Household wealth

Economic

How affordable will it be to participate in sport and recreation?

The median net worth of New Zealand households increased by 21% from 2018 to 2022, reaching $397,000.
The wealthiest 20% of households hold 69% of total household net worth, with their median net worth increasing by $313,000 to $2.02 million, while the bottom 20% saw a much smaller increase of $3,000 to $11,000.
The housing market has driven this disparity, with a 46% increase in median house prices between June 2018 and June 2021, benefiting wealthier households more than others.

Economic adversity will reduce disposable incomes and increase inequality, with uneven recovery potentially leading to greater polarisation.
High migration will support growth but also increase pressure on government spending and housing affordability.
Volatility, declining housing affordability, and risks of a housing bust could significantly impact household wealth, especially for younger people, exacerbating intergenerational wealth inequality.

Participation gaps may widen due to the uneven economic recovery and rising inequality, making it more difficult for lower-income households to afford participation in certain sport and recreational activities.
Public funding for sport and recreation infrastructure and programmes could become pressured, especially in less affluent regions, if economic growth remains slow and government budgets are strained.
Funding constraints may lead to more creative and flexible approaches, such as better use of school facilities and repurposing of unused retail space.

What strategies can we implement to prevent widening participation gaps between socioeconomic groups and ensure sport and recreation remains affordable and accessible to all?
How can we balance catering to growing demand for exclusive/premium offerings while maintaining inclusive, community-focused programmes?
What innovative funding models and partnerships can we explore to maintain and expand public sport and recreation infrastructure and programmes, especially in less affluent regions?