Water polo offers athletes and officials the opportunity to grow their skills, build resilience and confidence, and form lasting connections within our community. It creates pathways for personal development and high performance, while fostering teamwork, discipline and leadership.

However, the financial commitment required for training, tournaments and representative opportunities can place pressure on some families.

The Canterbury Water Polo Discretionary Fund has been established to help ease that pressure. Its purpose is to ensure that cost does not become a barrier to participation, progression or achievement within our sport.

Through this fund, we aim to support continued development, encourage wider community participation in physical activity, and promote wellbeing and social connection. It reflects our commitment to inclusion, opportunity and the cultivation of positive role models across all levels of Canterbury Water Polo.

Who and What the Fund Supports

The Discretionary Fund supports active members of Canterbury Water Polo who are committed to training, competing and contributing positively to our sport.

Applications are open to affiliated and registered athletes and officials aged 12 years and over who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

Funding may contribute towards:

• Term training costs

• National tournaments and recognised training programmes

• Canterbury, South Island or New Zealand representative campaigns

• International competition and development opportunities

The fund is intended as a contribution towards participation costs. It supports both emerging and elite participants, as well as individuals who may require financial assistance to remain involved or progress within established development pathways.

When assessing applications, regard is given not only to the purpose of the request, but also to the applicant’s involvement within Canterbury Water Polo. This may include consistent training attendance, team participation, volunteer contribution, coaching support, refereeing, or involvement in fundraising and club initiatives.

Indicative Funding Levels

Funding amounts vary depending on the purpose of the application and are determined at the discretion of the Canterbury Water Polo Board.

As a guide, indicative contribution levels are:

• Term training costs: up to $350

• New Zealand club tournaments and or national training costs: up to $500

• International or New Zealand representative campaigns: up to $1,000

These amounts are indicative only and may vary depending on individual circumstances and the number of applications received.

How To Apply

To apply for support from the Discretionary Fund, applicants must complete the official Application Form in full.

All sections of the form must be completed, and every question must be answered clearly and accurately. Incomplete applications or missing information may delay assessment or result in the application not being considered.

Applicants are required to outline:

• The purpose of the funding request

• The level of competition, training or appointment involved

• The costs associated with participation

• Any other funding or financial assistance received or applied for

• Their involvement and contribution to Canterbury Water Polo, including volunteer or fundraising activity

If the applicant is under 18 years of age, a supporting letter from a parent or guardian must be submitted with the application.

Applicants must declare that the information provided is true and factual. Canterbury Water Polo reserves the right to withdraw approved funding or request repayment if information supplied is found to be incorrect, incomplete or misleading.

How We Assess Applications

All applications are assessed through a structured review process to ensure fairness, consistency and alignment with the purpose of the Discretionary Fund.

An initial review is undertaken to confirm eligibility and that the application is complete. This includes verifying affiliation and registration status, age requirements and supporting documentation.

Following this initial review, eligible applications are presented to the Canterbury Water Polo Board for consideration.

In making its decision, the Board may take into account:

• The purpose and level of the opportunity or appointment

• The costs involved and the financial contribution required

• Any other funding or financial assistance received or available

• The applicant’s commitment to training, competition or officiating

• The applicant’s involvement and contribution to Canterbury Water Polo, including volunteer service or fundraising efforts

• The objectives and available funds within the Discretionary Fund

As the fund is limited, approval is not guaranteed and awards may represent a partial contribution towards costs rather than full funding.

All decisions of the Board are final.

Partner With Us. Support the Discretionary Fund

Behind every athlete selected for a representative team and every official stepping onto the national stage is a significant personal and financial commitment.

The Canterbury Water Polo Discretionary Fund helps ensure that cost does not prevent talented and dedicated members of our community from taking those opportunities.

The fund provides financial contributions towards training, tournaments and representative campaigns for athletes and officials who need support.

If you or your business are looking to make a meaningful local impact, supporting the Discretionary Fund is a direct way to invest in youth development, leadership and community wellbeing. Your contribution helps create opportunity, strengthen participation pathways and foster positive role models within Canterbury.

Businesses that support the fund can be acknowledged as community partners and contributors to athlete development, should they wish to be recognised.

If you are interested in contributing or partnering with us, we would welcome a conversation, feel free to contact us at development@canterburywaterpolo.org.nz

Bank account details: Canterbury Water Polo Incorporated 03 1592 0029505 001

Please include “Discretionary Fund” as your reference when making a donation.

Together, we can ensure opportunity is determined by commitment and potential, not financial circumstance.