Play Activation Fund

Sport Canterbury is pleased to announce a Play Activation Fund (PAF) for 2026 to support play and physical activity enablement in Waitaha Canterbury.

The PAF is designed to contribute to supporting tamariki wellbeing through play and physical activity for priority populations.

The fund provides an opportunity to advocate for play and physical activity, to strengthen the system, and has the potential to grow the play network, and to build, foster and support relationships.

The PAF requires a Tamariki-led approach to help empower tamariki involved to learn skills of advocacy, co-design, collaboration, and leadership.

For the purpose of this fund, we identify tamariki as those aged between 5 and 12 years old.

The Play Activation Fund is currently closed. Check back for information on future funding rounds.

Play Activation Fund focus​​​​​​​

The PAF is focused on supporting initiatives that:

• Support tamariki wellbeing through play and physical activity
• Prioritise tamariki from Māori, Pacific, ethnic, disabled, regional, and less equitable communities
• Create opportunities for tamariki to take the lead in shaping and delivering play experiences
• Strengthen connections, collaboration, and the wider play network
• Enable a range of play opportunities, including cultural, nature-based, creative, sport-inspired, and accessible play

For more information on the play kaupapa, check out the Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa Play focus area, here.

Important information and frequently asked questions

Documents and resources