About the Pop-up Play Fund​​​​​​​

To celebrate Play Week (19-25 October 2026), we have launched this pop up play fund to support it. Its a quick opportunity to help bring fun, inclusive, and creative play experiences to life in your community.

Whether it's a wild backyard adventure, a neighbourhood play activation, or a relaxed creative space, if it gets tamariki and/or rangatahi playing, connecting, and having fun, we'd love to hear about it!

This fund is designed to support simple, accessible activities that encourage communities to embrace play, strengthen connections, and keep the play spirit alive long after Play Week has ended.​​​​​​​

Please note that this funding round is only for Play activities and projects

How much can I apply for?

There is a $1,500 cap, meaning an organisation can apply for up to $1,500

All applications will be assessed by a Sport Northland panel on the 8th of October 2026. ​​​​​​​

Pop-up Play Funding Dates

Applications open - Thursday, 20 August 2026  

Applications close - Monday, 28 September 2026

Time of closure - Midnight

This fund is only a pop up/one off fund for Play Week 2026

Successful applicants will receive funding in time to deliver their Play Week kaupapa between 19 and 25 October 2026.

If you have any questions or have finished your project and are ready to submit your final report, please email us on funding@sportnorth.co.nz and the team will happily answer any questions or send you your online reporting form.