Recognition for NZ Recreation industry leaders

The winners of the annual New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) Awards were announced at the annual NZRA Conference Gala Dinner in Wellington last night (Tuesday).

The recipients being recognised for their outstanding contribution to the aquatic, parks and recreation industry.

NZRA Chief Executive Steve Gibling, remarked that award nominations were at an all-time high this year with over 60 received. Gibling commented that those selected represent the best, most successful project, park, facility or event held during the past year.

“The standard of nominations received was again very high,” Gibling stated, adding “the award winners (are) worthy of special commendation (as) not only did they meet all of our specific criteria, but they also showed innovation, commitment and passion for their work.”

Gibling applauded the applicants dedication to the industry which, he said, “trickles down for all of the New Zealand public to benefit from.”

The Auckland region again led the nominations this year with numerous received in most categories. In line with that, Manukau Parks, Manukau City Council won the NZRA Outstanding Project Award for The Manukau Teaching Garden Project and Auckland Regional Council was one of two winners of the NZRA Outstanding Park Award for The Potter Children’s Garden at Auckland Botanic Gardens. Sharing in the prestige of Outstanding Park for 2010 was Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park, a Wellington City Council and Makara Peak Supporters project.

Auckland wasn’t the only winner though with award winners representing a real cross-section of the country. Marlborough Stadium Trust’s Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 won the NZRA Outstanding Facility Award, while Sport Northland won the NZRA Outstanding Event Award for the Sport Northland Run/Walk Series.

Christchurch was represented by Tiddlers Multisport Trust, winner of the NZRA Outstanding Community Recreation Programme Award for Tiddlers Multisport. And Wellington City Council again gained a nod as winner of the NZRA Outstanding Research, Policy and Planning Award for the WCC Artificial Sportsfields.

Five individual awards were presented to acknowledge extraordinary people who have motivated others and achieved great success in their field.

New in 2010, the Emerging Recreation Leader of the Year Award is intended to recognise significant leadership potential of an individual in the recreation industry.

The inaugural recipient was Kirsty Knowles, Contract Relationship and Human Resources Manager for CLM. Thanks to her passion and dedication, Kirsty has made huge progress during her time in the recreation industry. Her impact has been felt at many levels, from hands-on facility management to her current role in human resources management with involvement in contract relationships with Councils. Through her leadership in the recreation sector and her visible commitment to professional development and innovation, Kirsty has proven to be a real trailblazer for the industry.

The winner of the 2010 Ian Galloway Memorial Cup (which recognises excellence and outstanding personal contribution to the wider parks industry) is Martin Wrigley. Martin has been an active professional and volunteer in the parks and recreation industry since the mid-1970s. Professionally he has been a scientist with DSIR and a Massey University lecturer in a variety of subjects including amenity horticulture and turf management. In a voluntary capacity, Martin has contributed thousands of hours to the wider sector, holding various voluntary positions within harness racing, junior netball, rugby league and football clubs. He is also the longest serving member of the NZ Sports Turf ITO.

This year’s recipient of the Mark Mitchell Memorial Trophy (which recognises excellence and outstanding personal contribution to the wider recreation industry) is Brendon Ward, former NZRA Chief Executive and currently Volunteer Programme Manager for Rugby NZ 2011. Brendon’s contribution to recreation in New Zealand spans over 20 years. He successfully steered NZRA for six years, moving the organisation forward in numerous areas, and this after a five year commitment to Water Safety NZ. He now holds the strategic leadership and management role of the nationwide Volunteer Programme for Rugby World Cup 2011. In addition, Ward has shown his passion and contribution to the industry at many levels, sitting on the boards of several industry organisations and participating in numerous sector strategy groups.

Joe Griffin, Director of CLM, was awarded the Paul Stuart Memorial Award (for excellence and outstanding personal contribution to the wider facility management industry). Joe’s involvement for over 26 years in the NZ recreation industry was noted as well as the immeasurable amount of experience he holds in facility management - always at the forefront of the industry, as a leader of change. He has helped to provide strategic direction for the operation of numerous pools and recreation centres and successfully led CLM for 15 years, now managing over 30 sites nationwide.

This year’s NZRA President’s Award went to Garry Page, Manager Parks and Recreation for Rotorua District Council.

Each year, NZRA President, John Latimer, nominates one outstanding individual and acknowledges them for their commitment and personal contribution to the wider recreation industry. Page - an active member of NZRA for many years, Board member since 1997 and member of NZRA’s Audit Committee since its inception – epitomises this dedication and passion for recreation in New Zealand. For many years now Page has shown his absolute commitment to the industry, both on a local scale in Rotorua and nationally through his involvement with NZRA.

John Latimer congratulated Page and all the winners on their dedication, drive and passion, pronouncing them as great role models for the recreation industry, stating “as New Zealanders, we couldn’t ask for better, more talented and hard-working professionals in the recreation industry.

“Tonight we have recognised the people, facilities and projects that have made a positive difference in the community and we pay them tribute with these awards. We hope they continue to achieve their goals while setting an example for others to follow.” 

For more www.nzrecreation.org.nz

Image: Brett Jude

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