Auckland Council wins fitness and recreation awards

Auckland Regional Council and its Manukau Leisure Services stand-alone business unit have ended 2012 with a series of industry awards.

New Zealand Fitness Industry Awards
At the recent New Zealand Fitness Industry Awards the Manukau Leisure Services team took home three awards in fitness excellence. 

Robyn Proffit from Manurewa Aquatic Centre Community Gym fought off stiff competition when she was awarded 'Gym Instructor of the Year'. 

Proffit has been in the industry for over 17 years and through her work has helped people from all parts of the Manurewa community to get fit and healthy. 

Michelle Olds, Group Operations Manager Eastern Region, won the hotly contested 'Club Support of the Year' award. Michelle works tirelessly to provide support from sales to operations in her daily life and is highly respected amongst her staff.

Adding to the recent New Zealand Project Management Institute's (PMINZ) Public Sector Project of the Year award Award, Tepid Baths was awarded the top prize in the 'Sight and Sound' category. The attention to detail in ensuring the facility provides a stimulating place for Aucklanders to work out was commended for their use of light and space in one of the city's most iconic historic buildings.

Manukau Leisure Services Manager Caroline Newton was thrilled to watch her hard working team receive the New Zealand Fitness Industry Awards, stating "Auckland Council strives to ensure 'more Aucklanders get more active, more often'. 

"I am delighted that our staff have been recognised on this prestigious platform."

New Zealand Recreation Association Awards
The Council's parks and recreation staff have also been recognised by the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA), winning five NZRA awards during the Association's recent annual conference.

The Awards were:

• The Council's Sports Field Capacity Development Programme - 'Outstanding Research, Policy and Planning Award';
• Howick Recreation Centre - 'Outstanding Recreation Facility of the Year';
• Manukau Leisure's AMP'd programme - 'Outstanding Recreation Programme of the Year';
• Georgie Witehira, Group Manager of Manukau Leisure's western sites – recipient of the Mark Mitchell Memorial Award for her outstanding contribution to the recreation industry over 25 years;
• Judy Tipping, Contract Relationship Manager for Leisure Facilities – recipient of the Paul Stuart Memorial Award for excellence and outstanding personal contribution to the wider facility management industry.

In addition, council-contracted facility Glen Innes Aquatic Centre, managed by Community Leisure Management (CLM), was named Outstanding Pool.

Auckland Council's acting Manager of Parks, Sport and Recreation Mace Ward praised the NZRA for presenting an excellent conference that focused on the theme of 'Embracing diversity – growing stronger together'.

Ward stated "this theme is a challenge for us as a parks, sport and recreation agency in a region where we must respond to diverse community needs and maintain Auckland's natural diversity. 

"It was very gratifying to see Auckland Council staff and programmes recognised at a national level during the awards ceremony. This demonstrated the depth of our organisation and the contribution parks, sports and recreation makes to making Auckland the world's most liveable city." 

NZRA Chief Executive, Andrew Leslie noted that the judging panel was impressed with both the quality and level of nominations and those selected represent the best, most successful people, facilities, projects or events in the past year. 

Leslie concluded "the nominees were all very good, but the winning nominations were outstanding."

Manukau Leisure Services is a stand-alone business unit of the Auckland Council focused on building healthy, active, vibrant communities in Manukau. Last year Manukau Leisure's facilities and programmes attracted more than 3.6 million visits. Services include the operation of six swimming pools, seven recreation centres, seven community gyms, and five early childhood education centres.

Image shows Tepid Baths Auckland.

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