The government has ordered an independent review of Sport NZ, the body overseeing sport and recreation in the country, to evaluate how it allocates public funds.
Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop confirmed that senior public sector leader Brendan Boyle is leading the review, with a focus on ensuring public funding is used efficiently and effectively.
High Performance Sport NZ and Sport NZ collectively manage significant budgets, including $131 million for elite sports over the past four years and $70 million annually for grassroots and community programmes. However, insiders have raised concerns that the funding strategy may lack direction, describing it as a “cash free-for-all” benefiting groups with limited connection to promoting physical activity or achieving measurable health outcomes.
The review comes amid broader efforts by the government to assess spending in various Crown agencies but is unrelated to recent scrutiny of the high-performance system following cyclist Olivia Podmore’s death.
Sport NZ Chief Executive Raelene Castle has welcomed the review, stating it offers an opportunity to ensure transparency, improve funding strategies, and enhance community impact. The findings will aim to reassure both the public and policymakers about the value delivered by public investments in sport and recreation.
