Volunteer numbers continue to fall in New Zealand community sport

Sport club membership in New Zealand has rebounded by 12% since its pandemic low in 2021 according to a pioneering report: The State of Community Sport in New Zealand.

The result of seven years of research, the report draws on findings from the National Sport Club Survey (NSCS), a joint initiative of the New Zealand Amateur Sport Association Inc. (NZASA) and Auckland University of Technology (AUT).

Providing an unprecedented insight into the challenges, opportunities and shifting landscape of grassroots sport in New Zealand from 2018 to 2024, the report charts declining volunteer numbers to evolving partnerships and the impact of legislative reform.

Presenting both the findings presented in the report are both sobering and inspiring.

Important statistics from the report include:

• Sport club membership has rebounded by 12% since its pandemic low in 2021.

• Volunteer numbers have dropped by 28% since 2018 - placing increasing pressure on club and coaches.

• Only 36% of clubs report gender-balanced governance, highlighting ongoing equity challenges.

• 56% of clubs now have formal partnerships with schools, signalling closer alignment between education and community sport.

• 72% of clubs are concerned about long-term financial sustainability, with many relying on just one or two core funders.

• Climate resilience is emerging as a key theme, with nearly one in five clubs reporting disruption from extreme weather events in the past two years.

Commenting on the findings, NZASA Chair, Gordon Noble-Campbell stated “this is the first time we’ve had such an accurate, long-term dataset covering the actual experience of New Zealand’s sport clubs.

“These sport clubs are the beating heart of our communities providing important social benefits, not only to sport. This significant report provides important, data-driven insights that will inform future

policy, funding, and support across the entire sector. This is a game-changer for community sport.”

The report also addresses underrepresentation in club leadership, emerging sponsorship strategies, and the need for inclusive access across all demographics. It also reflects the sector’s remarkable resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and shows clear areas for innovation, investment, and reform.

Already being shared and read nationally and internationally, Stronger Communities Through Sport is certain to inspire, inform and shape discussion across community sport, education, health and local government.

The NZASA encourages anyone involved in sport, including volunteers, players, administrators and supporters, to download the report and reflect on how its insights can help build a stronger, more inclusive sporting future for all New Zealanders, and in communities across the world.

Click here to read the full report.