The value and reach of sport and recreation
The value and reach of sport and recreation
New evidence briefs
Manatū Taonga – Ministry for Culture and Heritage has released 2 new evidence briefs in the Te Kāpehu – The Compass insights series, alongside updated sport and recreation sector data from Infometrics (year to March 2025).
Together, the briefs highlight new evidence on the broader cultural sector’s economic contribution and how sport and recreation connect Aotearoa to the world.
These insights can help with investment conversations, planning and telling the story of the value of sport and recreation.
Key findings: Economy
Highlights for the sport and recreation sector from the economy brief:
- $7.6 billion added to GDP (year to March 2025).
- More than 75,000 jobs supported and 3.0% business growth (faster than the total economy).
- Over 1 million volunteers contributed, with an estimated value of $3.09 billion.
- $16.8 billion in social benefits generated from recreational physical activity, including $9 billion in health benefits - about $2.12 back for every $1 invested (Source: Sport NZ Social Return on Investment report).
Read the economy evidence at a glance.
Read the 2022 Sport NZ Social Return on Investment (SROI) report.
Key findings: Global connections
Highlights for the sport and recreation sector from the global connections brief:
- $78 million in grants from international sport and recreation governing bodies (2022) to support local organisations, clubs, facilities and services in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- 72% of international viewers said content of Aotearoa made them consider visiting.
- Programmes like the Pacific Sporting Partnerships Programme (2017–2022) help build connections, strengthen Pacific mana and support people to learn life skills.
Read the global connections evidence at a glance.
What’s next
These briefs are part of the work that Manatū Taonga is doing to build a stronger evidence base across the cultural system, including sport and recreation.
More briefs are underway, with a focus on Te Ao Māori and cultural participation.
You can also explore other research and reports on their website: https://www.mch.govt.nz/publications
