June 2023, Articles

HPSNZ increases financial support for athletes

HPSNZ has increased its Tailored Athlete Pathway Support (TAPS) investment for athletes on Base Training Grants and Development Training Grants.

TAPS investment is designed to support athlete wellbeing by providing eligible athletes with greater financial security through either a Base Training Grant or Development Training Grant. Some athletes are also eligible for a financial top up from a performance-based Excellence Grant. TAPS athletes also receive fully funded medical insurance, access to Prime Ministers Scholarships and access to a wide range of specialist services from our Athlete Performance Support team.

HPSNZ Director of High Performance Steve Tew says the organisation considered the fact New Zealand is experiencing a period of notable inflation which has resulted in very real cost of living increases, impacting athletes.

“We consulted with athlete representatives and several NSOs on the subject of prioritising additional funding for athletes,” Steve says. “We took their feedback to our Board, who approved the increased TAPS investment.”

As a result, the Base Training Grant has been increased from $30,000 to $32,500 per annum (to 31 December 2024) and the Development Training Grant has increased from $10,000 to $11,000 per annum. These increases have been back dated to 1 January 2023.

Backdated payments for eligible athletes are expected to be transferred to NSOs by HPSNZ before the end of June, to be forwarded to athletes as soon as possible. New monthly payment amounts will commence from July.