Across our region and throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, sport and recreation facilities play a vital role in supporting healthy, connected communities. While they are often viewed as infrastructure, new research from Sport New Zealand highlights the much broader value these spaces deliver – improving wellbeing, strengthening social connections and contributing to local economies. The social value of spaces and places | Sport New Zealand – Ihi Aotearoa

Sport NZ recently applied Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis to better understand the true impact of sport and recreation facilities. This approach measures not just financial costs, but also the wider social, health and economic benefits generated by these community assets.

One case study looked at four indoor aquatic facilities in the Taranaki region. The analysis found that these facilities generate an estimated $34 million in total social value each year, with $6 million in net social value after costs are accounted for. In practical terms, this means every $1 invested returns about $1.22 in community benefits.

The value created spans several areas. Health benefits alone are estimated at $17 million, reflecting improvements in quality of life, increased life expectancy and the prevention of diseases linked to physical inactivity. Social benefits are valued at more than $10 million, including increased life satisfaction for adults, improved happiness for young people and stronger community connections. Economic benefits – such as improved workforce productivity, reduced absenteeism and the value of volunteering – add a further $6.7 million. Taranaki indoor aquatic facilities social value report | Sport New Zealand – Ihi Aotearoa

The research also examined the potential impact of new facilities. In Tairāwhiti Gisborne, a proposed indoor multipurpose centre is projected to generate $13.1 million in annual social value, equating to $10.60 in social benefit for every $1 invested. The high return reflects the region’s current shortage of indoor courts and the strong demand for accessible sport and recreation opportunities. Tairāwhiti indoor multipurpose centre social value report | Sport New Zealand – Ihi Aotearoa

Taken together, these findings reinforce an important point for communities like Whanganui: sport and recreation facilities are not just places to play sport. They are community hubs that support health, connection and wellbeing – delivering real value for the people who use them.