Sport

More money for NZ sports for 2014

13:34 pm on 18 December 2013

There is increased funding for a number of sports for 2014 following the announcement of investment from High Performance Sport New Zealand.

Many of the sports aiming for the Rio 2016 Olympics have had their funding increased, while Basketball will get some funds after missing out this year.

Basketball missed out completely this year as High Performance New Zealand felt they weren't tracking towards the 2020 Olympics, but chief executive Alex Baumann says having qualified for next year's World Cup they warranted a 200 thousand dollar investment.

Rowing remains the biggest recipient with an increase of 200 thousand dollars to 4.8 million for 2014, while cycling, yachting, athletics and equestrian also get improved funding on this year.

With the exception of bowls, which has had its funding cut by 20 thousand dollars, all the other sports at least keep the same level of funding as this year.

Funding for golf is yet to be confirmed as new professional Lydia Ko may still require assistance heading towards Rio.

20 New Zealand athletes stood on the podium at world championships in Olympic disciplines this year.

Between now and 2016, 133 million dollars will be spent on high performance programmes with another 87 million provided directly to athletes.