Sport NZ has announced another package to provide short-term relief for organisations at all levels of sport & active recreation, easing financial pressures caused by COVID-19.
A fund of $25 million has been made available through savings achieved from the reprioritisation of Sport NZ's work programme during the pandemic.
An initial package of support for Sport NZ and High Performance Sport NZ partners was announced in early April, totalling $70m.
The newest fund will focus on providing relief for struggling local and regional sport & recreation organisations, and will be provided via a $15m Community Resilience Fund.
"Play, active recreation and sport have a key role in maintaining individual health and wellbeing, bringing our communities together and keeping these communities strong," says Sport NZ chief executive Peter Miskimmin.
"It is vital that organisations at all levels of our sector remain viable, and are there when play, active recreation and sport can fully resume. We believe we have structured this relief package in a way that will maximise its benefit at all levels of the sector for the greatest possible good."
"Clubs and regional organisations are the heartbeat of our sector, but have been among the hardest hit by COVID-19, particularly through the loss of Class 4 gaming revenue and membership fees. They need support now more than ever."
The Sport NZ Community Resilience Fund opens May 11, when eligible organisations can apply for a maximum of $1000 for clubs and $40,000 for regional bodies.
Sport & Recreation Minister Grant Robertson has also indicated that the NZ Government is considering another recovery package in addition to that announced Thursday.
