Recreation Aotearoa | Te Whai Oranga

We’re proud to support Swimming NZ’s campaign, Unlock Your Greatness. This campaign highlights the essential life skill of swimming and its endless health and wellbeing benefits. 💡 What’s on offer? ✔️ Resources to help you find your nearest swim school or pool. ✔️ Digital and printable assets to promote swimming in your community. 🎯 Here’s how you can help: 📲 Share the campaign on your social media. 🖥️ Display assets on your screens. 📌 Put up posters in key areas like entrances, noticeboards, and changing rooms. More information and resources can be found on the Swimming NZ website: https://bit.ly/4187KWY #UnlockYourGreatness #SwimmingNZ

We’re pleased to share that Recreation Aotearoa members voted to adopt our new constitution at our AGM held this month. Our new constitution further embeds and deepens our commitment to working together with Māori and weaving together Tāngata Whenua and Tāngata Tiriti perspectives of recreation. This is a significant milestone on our journey to realise our ambitions to be a Tiriti-centric organisation. Mihi to everyone who has contributed to this mahi over the last 12 months. If you’re interested, you can read our Constitution on our website: https://bit.ly/4eVA4yW Photo credit: Miles Holden

Exciting news! Waves 2025 is coming to Ōtautahi, Christchurch. This year’s conference promises to be bigger and better, and we’re looking for passionate people to help make it unforgettable! There are two ways to get involved: 🔵 Join the Programme Committee: Help shape the theme, programme, and delivery of Waves 2025. 🔵 Run the Lifeguard Competition: If you're a lifeguard trainer or assessor, you can help with planning, judging, and delivering this exciting event. If you’re interested, fill out the Waves 2025 expression of interest form: https://bit.ly/3Vbie42

Welcome Kirsty Knowles, Kiri Pope and Antoinette Campbell, who were elected to the Recreation Aotearoa Board at our AGM earlier this month. Kirsty, Kiri and Antoinette all bring vast experience in governance and leadership and a huge passion for the recreation industry. We are excited about the contribution you’ll make to our Board.

We can’t believe it’s been a month since Ngā Niho Taniwha ki te Arawa!   We had an epic time with our participants – check out the highlights reel.   Ngā Niho Taniwha is a wānanga designed to broaden your knowledge and empower you to integrate mātauranga Māori into your mahi / work and lifestyle. Keep an eye out in the future for our next Ngā Niho Taniwha wānanga.

🌊 Waves 2025 is coming! 🗓️ August 20–22, 2025 📍 Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre Lock the date in your diaries and get ready for energy, inspiration, connection, and celebration — all in one unforgettable event.

Recreation Awards 2024 – Winners Announcement 🌟 What an incredible celebration of recreation across Aotearoa! This year’s submissions were truly exceptional, with ties for first place in multiple categories – including three winners in one. The maths doesn’t lie, and it’s a testament to the outstanding quality of the mahi in our sector. Congratulations to our winners: Outstanding Community Recreation Programme 2024 Girls Skate NZ Te Mahi Ako Apprentice of the Year 2024 John Mainu'u Te Mahi Ako Outstanding Event 2024 CLM Community Sport (Counties Manukau) & Mangere College – The Big Move Outstanding 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 – CPlayCaroline Bay Playground Tauranga City Council, Toi Moana 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 3 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 New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa & 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 @wgtncc Mark Mitchell Memorial Trophy 2024 Jenn Benden – Xyst Ka mau te wehi! Thank you to all the finalists and winners for your tireless mahi that continues to uplift communities across Aotearoa. Ngā mihi to the Awards Committee for their hard work in celebrating this incredible sector. He mihi nunui ki a koutou katoa!

We’re pleased to share the Outdoors Awards winners! 🌟 This year showcased an incredible level of dedication, creativity, and impact in every category. Ngā mihi nui to all the finalists and our winners for their mahi aroha in the outdoors sector. Congratulations to: Tohu Wahiao Māori – Māori Outcomes Award 2024 Whenua Iti Outdoors | ExpedNZ Te Tohu Tiakina Taiao – Environmental Leadership Award 2024 Outward Bound Trust of NZ Te Tohu Whakaaweawe Kaupapa – Outstanding Event/Programme Award 2023 NZ Sailing Trust & Auckland Sea Kayaks – Rainbow/Takatāpui Programme Te Tohu Whakaaweawe Kaupapa – Outstanding Event/Programme Award 2024 First Steps Outdoors – Girl POWA Te Tohu Manu Kura – Supreme Award 2024 Hazel Nash Ka mau te wehi! Well done to everyone who continues to inspire and uplift our communities through the great outdoors. Ngā mihi also to our Awards Committee for their hard mahi supporting this kaupapa.

Congratulations to the 26 parks and green spaces across Aotearoa that have achieved Green Flag Award status! This international mark of excellence recognises well-managed, accessible, and sustainable spaces for our communities to enjoy. A huge mihi to all the teams and communities who work tirelessly to maintain and enhance these beautiful spaces—your efforts are truly inspiring! 💚 #GreenFlagAward #ManaakiWhenua

Ngā manaakitanga to our sponsors, speakers, and delegates. Thank you for an incredible Recreation Conference 2024!    This year’s conference comes to a close tomorrow. We want to give an epic mihi to everyone who has contributed to making this event a success. Your knowledge, passion and support have brought our sector together in such a meaningful way. This year’s theme, He Manu Tukutuku, has inspired us to reflect on how we can adapt and lead in response to external pressures and opportunities facing our sector. We hope you leave soaring on a high note.    As we head into the Gala Dinner, be sure to stay tuned to our social media channels for live updates on the award winners!