment) to approve.

Each project is unique in its innovation and contexts; therefore, outcomes and goals are customised accordingly. Three rounds of this fund have been approved since 2016 with 20 projects supported. These include a mix of youth leadership, water skills, sport participation, healthy-lifestyles and cultural support activities through Regional Sport Organisations, church groups, community recreation groups, facilities providers and Regional Sports Trusts.

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Image: Aktive Chief Executive Dr Sarah Sandley.