We are happy to announce that Freemasons New Zealand has once again partnered with Special Olympics New Zealand (SONZ), to be the Premier Partner to their 2025 National Summer Games.

Countdown to the 2025 National Summer Games in Christchurch:

00

days

10th - 14th December 2025

Our sponsorship is worth $225,000, from The Freemasons Charity, and we are anticipating that Lodges and members will also get involved with SONZ in a hands-on way - fundraising, volunteering etc.

This is the first of a number of updates and resources for your Lodges about what is being planned around this major initiative, and how you can get actively involved.

Initial Information for Lodges

We are coordinating with the Divisional Grand Almoners and District Charity Officers who will head communication and engagement to the Lodges regarding SONZ Fundraising Initiatives. Lodge Secretaries will be contacted by their District Charity Officer regarding SONZ Sports Clubs and Lodge/District Fundraising Initiatives.


All SONZ Sports Clubs are now independent charitable trusts, meaning that funds raised by a Lodge/District can and should be designated to a particular SONZ Club. All funds raised will be paid out directly to the Lodge/Districts’ chosen SONZ Club.


The Freemasons Charity will provide a 1:1 subsidy for Lodges, or a 2:1 subsidy for Districts (to a maximum of $5,000). More information on how to apply for TFC fund-matching to come.

Click here for PDF version and further information

Please contact the Grand Secretary if you have queries:

communications@freemasonsnz.org

021 051 2020

FAQs

1Who is SONZ?
SONZ is a sporting organisation for people with intellectual disabilities. They provide training and competition in a range of Olympic style sports that cover both summer and winter sports. Whilst not part of the Olympic movement, Special Olympics have their own World Summer and Winter Games.
2Why are FMNZ and SONZ collaborating on this sponsorship?
This is a mutually beneficial partnership where the values of both organisations are closely aligned. The partnership will allow Freemasons to do what they do best, which is engage in and support the community. This will provide much- needed support to SONZ clubs and ultimately will allow more athletes to participate in sports across New Zealand. The alignment of our core values around inclusion, fun, courage and respect under-pin the relationship. And both organisations are active in every corner of New Zealand, giving us strong connections across our communities.
3What does the sponsorship actually cover?
The sponsorship supports the partnership between FMNZ and SONZ over 2024-2026. We are sponsoring the volunteer programme in 2024 and 2026, and the 2025 Special Olympics National Summer Games in Christchurch.
4What are the National Summer Games (NSG)?
The NSG is the pinnacle event for SONZ. The games occur every four years, in a different city, with athletes training and preparing for three years to be able to attend. In 2025 they will be held in Christchurch on 10th – 14th December. We are expecting over 1,300 athletes and coaches from all over New Zealand to compete in 10 different sports at 7 venues. The games are more than just sport, it’s an opportunity for athletes to re-connect and make new friends from all over the country. Further information on the NSG can be found on the NSG website.
5What can Freemasons do at the NSG?
There are a wide range of volunteer opportunities that include, volunteer lead/managers, registrations, transport assistance, opening and closing ceremony support and logistics, medal ceremonies, sports officials, general volunteers, photographers etc. The roles range from ½ day shifts to full day shifts to the full five days of the NSG. Further details will be available shortly.
6How are the games funded?
The NSG is primarily funded by athletes, with clubs working hard to fundraise and apply for funding to reduce the costs to the athletes as much as possible. SONZ also applies for grant funding and sponsorship to reduce the cost to athletes and coaches.
7Does FMNZ intend to sponsor other high-profile organisations and events?
FMNZ already donates considerable sums to a variety of organisations and initiatives throughout New Zealand each year. This is part of our strong focus on charity and contributing to our communities. A prime example is the millions of dollars we have donated to support the Malaghan Institute’s Freemasons CAR-T cell research programme.