An Ōpōtiki District councillor is encouraging local sports teams to get their applications in on time for the Sports New Zealand Rural Travel Fund which is still open for applications, and is administered by the council.

'Those of us who have worked in provincial New Zealand sports for many years know that travel costs can be a genuine barrier to getting to competitions," says Councillor Barry Howe.

"So if your club or team needs financial support to get to local competitions, then get your application in for this fund as soon as possible.

'We usually have around $9000 to allocate between applications but this year, Sport New Zealand have generously added an extra $3000 to the pot so we can help stretch that fund further."

There are a number of criteria for the funding and Barry is reminding applicants to read the conditions carefully and keep paperwork in order.

'This fund is specifically targeted at 5-18 year olds to get around the rohe to local sporting comps and events so not to regional or national ones.

"It needs to be outside of school time and also an organised, regular sport competition. And once you get the funding, you need to keep your paperwork in order as you'll need receipts and proof of purchase to claim. So there is a bit of admin involved, but all the details are laid out on the website."

Where these conditions don't apply, other funding may be available through Sports New Zealand. Application forms and more detail is available on the Ōpōtiki District Council website.