In response to the severe weather events that have impacted the Thames-Coromandel area this year, the Thames-Coromandel District Council, Sport Waikato, and Sport NZ have joined forces to provide funding and support for the recovery and rebuilding of physical activity opportunities in our region.

To address the challenges faced by the Thames-Coromandel community, the Thames-Coromandel Disaster Relief Fund for Play, Active Recreation and Sport fund has been established. Organisations and groups in our district can now apply to access a share of $60k worth of funding provided by both Sport New Zealand and the Thames-Coromandel Mayoral Relief Fund.

“This fund aims to support play, active recreation, and sport organisations and groups in repairing weather-related damage to infrastructure or equipment. Importantly, it will also support the implementation of local opportunities for physical activity” says Thames-Coromandel District Council Mayor Len Salt
“The fund will also aid in meeting increased travel demands for accessing sport and physical activity, particularly for groups, school and representative teams particularly those affected by the closure of SH25A” he says. 

Matthew Cooper, Chief Executive of Sport Waikato, expressed the importance of supporting physical activity in the Thames-Coromandel district despite the challenges brought on by the recent weather events. "In 2021, 73 per cent of young people (5-17 years) and 63 per cent of adults (18+) in the Coromandel were doing enough physical activity to positively impact their wellbeing, making the area one of the most active districts in the Waikato region," he says. "It’s extremely important for the ongoing health and wellbeing of the communities of the area that we support continued participation in physical activity, despite the increased and ongoing challenges the recent weather events have caused."

Mr Cooper also expressed his pride in partnering with Sport NZ and our Council to deliver this fund. "We’re pleased to be able to partner with Sport NZ and TCDC in the delivery of this fund, which we hope will go some way to helping those who enable play, active recreation, and sport to offer opportunities in the community that support people to continue to be active or even take up something local and new."

The collaboration between our Council, Sport Waikato, and Sport NZ signifies a commitment to the well-being and resilience of the Coromandel community. By providing funding and support, the aim is to rebuild physical activity opportunities and ensure that the community can continue to thrive despite the challenges posed by the recent severe weather events.

Applications open on Friday 26 May and run until 4pm Monday 12 June.

Full funding criteria is available on the funding page, as well as an online application form. 

Find out more and apply now.