$13.6 million boost to community sports facilities through council grants

Sports facilities like football turfs or tennis courts are vital for the health and well-being of Aucklanders – they’re also great places for people in Tāmaki Makaurau to meet and connect.

That’s why Auckland Council has allocated $13.6 million to 18 sports organisations through its Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund 2024/2025, for the development of these facilities across the region.

The funding was approved by the council’s Planning, Environment and Parks Committee on 15 August 2024.

Councillor Richard Hills, the committee’s chair, says the funding will help more Aucklanders to participate in community sport and recreation activities.

“Aucklanders from all walks of life love to stay active through sport. From community sport, right up to winning gold medals at the Olympics, sport and recreation is something we can all get involved in.

“We’ve allocated funding to a range of organisations across the region so they can invest in and enhance their facilities to meet the sport and recreation needs of Aucklanders now and into the future.

“We received a large number of applications, which is great, but does make it difficult prioritising so many great projects into the budget envelope. I’d like to thank each and every applicant for the time and effort they put into applying for this year’s grant.”

Applications were sought from organisations for significant facility development proposals to enable increased participation in sport and recreation.

Councillor Angela Dalton, the committee’s deputy chair, says this significant investment recognises the ongoing need for high-calibre sports organisations and facilities in Tāmaki Makaurau.

“Auckland Council is proud to help sports organisations invest in their infrastructure and facilities, work which will ultimately help provide Aucklanders with spaces to stay active, participate in their chosen sport, and connect.

“Non council-owned facilities are crucial to Auckland’s sport and recreation facility network as they meet evolving demands for sporting opportunities.”

How funding is allocated

The council received 55 applications for funding, The applications requested a total of $40.7 million.

Auckland Council staff reviewed the applications for eligibility to ensure alignment with the Community Grant Policy and Increasing Aucklanders’ Participation in Sport: Investment Plan 2019-2039. Twenty-four applications were shortlisted and presented to an independent assessment panel.

The panel recommended that 18 of 24 shortlisted applications receive grants. These grants have been allocated the full $13, 636, 178 amount.

The full eligibility criteria and funding priorities are explained on the Auckland Council website.

Next funding round

Applications for the next round of Sport and Recreational Facilities Investment Fund -for 2025/2026 financial year, will open in late 2024 or early 2025.