Snow Sports NZ Funding Update

In December 2015 we advised members that Snow Sports NZ’s community sport funding from Sport NZ was to be significantly reduced from 1 July 2016. The decrease was based on our small competitive membership numbers and the fact our membership demographic is not aligned to targeted groups (Asian, Maori, Pacific and low-socio economic communities) under Sport NZ’s new community sport strategy.

In February the Board met with Sport NZ and High Performance Sport NZ (HPSNZ) to discuss the implications of the funding decrease. The Board and management then held a workshop with the Chairs of the sport committees, Sport NZ, HPSNZ and our industry partners (NZ Snowsports Instructors' Alliance, NZ Snow Industries Federation, Ski Areas Association NZ) during which we outlined the financial challenges facing Snow Sports NZ and the potential impact this could have on snow sports athlete development and event pathways. 

At the workshop and subsequent SAANZ Executive meeting it was agreed that a review (Snow Sports Industry Review) should be undertaken that addressed four key questions:

  1. Is there a need for an industry body to drive industry wide strategy and growth and if so, which organisation is best placed to lead this work?
  2. What funding model should be used to support this organisation?
  3. What is the value of competitive snow sports to the ski areas and the wider snow sports industry?
  4. What funding model should be used to support the competitive snow sports pathway?

The Terms of Reference for the review have been signed off and the review, which is due for completion at the end of August, is now underway. At the request of the industry partners the review is being led by Martin Toomey (CEO Snow Sports NZ, Chair SAANZ). As part of this process Snow Sports NZ members will be consulted largely via the sport committees and we look forward to your input.

Snow Sports NZ will maintain business as usual operations throughout the 2016 season (June – October) and has transitional funding from Sport NZ to support this. The outcomes of the Snow Sports Industry Review will influence the strategic direction and future form of Snow Sports NZ post October.

Throughout the review process we will distribute regular updates to stakeholders and also post these on the Snow Sports NZ website  www.snowsports.co.nz

David Wallace

Chairman


8 years ago
  Funding