Regional sporting facilities rate

Region wide rate

Northland Regional Council has a targeted “Regional Sporting Facilities Rate” that is collected across all of Northland for the development of new sporting facilities.

The funding is only used for projects that:

• Have been identified through a regionwide consultation process to inform Kokiri ai Te Waka Hourua, a ‘living’ strategy for play, active recreation and sport (the Strategy).
• Have District Council support in the form of funding contributions through the district councils’ Long-Term Plans.

In June 2024, as part of their Long Term Plan 2024-2034, council confirmed continuation of the rate to part fund qualifying sporting facility projects.

Examples of projects that have been allocated funding since the rate was established in 2018 are:

• The Mangawhai Activity Zone for the completion of the competition skateboard facility.
• Whangārei’s Pohe Island Sports Hub including a bicycle circuit track, a covered learn-to-ride area, pump tracks, mountain bike skills track and nationally recognised BMX track designed to host significant events.
• Sportsville Kaikohe Stage 2 development of a comprehensive multi-sports hub at Lindvart Park featuring sports fields, courts, other outdoor activities and amenities and a central multi-sport facility.

How are projects identified?

This sports facility funding is only available for capital development projects of new-builds or significant additions, not maintenance, refurbishments or for operational expenditure.

Potential recipient projects are determined through ongoing evaluation of prioritised projects with reference to the Strategy. Council has the final say on allocations, guided by the Strategy with supporting recommendations from Sport Northland and the three district councils.

How is the rate set?

The regional sporting facilities rate is a targeted rate as authorised by the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002. This rate is a fixed amount of just over $16 (including GST). It is charged to each rateable separately used or inhabited part (SUIP) of a rating unit in the Far North and Whangārei districts and each rateable rating unit in the Kaipara district.

Who to contact?

If your sports organisation has a project you feel should be considered for this funding, in the first instance please contact the Sport Northland Places Manager via the Sport Northland website.