Recreation Aotearoa award recognises industry achievements

Recreation Aotearoa's recently presented Outdoors and Recreation Awards 2024 have celebrated the people, places. programmes and projects that are enhancing people's wellbeing.

Presented in Tāmaki Makaurau during last month's Recreation Aotearoa 2024 National Conference the awards recognised individuals and locations that have significantly enhanced outdoor recreation outcomes across the nation.

Outdoors & Recreation Awards 2024 winners

Te Mahi Ako Apprentice of the Year 2024
John Mainu'u

Outdoors Awards 2024 
Whenua Iti - Fostering Futures programme

Te Tohu Tiakina Taiao - Environmental Leadership Award 2024
Outward Bound Trust of NZ - Manawa Ora

Te Tohu Whakaaweawe Kaupapa - Outstanding Event/Programme Award 
2023 winner: NZ Sailing Trust & Auckland Kayaks - Rainbow/Takatāpui Programme
2024 winner: First Steps Outdoors - Girl POWA

Te Tohu Manu Kura- Supreme Award 2024
Hazel Nash

Recreation Awards 2024
Outstanding Community Programme Award 2024
Girls Skate NZ

Outstanding Event 2024
CLM Community Sport & Māngere College - The Big Move

Oustanding Park 2024
Wellington City Council & Mākara Peak Supporters - Mākara Peak

Outstanding Pool 2024
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

Outstanding Project (under $500,000) 2024
Kāpiti Coast District Council - The Meanwhile Space

Outstanding Project (over $500,000) 2024
CPlay - CPlay Caroline Bay Playground 
Tauranga City Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council & Ngāi Tamarāwaho - Kōpurererua Valley Stream Realignment 
Tauranga City Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council & Ngāti Hangarau - Te Rere o Ōmanawa Project 

Outstanding Recreation Facility 2024
Western Bay of Plenty District Council - Island View Reserve Playground
Selwyn District Council - Foster Park

Outstanding Research, Policy & Planning 2024
Sport NZ & Wellington City Council - Skate Guidelines for Local Government
Wellington City Council & Visitor Solutions - Te Awe Māpara - Community Facilities Plan

Emerging Recreation Leader 2024
Harry Roberts, Christchurch City Council

Paul Stuart Memorial Award 2024
Ben Rzoska, Christchurch City Council

Ian Galloway Memorial Cup 2024
Paul Andrews, Wellington City Council

Mark Mitchell Memorial Trophy 2024
Jenn Benden, Xyst

Fellowship Awards
Jo Wiggins  
Brendon Rope 
Stella Luoni Morgan 

Images: Mākara Peak park Supporters was named Oustanding Park 2024 (top, credit: Wellington City Council) and Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa was named Outstanding Pool (below) at Recreation Aotearoa's Outdoors and Recreation Awards 2024.