Auckland Council approves over $15 million in funding for sport and recreation facilities

With Auckland Council continuing to recognise the important role that sport and recreation plays in the community, they have approved $15 million in funding for 24 projects across 14 local board areas and 16 sports codes. 95% of the funding was allocated to construction projects.

The Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund is a 10-year, $150 million fund provided through Auckland Council’s 2021-2031 10-year Budget.

Councillor Alf Filipaina, Chair of the council’s Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee notes "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.”

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.

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 Auckland, delivering value-for-money by leveraging external investment, responding to changing participation preferences, and getting more Aucklanders physically active.

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 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 Council encourages sport and recreation organisations to read the funding guidelines 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.

Image: Football youth Credit: Auckland Council