Those between the ages of 12 and 18 with an impairment eligible for Para-sport can apply to receive part of the grant.

Organisations supporting athletes can also apply for the funding, which can help towards providing equipment, subscriptions, access to facilities, coaching, camps and other fees.

It is part of PNZ's campaign of "Excellence and Equity through Sport" which aims to provide opportunities for disabled sport when it cannot be provided elsewhere.

Chief executive of PNZ, Fiona Allan, said: "We are pleased to be working with the Minister for Sport and Recreation to provide an opportunity to grow participation and development of Para-sport in New Zealand. 

"It is well documented that disabled people have more barriers to increasing their participation than non-disabled people, financial barriers being one of these. 

"This fund will allow individuals and organisations that ordinarily struggle to get funding to utilise financial support that will ensure more young people are able to have positive, rewarding Para-sport experiences.

"New Zealand has had 209 Paralympians represent our country at a Paralympic Games since 1968, with many more young Para-athletes aspiring to do the same as their sporting heroes and build on their success. 

"As the National Paralympic Committee for New Zealand it is our goal to increase participation in Para-sport and work with organisations to provide opportunities for Para-athletes throughout New Zealand."

It comes after Sport New Zealand also provided relief for local and regional sport during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications for the grant are open now and will close on June 24. 

New Zealand enjoyed its best Paralympics at Rio 2016 with nine golds and 21 medals in total.

The medal haul was the country's best since the 1984 New York Paralympics where the nation won 24, including eight golds.

Three of the gold medals in Rio came from the nation's most successful Paralympian, swimmer Sophie Pascoe.