About 

What is Sport NZ recognition status? 

Recognition status granted by Sport NZ confirms an organisation as the peak body representing their sporting code in Aotearoa New Zealand. Specified criteria must be met to be granted recognition.   

Sport is defined as: An activity with human participants that requires physical activity and physical skill, which is governed by rules and regulations, and has competition that requires skill rather than chance. 

Applicants will be asked to confirm, with evidence, they meet the definition of a sport as outlined above.  

Who can apply? 

Only sports organisations are eligible to apply for Sport NZ recognition status. Non-sporting organisations, such as active recreation, play, and fitness organisations, are not eligible to apply for Sport NZ recognition status.   

Please note: Some organisations are considered already recognised and do not need to make an application under this new process. Please see below for a full list of Sport NZ recognised organisations.

What are the benefits of applying? 

This updated Recognition Criteria has been developed as organisations have told Sport NZ they see value in recognition. An organisation that satisfies the Sport NZ Recognition Criteria is known as a Sport NZ recognised National Sports Organisation.  

Sport NZ recognition status can support an organisation’s: 

• credibility within their code and wider sector  
• potential eligibility to receive the proceeds of sports betting 
• applications to join international federations and competition. 

Receiving Sport NZ recognition status is entirely optional and does not impact upon Sport NZ's existing or future investment into sector organisation. Having recognition status does not make an organisation more or less likely to receive investment or other support from Sport NZ. Sport NZ's investment decisions are made separately to the recognition status process and are based on our priorities for the current strategic period.  

What are the criteria? 

There are three criteria for Sport NZ Recognition Status. 

• The organisation’s primary focus is sport. 
• The organisation follows basic governance requirements. 
• The organisation represents their sport in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

How long does recognition status last? 

Recognition status is valid in perpetuity, unless it is found that your organisation no longer meets Sport NZ's criteria. 

Before applying 

Please read the below carefully, prior to beginning the Recognition Assessment Form. 

Process 

• Before starting the application, familiarise yourself with the questions AND acknowledgements within the form. Work with your organisation (including your Board) to prepare all the evidence that is required
• Upon submission of the form below, your application will be sent automatically through to Sport NZ 
• Applications will be addressed by a Sport NZ Recognition Assessment Panel at the closest Recognition Assessment Round date (these are included below) 
• Once a decision has been made, an email will be sent to the contact email address you included at the top of the application form 
• If you have any questions / queries regarding the process, you can email recognition@sportnz.org.nz  

Recognition assessment timeline  

Sport NZ holds two recognition assessment rounds per calendar year. The key dates for 2025 are: 

• 31 March 2025 - all applications must be submitted for Round 1.  
• 30 September 2025 - all applications must be submitted for Round 2.  

We will be in touch with an outcome of your application within eight weeks of the applications closing date.  

Implications for Investment 

Recognition status is granted to peak sports bodies who represent their code in Aotearoa New Zealand, and who meet the specified criteria. Recognition status has no impact on existing funding arrangements and capability support between Sport NZ and sports organisations. It is not the start of a ‘pathway to partnership’ for sports organisations, nor does it impact other entities we choose to invest in. 

Sport NZ funding and investment decisions are, and will continue to be, subject to: 

• meeting the eligibility criteria for any specific fund 
• an organisation’s ability to contribute to Sport NZ’s strategic outcomes, and  
• the availability of specific investment funds.  

Applications for the current round of Sport NZ recognition assessment close 31 March 2025.

Sport NZ recognised sport organisations

The following organisations have been granted Sport NZ recognition status:

• Archery NZ
• Artistic Swimming NZ
• Athletics NZ
• Badminton NZ
• Baseball NZ
• Basketball NZ
• Bowls NZ
• Boxing NZ
• Canoe Slalom NZ
• Canoe Racing NZ
• Climbing NZ
• Croquet NZ
• Cycling NZ
• Diving NZ
• Equestrian Sports NZ
• Flying NZ
• Gliding NZ
• Golf NZ
• Gymnastics NZ
• Hockey NZ
• Ice Speed Skating NZ
• International Taekwon-Do Foundation
• Karate NZ
• Kart Sport NZ
• Marching NZ
• Motorcycling NZ
• Motorsport NZ
• Netball NZ
• New Zealand AFL
• NZ American Football Federation
• NZ Confederation of Billiard Sports
• NZ Cricket
• NZ Curling Association
• NZ Darts Council
• NZ Esports Federation
• NZ Football
• NZ Handball Federation
• NZ Ice Figure Skating Association
• NZ Ice Hockey Federation
• NZ Indoor Bowls
• NZ Judo Federation
• NZ Mixed Martial Arts Federation
• NZ Petanque Association
• NZ Polocrosse
• NZ Pony Clubs Association
• NZ Power Boat Federation
• NZ Powerlifting Federation
• NZ Rugby
• NZ Rugby League
• NZ Shooting Federation
• NZ Tag Football
• NZ Underwater Association
• NZ Water Polo Association
• NZ Water Ski Association
• Orienteering NZ
• Rowing NZ
• Shearing Sports NZ
• Skate NZ
• Snow Sports NZ
• Softball NZ
• Speedway NZ
• Sport Jiu Jitsu Federation NZ
• Squash NZ
• Surf Life Saving NZ
• Surfing NZ
• Swimming NZ
• Table Tennis NZ
• Tennis NZ
• Touch NZ
• Triathlon NZ
• Volleyball NZ
• Waka Ama NZ
• Weightlifting NZ
• Wrestling NZ
• Yachting NZ