An Auckland Council new regional sports and recreation grant has been awarded to Hockey New Zealand, providing a $40,000 boost to its region-wide development programme.
“Hockey is one of the most widely played sports in Auckland, involving more than 17,000 school children, 6,300 summer hockey players of all ages and more than 10,000 winter hockey players,” says Councillor Christine Fletcher, Chair of the council’s Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee, which oversees the grants.
“It’s the kind of healthy, outdoor activity we are trying to encourage with these grants. We are confident that Hockey New Zealand, in collaboration with North Harbour Hockey, Auckland Hockey and Counties-Manukau Hockey, is ideally placed to deliver a high standard of programmes for Aucklanders,” she says.
Hockey New Zealand Acting Chief Executive, Ian Francis, says his organisation is focused on making hockey a more accessible and enjoyable sport, delivering programmes in school, clubs and at association level for all ages.
“We are very pleased Auckland Council sees the value in supporting our regional development programme with this $40,000 grant towards our costs,” he says.
“The primary role of the regional development programme is to develop hockey participation and robust delivery structures including coaching, umpiring and volunteering that provide easy and affordable community-wide access to hockey.”
