UPDATED 4.06PM: The Halberg Disability Sport Foundation says critics of the way its money gets spent, don't understand what its main mission is.

Today's Herald on Sunday reported that of the $2.5 million the organisation generates in revenue, less than $200,000 of that ends up with disabled children and their families.

Critics say too much is being spent on staff, who were paid $1.2 million in the 2015 financial year.

But Foundation CEO Shelley McMeeken said the grants are only a small part of what it does.

She said the organisation works with families to break down barriers preventing young disabled people taking part in sport.

LISTEN ABOVE: Parafed Auckland CEO Hamish Meachem spoke with Guy Heveldt

Parafed Auckland CEO Hamish Meachem told Guy Heveldt the Foundation is in charge of making sure physically disabled young people have meaningful sport and recreation opportunities available to them.

Meachem said at the moment, there definitely aren't great options available.

He said there's only one disability specific sports club in Auckland and that's one of the few in the country.

Meachem said he's had a lot of trouble engaging with the Foundation.

He's asked to collaborate on regional sporting events, so as not to compete for funding - but the Foundation has refused to say what funding they're going for.

The Halberg Foundation itself said grants are only a small part of its mission, which is to make sport accessible to all New Zealanders.