New Zealand performing arts, recreation and sport sectors generate $6.2 billion in economic activity

New Zealand’s 'active' industries delivered $6.2 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) in 2018, according to new research from Skills Active Aotearoa.

Skills Active has just published the latest in its regular series of reports – the Workforce Scan, covering the following industries: community recreation and aquatics; exercise; outdoor recreation; performing arts; and sport..

The Scan found that these industries employed a total of 85,812 people in 2018. All industries barring exercise saw healthy increases in the size of their workforce.

Outdoor recreation, grew by 5.1% to a total of 12,164 people. Over the course of the year, this industry contributed $845 million to the economy.

Sport, community recreation and aquatics was up 3.4% to 37,233 people, and contributed $2.6 billion in 2018 GDP.

Performing arts was up 2.9% to 29,825 people, and delivered $2.3 billion to the economy.

Exercise saw a slight dip of 1.5% in 2018, down to a total workforce of 6,590 people. This industry generated GDP of $429 million in 2018.

The final report in the group, covering the snowsport industry, will be published later this year.

Skills Active have also announced that after nearly 10 years as Chief Executive of Skills Active Aotearoa, Dr Grant Davidson will be leaving this month (February 2020)

Skills Active Chair Sam Napia advised “Grant has served our industries and stakeholders exceptionally well,” says Skills Active chair Sam Napia.

“He has led significant achievements and shown sound leadership over the years. He leaves on a high note, having supported the creation of a Creative, Cultural and Recreation Services Workforce Development Council, to promote the joint interests and goals of our industries in the new structure of the vocational education sector. We sincerely wish him the best as he moves on to new opportunities.”

Dr Davidson added “It has been an honour to lead Skills Active Aotearoa over the past 10 years.

“The industries we serve are full of dedicated and passionate people, all committed to improving the lives of their fellow New Zealanders. It has been extremely rewarding to lead this organisation through massive changes, working closely with our clients to ensure our qualifications and modes of delivery make learning relevant and accessible.

“I look forward to seeing how our industries can make even greater gains as the current changes in vocational education take shape. Thanks to everybody who has supported me and the Skills Active vision during this time.”

To access the full Skills Active reports: community recreation and aquatics; exercise; outdoor recreation; performing arts; and sport go to www.skillsactive.org.nz

Image above of Dr Grant Davidson courtesy of Skills Active Aotearoa