NZRA Award winners announced

The New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) has announced the winners of its annual industry awards. Made during the last weekâs NZRA Conference, which combined with the International Federation of Parks and Recreation Administration Asia Pacific Congress 2008, the awards were presented to:

SPARC Push Play Award 2008

WINNER: Dads'n'lads males beginner mountain bike series
Organisation: Sport Bay of Plenty
The aim of this 10 week series was to encourage non-active males to get physically active. The secret to this programmeâs success was providing an activity that suited males, offered a challenge, but was delivered in a non- threatening way. During the series, participantsâ skill and confidence levels soared. Many continue to mountain bike, even after the series ended.

NZRA Outstanding Project 2008

WINNER: Piha Domain Footbridge
Organisation: Waitakere City Council
A concerted effort was made by eco-city Waitakere City Council, to replace Piha Domainâs old timber bridge with something appropriate, practical and valued. The resulting âStory of the Eelâ bridge, which conveys conservation and mythical stories in its eel-like construction, has won approval from locals and visitors alike.

Highly commended: ARC Bach Escapes
Organisation: Auckland Regional Council
The council has upgraded and rents out several classic kiwi baches situated on regional parks. Their location is their point of difference, and the baches themselves are considered to be heritage assets. By making these iconic places available to the community, the council has broadened the opportunities, beyond camping, for the public to enjoy staying on a park.

Highly commended: Battle Hill Heritage Trail
Organisation: Greater Wellington Regional Council
Battle Hill Farm Forest Park was the site of one of the last battles between Maori and colonial forces in the Wellington region. Greater Wellington Regional Council saw the development of a heritage trail to inform the public of the events that occurred here in 1846 as having recreational value on many levels.

NZRA Outstanding Park Award 2008

WINNER: Owhiro Bay Entrance
Organisation: Wellington City Council
As the gateway to Wellington's popular South Coast, the old Owhiro Bay quarry building and car park left a lot to be desired. However, after careful consultation and planning, the council developed a pleasant, unique spot where visitors can pause to view the coast and learn a bit about the surrounding area. Using part of the original building and other recycled materials, the new entranceway fits the rough coastal environment perfectly.

NZRA Outstanding Pool Award 2008

WINNER: West Wave Aquatic Centre
Organisation: Waitakere City Council
Good management, processes and communication have resulted in excellent service levels and increased customers for this nationally significant aquatic facility. A million dollar turnover Swim School is just one of a range of successful programmes run at this West Auckland centre.

NZRA Outstanding Facility Award 2008

WINNER: Otara Leisure Centre
Organisation: Manukau Leisure Services Ltd
Managers and staff of this leisure centre are using innovation and commitment to encourage locals into physical activity â from affordable pricing, partnership programmes, free transport and even learning sign language â thereâs not much this team of dedicated recreation professionals wonât do to help locals âbe active more oftenâ.

Highly commended: Auckland Regional Gymsports Centre
Organisation:Auckland City Council and Tri Star Gymnastics
This $3.2 million gymnasium was initiated by the community and has been community driven ever since. This facility exhibits excellence and leadership via the partnerships formed during its development and its multi-use nature. Many organisations use the facility - it has quickly become the leading gymsports and community fac

9th September 2008 - LATIMER TO CONTINUE AS NZRA PRESIDENT

21st August 2008 - JUDE HEADS MANUKAU LEISURE SERVICES