Active Southland is relaunching its Active Communities fund in the first quarter of 2023.

It will grant a total of $150,000 over the next two years, supporting programme delivery, volunteers and officials, individuals facing hardship and amateur athletes travelling for competitions within New Zealand.

The new funding source, which will open in late February, will replace the previous fund administered by the Invercargill Community Recreation and Sports Trust (ICRST), established by the Invercargill City Council.

After consultation with the Invercargill City Council, an independent review was commissioned by Active Southland to better understand how the fund could be utilitised to provide the most significant community impact.

The review looked at what the intent of the fund was and how it was used, identified what other funding was available and how the Active Communities fund could complement that funding, consulted with local organisations in the ‘active’ sector and suggested new fund criteria and administration processes.

Active Southland chief executive Vanessa Hughey said the regional sports trust was honoured by the faith shown in the organisation by the Invercargill City Council.

“We certainly don’t take that responsibility lightly and so we have made it a priority to do our due diligence and ensure this fund is maximised for the good of the community,” Hughey said.

“Another aspect has been ensuring we have systems and processes in place to administer this fund well, including understanding how it can complement the Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund we administer on behalf of Sport New Zealand.”

Hughey said the ongoing effects of the pandemic and increased living costs had contributed to hardship in the community and created barriers to being active.

“These are real needs in the community, and we will be ensuring that a higher priority is placed on those experiencing barriers to participation.”

Active Southland will promote the opening round of the Active Communities fund through local and social media; play, active recreation and sport stakeholders and through the community funding network.