Source: Auckland Council
A top-of-the-line climbing structure for Auckland tamariki and rangatahi to use and enjoy is one step closer thanks to Auckland Council’s Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund.
Six sports organisations across Tāmaki Makaurau will receive a slice of more than $14.3 million from the council to help develop their facilities to meet the sport and recreation needs of Aucklanders now and in the future.
Councillor Angela Dalton, chair of the Community Committee, says she’s pleased the council is able to help sports organisations build for the future.
“Auckland Council has allocated substantial funding to a variety of sporting organisations across the region, so they can grow and enhance their facilities.
“Having quality, fit for purpose facilities will ultimately allow Aucklanders from all walks of life to participate in sport and recreation, stay active and connect.
“Non-council owned facilities are crucial to the Tāmaki Makaurau sport and recreation facility network as they meet the region’s evolving demands for sporting opportunities.”
Waka Pacific Trust was allocated $250,000 for shading and lighting of the climbing frame to be built at Vector Wero Whitewater Park in Manukau. The galvanised steel structure will rise 16 metres, comprise 78 climbing elements ranging in difficulty levels. It will host up to 100 participants at once, offering a fun and active challenge. The Trust’s school programme which supported 90,000 children free of charge in 2024 – 80 per cent from low-decile schools – aims to provide free access to 15,000 local children in Wero Climb’s first year, with 9,000 already registered to have a go.
The council has previously contributed $250,000 to this $3.1 million project through the same fund.
The other organisations allocated funding include Auckland Hockey Association, Highbrook Regional Watersports Centre Trust, Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei Whai Maia, Pakuranga United Rugby Club (to expand their community sports centre), Waka Pacific Trust and West Auckland Riding for the Disabled.
“It’s fantastic to have these investment decisions made by our elected members,” says Kenneth Aiolupotea, General Manager Community Wellbeing.
“The next step involves our team working closely with successful grant applicants to build their sports and recreational infrastructure that will benefit our communities across Tāmaki Makaurau. This is very exciting.”
How funding is allocated
Six organisations were invited to submit updated information regarding their on-going projects. These projects were identified based on their alignment to the priority criteria for the fund and progress through the project lifecycle.
Auckland Council staff and an independent review panel considered the submissions and assessed the capability of the organisations, achievability of the project, current project status, and funding status.
All six of the targeted process projects were recommended to receive grants for a total of $14,348,920. The funding was approved by the council’s Community Committee on 11 February 2025.
More information on the council’s grants programme that supports Aucklanders’ aspirations for a great city, including the Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund can be found on the Auckland Council website.
Next funding round
Applications for the Sport and Recreational Facilities Investment Fund, contestable process opens on 18 February 2025 and closes on 18 March 2025.
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Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund, targeted process 2025/2026 |
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Recipient |
Project title |
Funding up to: |
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Auckland Hockey Association Incorporated |
Lloyd Elsmore Park Hockey Stadium – Turf 2 renewal and LED Flood-light upgrade |
$215,000 |
|
Highbrook Regional Watersport Centre Trust |
Highbrook Watersports Centre Clubhouse building |
$2,200,000 |
|
Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei Whai Maia Limited acting on behalf of Whai Maia Charitable Trust 1 |
Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei Sports, Recreation and Hauora Centre |
$5,000,000 |
|
Pakuranga United Rugby Club Incorporated |
Howick Pakuranga Community Sports Centre Facility Expansion |
$5,571,061 |
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Waka Pacific Trust |
Wero Climb |
$250,000 |
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West Auckland Riding for the Disabled Association Incorporated |
Covered Riding Facility |
$512,859 |
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Total |
$14,348, 920 |
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