Participation and risk taking among key themes at New Zealand’s top recreation conference

Hundreds of recreation professionals will be in Wellington next week to explore ways to boost recreation participation through innovative programmes, community engagement, and improvements to spaces such as parks, playgrounds and walking tracks.

Healthier families and communities are central themes of the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) National Conference – being held at Te Papa in Wellington from 18th to 20th November.

The conference features an impressive line-up of speakers, ranging from conservation experts to sports professionals.

NZRA Chief Executive Andrew Leslie said the event was an opportunity for the industry to get together to share ideas and hear from people who are experts in their field.

Leslie explained “this is the perfect chance for the industry’s experts and decision makers to have a real exchange about tangible steps we can take to improve recreation for the benefit of New Zealand.

“Raising awareness of the benefits recreation provides and looking at concrete ways to engage groups that might not otherwise get so involved in recreation activities will be hot topics this year.”

One of the conference’s key speaker will be marketing heavyweight and cultural entrepreneur Peter Biggs, who will speak about the role of recreation in regional economic development.

Commenting on this message, Leslie added “we need to keep engaging with local and central government and to raise awareness of the importance of investing in recreation.

“There needs to be greater recognition of the social and economic value of recreation.”The Ministry of Health's Michelle Palmer will be speaking about Healthy Families NZ, the government’s flagship programme that is challenging communities to think differently about the underlying causes of poor health, and to make changes that will help people make healthier choices.

World-renowned architect Thomas Woltz will talk about parks and landscape design, including his recent work on Auckland’s Cornwall Park redevelopment masterplan. Woltz is the owner of Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects and was named the Design Innovator of the Year by the Wall Street Journal Magazine in 2013.

Other key themes at the conference include demographic trends, and striking the balance between risk-taking and safety. The event will also include the NZRA Awards 2015, which recognise excellence, innovation, and outstanding activity within the recreation sector.

Click here to view event details in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Images; Hutt Valley cycle trail (top) and New Zealand school sport (below).

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