Auckland Council approves over $13 million of sport and recreation facilities funding in Tāmaki Makaurau

A range of grassroots sports organisations across Tāmaki Makaurau have received a $13 million boost to help Aucklanders enjoy time on the field, on the court and on the water. The allocation from the Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund was approved by Auckland Council’s Planning, Environment and Parks Committee on September 7. 

The significant investment will help more Aucklanders participate in community sport and recreation activities. 

Councillor Richard Hills, chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee says sport and recreation is an integral part of the social and cultural fabric of Auckland and it’s vital local sports organisations get funding. 

“A growing number of Aucklanders enjoy participating in sports and recreation, the activities and facilities connected to them help give people a sense of community belonging and have huge physical and mental health benefits. 

“It’s vital that Auckland has a network of local sports clubs and organisations and this partnership funding will help them prosper and thrive as places for residents to meet to participate in and enjoy their chosen sport.” 

Councillor Angela Dalton, deputy chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee says the funding is an opportunity to enhance Auckland’s sport and recreation network. 

“These non-council owned facilities are crucial to Auckland’s sport and recreation network and meeting the evolving demand for sporting opportunities.” 

How funding is allocated 

The fund recognises the important role that non-council facilities play in serving Auckland’s sport and recreation sector.  

The fund allows Auckland Council to get more Aucklanders more active by proactively addressing sport and recreation infrastructure shortfalls; responding to changing participation preferences and delivering value for money by leveraging external investment. 

Projects which will serve communities of the greatest need were prioritised for funding, in line with Auckland Council’s Long-term Plan 2021-2031. 

Dave Stewart, the council’s Active Communities General Manager, says the fund’s focus is on supporting more Aucklanders to get active while ensuring value for investment is achieved. 

“A high calibre of applications were received this year and successful recipients can use the funding to improve and upgrade their facilities and ultimately get more Aucklanders more active.” 

This year $13,040,000 of funding was distributed across 18 organisations. These recipients were chosen by the independent assessment panel from a total group of 47 applicants. 

Success story: West Auckland Riding for the Disabled 

Operating out of Henderson Valley Park, West Auckland Riding for the Disabled (WA-RDA ) gives young people with disabilities the chance to experience therapeutic horse riding with programmes designed to enhance riders’ health, wellbeing, skills, confidence and activity. 

Due to the weather, WA-RDA has been unable to operate during school Term 3. Thanks to funding from various sources, including $1.28 million from Auckland Council through the Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund in 2022, a covered riding facility is being built at the site so riding can take place no matter the weather conditions. 

Norma Hayward, the group’s president says they’re “thrilled” more people will be able to use the facility. 

“We are really excited to see the building going up and it will make a huge difference to our riders and their whanau. It will also mean we can extend our service and more than triple the number of sessions we offer annually.  

“The whole facility will also be available to hire to the community. We look forward to welcoming all sorts of groups from equestrian to other sports, activity and special interest groups, to come and enjoy the building. This is a much-anticipated community asset and we are very grateful to Auckland Council for its support.” 

Next funding round 2024/2025 

Stage 1 applications for the 2024/2025 funding round are due to open in November 2023. We encourage sport and recreation organisations to read the funding guidelines PDF to understand whether they could be eligible to apply. 

To discuss your proposal and to initiate the application process, please contact sportandrecreation@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz