Sport Tasman is calling for local organisations to apply for up to $30,000 worth of funding in projects specifically targeting less active youth who are missing out.

In the Top of the South, the Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund is managed by Sport Tasman on behalf of Sport NZ. It is an activation fund designed to help cover costs that are directly associated with the delivery of activities, anything from getting the right equipment to transport to an event. “We know from research there are some groups who are more at risk of  being less active, including those living with a disability, youth from high deprivation communities and girls and young women. Programmes or projects that reach these groups will be prioritised for funding,” says Sport Tasman’s Tū Manawa Advisor Chris Pugh.

“Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa was introduced by Sport New Zealand two years ago in response to a growing number of tamariki (children) and rangatahi (youth) not being active. These kids miss out for various reasons – lack of confidence, no money to join a club or buy the right gear, or perhaps they are geographically isolated – and the fund helps them get past these barriers.”

Examples of successful programmes already funded, include a two-day rafting trip on the West Coast for disabled rangatahi from rural areas. Led by Jezza Williams,  who is a tetraplegic himself,  this immensely successful event provided huge motivation for the teens’ confidence and self-esteem, which was further boosted when they featured on national television. In another programme, Motueka rangatahi  spent time on board a waka in Abel Tasman Park with their grandparents. It not only improved their paddling skills, but it also helped foster an understanding of Te Ao Māori and improved their ability to work as part of a team.

The main round of Tū Manawa funding is open now until Friday April 29. Sport Tasman is interested in receiving applications that take an innovative approach to engaging less active youth in quality play, active recreation, and sport experiences. Chris says, “Our funds simply don’t stretch far enough to support all applications, but organisations can do several things to increase their chances.”

Firstly, it’s important any application specifically targets those groups that are more at risk of missing out or being less active, including those living with a disability, in higher deprivation communities, and girls and young women.

Secondly, while most funding requests are still for active recreation, Tū Manawa also funds opportunities for play.

Finally, as with any funding application, there’s a lot of information to digest and requirements to comply with. Sport Tasman has a dedicated page on its website with all the relevant information. It includes a handy checklist to help organisations assess whether they can apply, as well as required measures and outcomes, guidelines, FAQs, and various templates.

“Take some time to read through this before applying,” Chris says. “And if you have any questions at all, I am only a phone call or email away and happy to answer any questions your organisation may have.”

For more information, please contact Chris Pugh, Sport Tasman Tū Manawa Advisor on 027 544 3959 or email.

Article added: Wednesday 20 April 2022

Photo Caption: Rafting trip on the West Coast for disabled rangatahi from rural areas. Led by Jezza Williams.