High performance funding increase for NZ Black Fins

Following on from a successful 2016 World Championship campaign, the Black Fins have been given another boost with a 25% increase in funding from High Performance Sport New Zealand. 

Today, High Performance Sport New Zealand confirmed their funding allocations for the next two years which has seen Surf Life Saving's funding increase from 360,000 to $450,000 (1 January 2017 to 31 December 2018) to support the Black Fins' international training and preparation towards the 2018 World Championships.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand Sport Manager Mike Lord says this is exciting news, especially considering it's been a year of great sporting achievement for Kiwis with the Olympic Games that produced New Zealand's best ever medal performance at an Olympic Games and the highest ever gold medal tally ranking for NZ at a Paralympic Games.

"To receive a 25% increase amongst other great sporting achievements is a fantastic result and it will go a long way to supporting the continued growth and success of our Black Fins as we aim for four Lifesaving World Championship titles in a row, he says.

"Well done to the athletes and thank you to coach Jason Pocock and team manager Mark Weatherall for their work around the campaign funding application."

Mr Pocock says what has been achieved by the Black Fins has been the catalyst for the increase in funding.

This year's increase follows on from previous investment levels of $170,000 in 2015 and $190,000 in 2016.

"Thank you to High Performance Sport New Zealand for their continued support of the Black Fins and recognition of their world class performance," says Mr Lord.

For more information and the full announcement from High Performance Sport New Zealand, please click here. 

To view a video of the Black Fins at the 2016 Lifesaving World Championships in The Netherlands, click here.

For more information, please contact:

Lisa Smith, Media & Communications Manager, SLSNZ
Phone 0276 488 823
Email lisa.smith@surflifesaving.org.nz