Increased investment one of three key priorities for recreation industry

A ‘Recreation Manifesto’ from the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) calls for central and local government planners to consider the long term benefits of recreation investment, and particularly the economic and social value it provides.

Released today, the NZRA’s Recreation Manifesto 2015/16 identifies increasing recognition of the economic and social value of recreation and growing central and local government investment in recreation as two key priorities.

Increasing development opportunities for recreation workers is also identified as a third key priorities for the industry.

NZRA Chief Executive Andrew Leslie said rather than considering recreation as a ‘nice to have’, local and central government should consider it as an investment in healthy people, connected communities and a way to boost local tourism.

Leslie explained “we need to change the way decision makers think. Investment in recreational infrastructure, such as walkways, swimming pools and cycle tracks, boosts regional economies by fostering increased tourism and contributes to more vibrant and attractive cities.

“Dollars spent on recreation create opportunities for people to live active lifestyles, contributing to better physical and mental health and reducing the prevalence of depression and lifestyle diseases such as obesity and type two diabetes.

“Recreation can also bring communities together, helping newcomers to integrate and creating communities that are more resilient in the face of disaster."

According to Sport New Zealand’s Active NZ 2013/14 survey, recreation continues to play an important part in the lives of Kiwis. Close to three quarters of adults (74%) take part each week and around 65.6% of adults are interested in trying a new recreation activity or doing more of an existing one.

Leslie added “given New Zealand’s changing demographics and aging population it is vital there is increased investment in recreation to provide facilities and activities that will cater for a wide range of ethnic, cultural and age groups both now and into the future.”

The Recreation Manifesto has been sent to relevant Government Ministers and all New Zealand mayors.

Click here to view the full Recreation Manifesto.

Image: Auckland Active (top) and a future All Black (below).