A range of grassroots sports organisations across Tāmaki Makaurau have received a $13 million boost from Auckland Council’s Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund.
The allocation from the Fund was approved by Auckland Council’s Planning, Environment and Parks Committee yesterday.
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,” he said.
“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 and participate in and enjoy their chosen sport.”
Deputy chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee, Councillor Angela Dalton 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.”
Council’s Active Communities General Manager, Dave Stewart 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 their facilities and ultimately get more Aucklanders more active.”
This year $13,040,000 of funding was distributed across 18 organisations. The recipients were chosen by the independent assessment panel from a total group of 47 applicants.
Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund allocation for 2023/2024 | ||
Recipient | Project | Funding up to: |
Auckland Netball Centre Inc | Indoor/Outdoor Lights Replacement | $250,000.00 |
AUT Millennium Trust | AUT Millennium Stadium Track Reinstatement Project | $1,200,000.00 |
Counties Tennis Association | Counties Indoor Tennis Arena | $990,000.00 |
Highbrook Regional Watersports Centre Trust | Highbrook Watersports Centre | $350,000.00 |
Hobsonville Point Marine Sports Recreation Centre Charitable Trust | Upper Harbour Marine and Sports Centre | $4,000,000.00 |
Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre Incorporated | Investigation for improved playing facilities | $20,000.00 |
Kaitoke School, Claris | Kaitoke (and community) school pool | $50,000.00 |
Kolmar Charitable Trust | Old Changing Room Block Upgrade. | $2,000,000.00 |
Lynfield Tennis Club Inc. | Back on court – resurfacing 4 tennis courts | $17,000.00 |
Manurewa Tennis Club | Project Dome | $400,000.00 |
Mt Albert Rugby League Football Club Incorporated | Facilities Alterations and Development | $370,000.00 |
North Shore Canoe and Youth Club Inc | NSCC Facility Upgrade and Extension | $800,000.00 |
Orewa Surf Life Saving Club Inc | Orewa Surf Life Saving Community Hub Redevelopment | $2,000,000.00 |
Pakuranga United Rugby Club Incorporated (Howick & Pakuranga Community Sports Centre) | Howick Pakuranga Community Sports Centre Facility Expansion | $250,000.00 |
Titirangi Tennis & Squash Rackets Club Incorporated | Squash Courts Refurbishment | $50,000.00 |
Waitakere Cricket Club Incorporated | Waitakere Multipurpose Indoor Centre | $20,000.00 |
Waka Pacific Trust | Waka Pacific Climb | $250,000.00 |
West Auckland Riding for the Disabled (WA-RDA) was a recipient of $1.28 million through the Fund’s 2022 allocation.
Weather forced the closure of the group’s operations late last year. The funding from Auckland Council means WA-RDA will be able to build a covered riding facility, so that lessons can take place no matter the weather.
Norma Hayward, the group’s president says they are “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,” he said.