Active Communities
Active Communities Investment
SPARC invests in territorial local authorities (city and district councils) and regional authorities through its Active Communities programme, which aims to create opportunities to get people up and moving through active leisure, active transport and active living.
Councils can get both financial and service support for programmes that will contribute to SPARC’s vision of:
* New Zealand being the most active nation;
* New Zealand having the most effective sport and physical recreation systems.
What are the investment priorities?
SPARC’s aim of getting more people, more active, more often is the key priority for Active Communities Investment. SPARC has a responsibility for increasing physical activity participation levels through a variety of mediums, including sport, recreation, ‘active transport’ (e.g. walking and cycling) and work based programmes. While all applications will be considered, the following groups are a priority.
- Young people
- Maori
- Pacific peoples
- Disabled people.
How much investment is available?
Approximately $10 million dollars is available for investment over the next three years. There is no maximum or minimum investment as all applications are considered from a single, contestable fund. SPARC seeks a broad portfolio of investments that are strategic and offer innovative solutions to the problem of inactivity. Investment in a particular type of initiative in one area should not be interpreted as a guarantee that investment will occur in similar initiatives in other areas.
As a guide, SPARC would expect a minimum of 40 per-cent of the total project costs, which can include cash and in-kind contributions, to be met by project partners.
What are the investment criteria?
Criteria for investment include the following.
1. A clear identified need, evidence based approach.
2. A collaborative approach.
3. A pathway to sustainability.
4. Clear demonstration of how the initiative will increase levels of physical activity and impact on behaviour.
5. Confirmation of stakeholder investment – cash and/or in-kind resources.
6. Robust monitoring and evaluation systems.
Who can apply?
Any organisation involved in sport and physical activity can apply for investment as part of or on behalf of a wider stakeholder group. To be eligible, applicant organisations -- with the exception of territorial authorities, District Health Boards, Primary Health Organisations and statutory educational establishments -- should have physical activity/sport opportunities as their primary purpose.
Peer review service
A peer review service is now available for completed feasibility studies. The service provides an independent peer review of completed feasibility studies for capital sport and recreation facility developments, including the purchase of land for such developments. SPARC will contribute 75 per-cent of the total cost of a peer review.
How can I apply?
Updated | 08 Oct 2007.
Skip page tools.
