Minister Meets with Recreation Professionals

The Minister for Local Government, Rodney Hide, spoke to a large audience of recreation professionals at a NZ Recreation Association (NZRA) event in Ellerslie on Monday about how change in Aucklandâs governance will impact on the recreation sector.
The Minister recognised that sport and recreation was a core service local government service, stating "after all, parks and recreation is the thing we all value the most.�?
The Minister also spoke passionately about how living a healthy lifestyle and supporting sport and recreation was important to him, adding "getting people involved in recreation is something I am committed to. The benefits are immense including better health and social outcomes, improved self esteem and community spirit.�?
Minister Hide stated also response to a range of questions, making the following comments:
⢠Community wellbeing is a key outcome for local government to deliver on, and sport and recreation is an important way for this to be achieved;
⢠He wants the people of Auckland to engage with the opportunities in the region and he especially wants children to participate in a healthy lifestyle and enjoy nature;
⢠When it comes to delivering recreation services, the current mix of local delivery and contracted delivery within the recreation sector should continue;
⢠He wants to hear from recreation professionals if the proposed changes impact negatively on community outcomes and the delivery of parks and recreation services;
⢠In his view the Local Government Act is too prescriptive and he wants to make it more transparent and meaningful;
⢠He advised that a bill will be put before the NZ Parliament on Wednesday (today) introducing the transition committee. The Minister emphasised the two subsequent bills, following decisions at yesterdays cabinet meeting, will be open to select committee processes and input by way of submissions from the sport and recreation sector.
⢠He and the cabinet were looking at the high level framework for governance in Auckland whilst relevant Ministers were being asked to look at more specific solutions including sport and recreation.
NZRA Chief Executive Brendon Ward, noted that it was great to have such positive support from the Minister and for him to be able to confirm this directly with such a large contingent of committed recreation professionals.
Ward explained that âitâs clear from today that people working within recreation want to be actively involved in the change programme. They also want ensure continuity of delivery of their recreation services to the community throughout this change process.
âIt is important that existing services, funding, models and facilities continue through the transition period.�?

The NZRA promotes recreation and provides professional services to the recreation sector. Membership of the organisation is diverse, ranging from senior executives, programme deliverers, suppliers and students involved in the delivery of parks, pools and recreation facilities throughout the country. A large percentage of the membership is employed through local government.

The meeting with Minister Rodney Hide was an event run by and for the Auckland/Northland region branch of the NZRA.

For details contact Brendon Ward on 027 224 2070.

b.ward@nzrecreation.org.nz