Christchurch advocate to champion the value of outdoor recreation

The New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) has appointed experienced Christchurch-based outdoor advocate Sam Newton to head up its services to the outdoors sector.

Newton will step down from his current role at the New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC) to take up the position, which will see him working closely with the outdoors sector and Government to raise awareness of the value of the outdoors and to ensure the sector’s views on regulatory matters and other important issues are heard.

Explaining that Newton’s broad knowledge of the outdoors and background in advocacy would enable NZRA to provide a strong voice for the outdoors sector, NZRA Chief Executive Andrew Leslie stated “Mr Newton has great mana as an outdoor sector thought leader and also brings a strong understanding of advocacy and the parliamentary system, having worked as a Parliamentary Advisor.

“NZRA is delighted to be able to appoint someone of Mr Newton’s calibre to this important role. We are confident that Mr Newton’s experience will play a lead role in taking NZRA’s outdoors sector advocacy to the next level.”

NZAC President Dr Penny Brothers said Newton had performed admirably in his role as General Manager, shouldering the responsibility of professionalising the alpine club and expanding the scope of its operations.

Brothers stated “developing and maintaining relationships with key organisations such as the Department of Conservation and Sport NZ have been a feature of his tenure as General Manager, as has the development of our annual planning process.

“Losing such talent is as sad as it is inevitable and we have benefited from his talents for some time. We congratulate Sam on his appointment as NZRA Advocacy Manager, and look forward to working with him in his new role.”

The New Zealand Alpine Club was formed in 1891 and aims to promote and support climbing at all levels within New Zealand. The club has over 3,400 members, and five full-time staff based at its headquarters in Christchurch.

The scope of its activities are broad including publishing, the provision of 17 alpine huts and base lodges, instruction, advocacy, insurance and support for overseas climbing expeditions.

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