Media advisory 

27 November 2025 

They’re young, energetic and remote and nearly 300 children in our rural communities are now a step closer to their sports training and events, thanks to funds from the Sport NZ Rural Travel Fund. 

The latest round of funding saw $5,300 distributed towards sports related travel to 292 children from Featherston Athletics Club, Greytown Football Club and Kahutara School. 

About the Fund 

The Sport NZ Rural Travel Fund covers a portion of the cost of travel to local sports events for rural junior teams aged five to 18 years, alleviating the barrier of travel costs so they can compete in regular sports competitions and training. The fund is administered by 35 territorial authorities across Aotearoa, such as South Wairarapa District Council, on behalf of Sport NZ. 

Sport clubs and schools based in the South Wairarapa district participating in regular local sports competition are invited to apply annually.   

How to apply 

Applications must be submitted via the Council’s online application form. The next round of funds opens in March 2026.  

Submit a Sport NZ Rural Travel Fund Application here or email grants@swdc.govt.nz for more information.  

ENDS  

Media contact 

Email media@swdc.govt.nz