The purpose of the NSCS is to generate insights which will assist all who are involved in delivering sport in New Zealand through community-based clubs (whether unincorporated, incorporated or registered as charities), in reviewing, developing and implementing strategies which support their role in delivering sport to New Zealanders.

With a multi-sport, nationwide focus on clubs as organisational entities, the NSCS complements other projects which capture the perspective of single sports, single regions or individuals as participants.

Membership size/trends, financial performance, governance metrics and more are being tracked annually. Specific annual themes also feature. Insights are disseminated through regional workshops (often in partnership with Regional Sport Trusts), social media infographics, sport/region info sheets and more.