Additional $3 million funding will be provided to continue the Active Me – Kia Tū Hardship Fund for an extra 12 months, Sport and Recreation Minister Mark Mitchell has announced.
The Active Me – Kia Tū fund, administered by Variety – The Children’s Charity in collaboration with Sport NZ, helps young New Zealanders experiencing financial hardship to participate in quality sport and recreation activities.
“Active Me – Kia Tū has made a huge difference in the lives of thousands of children,” Mitchell said.
“This funding extension means we can maintain momentum while more sustainable, long-term funding options are explored.”
Since its launch in 2021, Active Me – Kia Tū has aided more than 10,000 children and their whānau by offering grants of up to $300 per child each year to support their involvement in sport and recreation.
The programme aims to eliminate financial obstacles and promote physical activity, especially in communities experiencing high levels of deprivation.
A 2024 independent evaluation of the Active Me – Kia Tū fund revealed substantial benefits for young people, such as enhanced social skills, greater independence and confidence, along with overall improvements in both mental and physical wellbeing.
“The programme also supports the government target of reducing child and youth offending by 15%, as it takes a primary prevention approach to address risk factors such as financial hardship and school disengagement.”
“It helps to create positive, inclusive opportunities for connection and belonging, key preventative elements that can help create safer, more resilient communities,” Mitchell added.
Sport NZ is carrying out further research on the affordability of sport and recreation. The findings from this research will guide future strategies aimed at lowering costs for participants and enhancing system-wide efficiencies.