NZRA applauds Freshwater Rescue Plan

The New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) has expressed support for the intent and purpose of the Freshwater Rescue Plan.

The recreation industry is dependent on readily accessible clean waterways. Swimming is the second most popular form of active recreation for New Zealanders, with 30% of the population going for a swim each year.

Fishing is the fifth most popular form of active recreation for New Zealanders, with 20% of the population participating in that activity at least once every 12 months. Canoeing and kayaking have participation levels similar to football, tennis, netball or cricket.

NZRA Chief Executive Andrew Leslie also highlighted the extent to which the recreation industry, active New Zealanders and tourists are dependent on readily accessible clean waterways, commenting “for individuals, recreation contributes to physical and mental wellbeing. It also fosters community cohesion and resilience.

“The market value of recreation and sport is estimated by Sport New Zealand to be at $5.2 billion, or nearly 3% of GDP. The nation’s recreation values and opportunities are fundamental to the nation’s tourism industry. Approximately 50% of international visitors to New Zealand participate in one form of outdoor recreation or another.

“For these reasons, it is important that New Zealanders can confidently recreate in and on accessible bodies of freshwater. Whether that be swimming, fishing or messing about in boats. The Freshwater Rescue Plan outlines some bold and ambitious steps. We applaud it.”

The NZRA is the national association for those who work in the recreation industry, including aquatic facilities, parks and open spaces, community recreation and the great outdoors. Members include policy makers, regional sports trusts, recreation planners, volunteer organisations, programme and event managers, researchers, private fitness and outdoor recreation providers, government employees and many others involved in the delivery of recreation in New Zealand.

18th July 2017 - PRESSURE ON AS FRESHWATER RESCUE PLAN GAINS SUPPORT 

6th March 2017 - MAPS SHOW MOST NEW ZEALAND RIVERS EXCLUDED FROM SWIMMING STANDARD

24th February 2017 - NZRA SEES GOOD AND BAD IN NEW SWIMMABLE RIVERS TARGET

23rd February 2017 - NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES PLANS TO MAKE 90% OF WATERWAYS SWIMMABLE BY 2040

16th January 2017 - ADVOCACY GROUP CALLS FOR AN END TO THE EXPLOITATION OF NEW ZEALAND’S RIVERS

28th December 2016 - HORIZONS REGIONAL COUNCIL INCREASES MONITORING OF POPULAR SWIM SPOTS 

20th December 2016 - NEW ONLINE GUIDE TO SAFE SWIMMING LAUNCHED 

24th October 2016 - BEST PRACTICE AQUATIC INDUSTRY GUIDELINES FROM THE NZRA

22nd April 2016 - FRESH WATER VITAL TO NEW ZEALAND’S GREEN TOURISM BRAND 

21st December 2014 - NZRA HIGHLIGHTS THE VALUE OF COUNCIL RECREATION INVESTMENT