Sport and Recreation New Zealand / Ihi Aotearoa

SPARC has an active research programme.  Find out more about New Zealanders' participation in sport and physical activity here.

For facts and figures on participation in sport and active leisure from 1997-2001.

SPARC has an active research programme.  Find out more about New Zealanders' participation in sport and physical activity here.

For facts and figures on participation in sport and active leisure from 1997-2001.

SPARC invests in any organisation involved in sport and recreation as part of/on behalf of a wider stakeholder consortium. Active Communities aims to create opportunities for New Zealanders to get up and moving through sport and recreation - for example, active leisure, active transport, active living.

SPARC's Rural Travel Fund is designed to subsidise travel for junior teams participating in local sport competitions. The Rural Travel Fund is open to rural sports clubs and rural school teams in council areas that have less than 10 people per square kilometre (it isn't available to individuals). It is managed and distributed by councils - you need to contact your local council to apply.

SPARC's key partnerships are with national sport organisations, national recreation organisations, regional sports trusts and local authorities. Through these bodies SPARC not only invests funding, but also provides expertise that will improve the quality of the services delivered to their members and participants.

SPARC's investment is only part of the funding landscape for the sport and recreation sector. Philanthropic trusts, gaming trusts and community funders also play a significant role in supporting the sector.  

For the latest information for councils, as well as related material from across the SPARC site and answers to frequently asked questions go to

Including Under 5's, Programmes for Schools and Mission - on

Including Push Play, Activator and Green prescription

Including sector capability development, game on, club kit and volunteers

• SPARC's vision for New Zealand is:
  to be the most active nation
  to be winning consistently in events that matter to New Zealand
  to achieve this by having the most effective sport and recreation systems.