Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

BUDGET 2001: $100 million increase for Sport

24 May 2001

$100 million funding increase for Sport, Fitness and Leisure

The Government plans to increase funding for sports, fitness and leisure by almost $100 million over the next five years as it implements the recommendations of the recent Sport, Fitness and Leisure review.

The budget provides an initial extra $2 million in the next financial year to start implementing the recommendations. Sport, Fitness and Leisure Minister Trevor Mallard said that would be used to establish a new crown entity to replace the Hillary Commission, aspects of the Sports Foundation and the sport side of the Office of Tourism and Sport.

"But what is most exciting is that the Government has acknowledged the health and economic benefits of a strong sport, fitness and leisure sector and agreed to a massive boost in funding for the sector starting in two years time," Trevor Mallard said.

"Two million dollars in 2001-02 and in 2002-03 has been allocated for the initial implementation of the report.

"Funding will then increase to $20 million in 2003-04, to $30 million in 2004-05, and up to $40 million in 2005-06 and thereafter. This money is in addition to current lotteries funding. The new entity will play a major role in developing and defining the priorities from recommendations raised in the Graham report.

"The Government also provides ongoing certainty to the high performance sport centres with a continued commitment of $4 million per annum beyond 2003-04. This will be a direct benefit to our elite athletes.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

"The sport, fitness and leisure sector has received a huge boost from this budget. I am confident that the country will reap the benefits - both social and economic - for years through social behaviour changes, improved health and increased national pride in our
sporting achievements.

"This is an investment in a healthy future for New Zealanders as the Government moves to build a stronger economy and fairer society," Trevor Mallard said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

Featured News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.