Some of New Zealand's top athletes are to see their Sport and Recreation grants boosted by up to $20,000.
Multi-year grants have been introduced, too.
SPARC's Performance Enhancement Grants for world champions in an Olympic discipline will rise from $40,000 to $60,000 from July 1.
The first increase since the grants were introduced in 2005 means a medallist in an Olympic discipline will get $55,000, up from $35,000,.
Sparc's General Manager High Performance Martin Toomey says athletes and coaches also asked for greater flexibility so world class athletes having a lighter competition year to recharge will still be eligible.
It's also hoped it will mean sports in danger of losing top athletes to other disciplines will be in a better position to retain them.
There's no change to the criteria for athletes in non-Olympic sports.
