Hon Trevor Mallard
Minister for Sport and Recreation
Funding boost for sport and recreation
Government funding for sport and recreation is set to increase from $50.8 million in 2005/06 to almost $58 million in
2006/07, Minister for Sport and Recreation Trevor Mallard announced today.
The package, largely announced in previous budgets, boosts funding for elite athletes, regional sports development and
active living programmes administered by Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC).
"Sport plays a fundamental role in our national identity. The Labour-led government recognises the importance of not
only investing in our elite athletes but investing in lifting the physical activity levels of all New Zealanders, for
our health and well being," Trevor Mallard said.
"Through sporting success on the world stage and here at home we showcase our dedication to excellence and our ability
to triumph against the odds. If New Zealand is to continue to be competitive on the international stage, we must not
waiver in our commitment to elite athlete support programmes or in our support for sport at the grass roots level."
Total sport and recreation funding over the next four years is almost $237 million and includes:
- $10 million invested in national sport organisations over the next four years to further develop the capability
of sport at the regional level. This approach is aimed at expanding the participation base and developing emerging
talent in the regions;
- $16.2 million over the next four years in funding targeted for direct athlete support through Performance
Enhancement Grants;
- SPARC funding of $17.8 million over the next four years to the government’s Healthy Eating – Healthy Action
strategy. This will provide increased support for school programmes, early childhood physical activity and the Green
Prescription programme.
- $1.2 million over the next four years for the Sports Drug Agency, to go towards new international anti-doping
requirements, compliance costs and the domestic education programme.
“It’s clear that a coordinated approach to the wellbeing of New Zealanders, across the health, education, and sport and
recreation sectors is essential if we want to see positive shift in physical activity levels, especially with our young
people,” Trevor Mallard said.
ENDS