Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa Fund

Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa is a fund designed to remove barriers to physical activity for tamariki and rangatahi (aged 5-18). Both research and our sector experience tell us that some groups within this age bracket are at greater risk of missing out on opportunities for active recreation, sport, and play.

These Groups Include

  • Tamariki and rangatahi in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage

  • Tangata whaikaha (disabled participants, or 'people who are determined to do well')

  • Young women and girls​​​
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Projects and programmes that reach these groups will be prioritised for funding to help remove barriers and enhance the mana of local communities.

Funding Priorities

Tū Manawa is about meeting the needs and desires of tamariki and rangatahi, rather than what others think they want. Applications that incorporate their voices,  through words, pictures, or videos, are more likely to be approved.

Since its launch in 2021, Tū Manawa has empowered communities to respond to the physical activity needs of tamariki and rangatahi. Nuku Ora has administered over $4.5 million in funding to a variety of projects. For the year beginning 1 July 2024, $1.423 million will be available to support meaningful initiatives across Te Upoko o Te Ika a Māui.

What Can You Apply For?

Who Can Apply?

A Dynamic and Transformational Fund

Tū Manawa is not a static fund. Nuku Ora, Sport New Zealand, and partners across the motu are committed to ensuring it remains dynamic and transformational, working for our communities. Over the years, Tū Manawa has redefined what physical activity means, funding opportunities beyond traditional sports like rugby and football. This includes activities such as gathering kai, connecting to te taiao, playing, and moving for overall wellbeing.

Through our Kaupapa Māori pathway, we have also supported tamariki and rangatahi in connecting, or staying connected, to their whakapapa in ways that are meaningful to them.


Explore our Resource Hub for Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa supporting documents.


​​​​​​​Got pātai or want to kōrero?

Email us: tumanawa@nukuora.org.nz

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