Active Southland fund approaching $1m mark
“It’s been amazing to see such a wide range of new play, active recreation and sport initiatives trialled across Southland with the support of this fund."
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A special milestone for the Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund is in sight with almost $1m distributed into the Southland community.
Administered by Active Southland on behalf of Sport New Zealand, the Tū Manawa fund provides funding for programmes or projects delivering play, active recreation and sport experiences for tamariki and rangatahi.
SInce it was first established in 2000, Tū Manawa has funded $949,000 to 118 local organisations, including primary and high schools, regional sports organisations, social services and activity providers.
Active Southland chief executive Vanessa Hughey-Pol said the fund had made a real difference in the community since it was established.
“It’s been amazing to see such a wide range of new play, active recreation and sport initiatives trialled across Southland with the support of this fund. We’ve seen everything from the creation of whānau play packs and support for taonga tākaro, to innovative sports initiatives like Touch Southland’s Murihiku Wahine Touch Tag which are now being replicated in other parts of New Zealand.”
The most recent funding round for Tū Manawa is now open.
It has a particular focus on projects and programmes which will support tamariki and rangatahi who are less active, girls and young women, disabled young people (including those in Special Schools up to 21 years of age) and those living in higher deprivation geographical communities or circumstances.
“Tū Manawa has given organisations the opportunity to try new things and it has made it easier for young people to be active in Southland,” Hughey-Pol said.
Active Southland also administers the Invercargill Active Communities fund, which enables Invercargill residents to participate in sport, active recreation and play since 2023.
The fund supports programme delivery, volunteers and officials, travel and accessibility. The next funding round opens October 14.
For more information go to the Funding page at activesouthland.co.nz