High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) has announced a significant restructuring of its funding allocations, reducing the number of sports it will support to 36 for the next four years, down from 44 in the previous cycle.
The organisation will invest $162.8 million through to the Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics, focusing on sports with strong medal prospects.
Rowing remains the top-funded sport at $6 million annually, while cycling sees the largest increase, gaining an additional $770,000 annually to total $5.25 million.
However, some sports, like hockey, have faced drastic cuts, with funding slashed by $1.5 million annually after disappointing Olympic results.
Six sports, including football, golf, and diving, have lost funding entirely, while others, such as equestrian and basketball, saw reductions.
HPSNZ said these tough decisions aimed to maximise medal outcomes at pinnacle events, projecting 14–18 medals at the next Olympics and 9–14 at the Paralympics.
In addition to sport-specific funding, HPSNZ will allocate $22 million annually toward athlete wellbeing through its Tailored Athlete Pathway Support (TAPS) programme. This includes direct financial assistance, such as increased Elite and Potential Training Grants, as well as access to performance medicine, nutrition, and mental health resources.
An additional $800,000 annually will fund broader wellbeing initiatives.
Director of High Performance Steve Tew highlighted the importance of balancing performance and athlete welfare, ensuring competitive yet safe environments. While acknowledging the challenges faced by underfunded sports, Tew reiterated the targeted funding approach aimed to sustain New Zealand’s international success while enhancing athlete support. Feedback from an independent review of Sport NZ’s funding strategy informed the investment plan.
