Fund puts call out on youth sport projects

• Published date: 10 August 2022

The purpose of the funding is to support the delivery of sport, active recreation and play activities for tamariki (aged 5-12) and rangatahi (aged 13-19), including those who have limited access to opportunities because of geographical locations

Sport Whanganui chief executive Danny Jonas is passionate about the difference the Tu Manawa Active Aotearoa fund can make to our communities.

“Sport Whanganui to date has approved funding to more than 70 projects throughout the region. We are delighted, on behalf of Sport New Zealand, to administer this fund to activate a diverse range of projects for our region.”

There are two types of funding round: Fast Fund applications for funding of $10,000 or less and Full Fund with no dollar limit.

Awa Active and Illuminate was a successful project for the Full Round in 2020. Centred around play and active recreation opportunities with an emphasis on te ao Māori (Māori world) concepts it has made a positive difference to Tamaupoko tamariki and rangatahi.

The project was the brainchild of Tamaupoko Community Led Trust and was governed, managed, and delivered by whānau, hapū and iwi.

The stretch of the Whanganui River Rd along the Whanganui Awa is unique and soulful. However, relative isolation does present some unique challenges. For kids to access facilities in Whanganui city it’s a one-hour drive one way. At times, making that journey can be impossible with slips and flooding.

The array of activities, which included a school holiday programme and vocational learning, involved more than the tamariki and rangatahi but embraced the hapori (community), family, coaches, and teachers.

Activities often had an environmental lens overarching...