Te Pūtea Whakangao Whakaurunga Tākaro me Ngā Mahi ā Te Rehia Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund

​This grant fund supports the development of sport and recreation facilities that create opportunities for Aucklanders to get active.

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

The fund allows us to:

• proactively address sport and recreation infrastructure shortfalls
• respond to changing participation preferences
• deliver value for money by leveraging external investment
• get more Aucklanders more active.

• Sports and recreation

We will assess your application and decide how much funding we can contribute.

The Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund seeks to improve the provision of facilities to increase the level of community sport and active recreation participation in Auckland.

The fund primarily contributes to the 'Infrastructure' priority in the Auckland Sport and Recreation Strategic Action Plan 2014-2024 - read initiative 7.2: Provide quality fit-for-purpose facilities at regional, sub-regional and local levels for informal recreation and sport.

The participation outcomes of this fund directly align with the primary outcome of Increasing Aucklanders’ Participation in Sport: Investment Plan 2019-2039. These set out the council's objectives and investment approach for sport over the next 20 years.

Administration of this fund is guided by the Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund Framework 2026-2028.

There are two funding processes within the framework.

You can only apply to the contestable fund. There is one funding round each year.

The contestable process ensures all eligible organisations can be considered for a grant.

For information on how to apply, read the 'How to apply to the contestable fund' section.

We use a targeted process to facilitate high priority projects and it is by invitation only.

Read the Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund Framework 2026-2028 to learn more about the process.

The framework explains:

• the changes to the investment fund
• how the process works and how the council identifies projects
  
• the eligibility and priority outcomes criteria
• how funds are allocated.

All applications for both funding processes must meet these criteria:

• the funding request is for the purpose of facility planning or development
• the proposed facility delivers a community sport and/or active recreation outcome
• the applicant is a formally constituted organisation with a recognised legal structure
• there is a demonstrable need for the proposed facility
• the proposed funding model to deliver this stage of the project is achievable.

The fund also applies further criteria to accommodate potential applications for facilities required to serve Auckland communities. Priority criteria will receive higher weighting in assessment of applications.

We recommend you read the Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund guidelines before you apply.

The guide explains:

• the eligibility requirements
• application process
• your accountability requirements if your application is successful.

Note: Guidelines for the 2026/2027 round will be available in late April 2026. 

Applications are open from 25 May to 19 June 2026.

The fund will invest $185 million over the Long-term Plan 2024-2034. There is $9.5 million available in the current funding round.

Allocation for the next two years includes:

• 2026/2027 - $24.1 million
• 2027/2028 - $29.3 million.

Note: These allocations are based on provisional budgets. They may change when we confirm the actual budgets.

We will assess all applications received and let you know if yours will progress to the shortlist.

Shortlisted applications may need to:

• submit more information
• arrange a site visit, or
• answer questions for clarification.

They will then be reviewed and sent to an independent assessment panel for consideration.

The Community Committee will make final funding decisions in December 2026.

If your application was successful, you will be asked to sign a funding agreement. This contract sets out the terms and conditions you must meet before Auckland Council will release the funds.

Email sportandrecreation@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz if you have any questions about the fund or your application.