Active Southland

About Active Southland

Active Southland is a regional sports trust dedicated to supporting and inspiring all Southlanders to lead active, healthy lives. Established in 1990 and based at ILT Stadium Southland on Surrey Park Road in Invercargill, the organisation champions play, active recreation, and sport across the region.

Working closely with schools, whānau, local councils, funders, and community organisations, Active Southland develops initiatives tailored to community needs. From grassroots youth engagement and school programmes like Healthy Active Learning to targeted wellbeing initiatives like Green Prescription and community funding facilitation, Active Southland ensures that everyone—especially tamariki and rangatahi—has the opportunity to get active in their own way.

Active Southland: Championing Play, Sport, and Active Lifestyles in Invercargill

Established in 1990, Active Southland is part of New Zealand's trusted network of regional sports trusts. Located at ILT Stadium Southland on Surrey Park Road in Invercargill, the organisation works across the Southland region to inspire individuals, whānau, and whole communities to enjoy the lifelong physical and mental benefits of being active.

Recognising that being active means something different to everyone—whether playing a casual game with mates, exploring outdoor spaces, or engaging in organised sports—Active Southland operates under the guiding belief that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in their own way.

Supporting Whānau and Young People

A primary focus of Active Southland's mission is safeguarding access to sport and active recreation for young people. Because tamariki (children) and rangatahi (youth) can sometimes face barriers to participation, the organisation works directly with schools and local groups to create positive, welcoming environments.

Initiatives like Healthy Active Learning partner directly with school leaders and teachers to promote quality physical activity and healthy food environments. Meanwhile, community health programmes such as Green Prescription, Active Families, and Toku Oranga provide dedicated pathways for individuals and families seeking to establish healthier, more active routines with friendly support.

Regional Facilities, Grants, and Community Partnerships

Active Southland acts as a critical bridge between local communities, councils, and funders. Through regional funds like Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa and the Invercargill Active Communities fund, the organisation helps direct vital grant funding to grassroots programmes that make sport and play accessible.

In addition to grant management, their Spaces and Places team offers strategic facility guidance, helping clubs and local councils assess community pools, recreation hubs, and sports infrastructure projects across Southland. By offering comprehensive resources—from incorporated society governance support to directories helping residents find a new sport—Active Southland remains at the centre of healthy community life in Murihiku.

Signature items

• Healthy Active Learning
• Green Prescription
• Tū Manawa Funding
• Spaces & Places
• Active Families

Menu

Community Programmes

• Green Prescription — Support and guidance programme helping individuals and whānau improve health and wellbeing through physical activity.
• Active Families — Programme supporting families and tamariki to develop active, healthy habits together.
• Toku Oranga — Holistic wellbeing and physical activity initiative supporting Southland communities.
• Healthy Active Learning — Collaborative initiative supporting schools to improve wellbeing, physical education, and healthy eating environments.
• Play & Rangatahi Initiatives — Dedicated active recreation and play support designed to engage tamariki and young people across Southland.

Funding & Advisory Services

• Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa — Community funding support providing opportunities for tamariki and rangatahi to participate in play, active recreation, and sport.
• Invercargill Active Communities — Local funding initiative aimed at breaking down barriers to community participation in sports and recreation.
• Spaces and Places Planning — Advisory, strategy, and facility resources supporting community pools, recreation hubs, and regional project developments.
• Getting Started & Find a Sport — Information and guidance resources connecting Southlanders with local sports codes and physical activity options.
• KiwiSeniors Invercargill — Recreation and activity programmes designed to keep older adults active and socially connected.
• Incorporated Societies Guidance — Governance and development resources assisting local sports clubs and community recreation organisations.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Active Southland located in Invercargill?

Active Southland's Invercargill office is based at ILT Stadium Southland on Surrey Park Road.

What does Active Southland do?

Active Southland supports play, active recreation, and sport across the region through community programmes, school partnerships, facility planning, and grant funding.

What is the Green Prescription programme?

Green Prescription is a support programme designed to help individuals and families increase their physical activity and adopt healthier lifestyles.

How can schools get involved with Healthy Active Learning?

Schools can connect with Active Southland's Healthy Active Learning team, including regional coordinators and facilitators, to enhance physical activity and wellbeing initiatives.

Does Active Southland administer community funding?

Yes, Active Southland manages and supports community grants such as Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa and the Invercargill Active Communities fund.

How do I contact Active Southland in Invercargill?

You can contact the team by calling 03 211 2150 or by emailing active@activesouthland.co.nz.

Tips

• {"body":"Use Active Southland's Getting Started and Find a Sport resources to discover clubs and recreation groups across the region.","title":"Find Local Sports Opportunities"}
• {"body":"If your community organisation or school runs programmes for tamariki and rangatahi, explore whether Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa funding can support your project.","title":"Explore Community Funding"}
• {"body":"Local clubs and incorporated societies can access project planning tools, facility guides, and governance resources directly through Active Southland.","title":"Check Facility and Club Resources"}