Leading landscape architect Thomas Woltz completes speaker line up for NZRA National Conference
With less than one month left until the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) 2015 National Conference, the programme is now finalised with the addition of world-famous American landscape architect Thomas Woltz.
Woltz, who works on parks around the world, most recently worked on the redevelopment Master Plan for Auckland's Cornwall Park.
Being held at Te Papa in Wellington from 18th to 20th November, the conference will be presenting world-class keynote speakers along with a huge variety of inspiring concurrent speakers for delegates to choose from.
Further highlights among the conference’s 42 speakers include James Steel, presenting on the impact of community sport hubs in Scotland and New Zealand, and Trail Fund NZ Chair Ben Wilde speaking about the Outdoor Recreation Consortium.
The conference also includes an official opening presentation by the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Dr Jonathan Coleman and Sport New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Miskimmin.
Speaker highlights:
Thomas Woltz - World famous landscape architect
Thomas Woltz is the owner of Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects. He was named the Design Innovator of the Year by the Wall Street Journal Magazine in 2013.
Many of his projects focus on biodiversity, inspiring stewardship and restoring damaged ecosystems. His presentation will focus on New Parks for a New World.
Michael Kirschman - North Carolina parks and recreation guru
Michael Kirschman is Deputy Director of the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department in North Carolina, USA. The department serves over one million people, and includes the City of Charlotte and six towns.
Kirschman will explore the value of recreation professionals and the value of green spaces in two fascinating presentations.
Michelle Palmer - Director of Healthy Families New Zealand
Michelle Palmer is Programme Director for the Government’s flagship prevention platform, Healthy Families New Zealand.
Her presentation will illustrate the crucial role recreation plays in enabling communities to overcome lifestyle diseases, and show how we can move towards a whole-of community approach.
James Steel - Scottish community sport hub expert
Lead Manager for sportscotland's community sport hubs James Steel is currently on secondment to Sport New Zealand. James will outline some of the learnings Scotland has found in implementing community sport hubs, including why they are so important, what underpins the approach, how the approach is being sustained, and illustrate some real life examples of their impact.
The 2015 NZRA National Conference is being held at Te Papa.
Sacha McMeeking - Thought leader and changemaker
Sacha McMeeking is currently head of Aotahi: Māori and Indigenous Studies at the University of Canterbury.
McMeeking’s presentation will explore the ways recreation professionals can strive for change in their organisations – and have a great time doing it.
Nick Cox - Chief Executive, Belgravia Leisure
Nick Cox has held a large number of executive management positions in his career. A former Chief Executive of YMCA Australia, he is currently Chief Executive at Belgravia Leisure. His presentation will show how recreation experiences can be catered to the individuals they are meant for and how 'one size fails all' situations can be avoided.
Tanya Winter - Local government's iron woman
Tanya Winter is Westland District Council Chief Executive. She has worked in a massive variety of local government roles, and is used to overcoming challenges. Tanya has completed two ironman events, numerous half ironman races and just finished her second nine hour Spring Challenge adventure race.
Winter will close the conference with a passionate, heartfelt address that brings two journeys together: local government’s unrelenting support for recreation, and her unrelenting quest to make a difference in people’s lives.
The conference also includes a Showcase of the latest industry products and services and field trips that will explore Wellington's recreation landscape.
Click here to view event details in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.
23rd October 2015 - OUTDOOR AWARDS SHINE SPOTLIGHT ON CANTERBURY CONTRIBUTIONS
8th October 2015 - INCREASED INVESTMENT ONE OF THREE KEY PRIORITIES FOR RECREATION INDUSTRY
27th August 2015 - NZRA CALLS FOR CLARITY ON HEALTH AND SAFETY REFORM BILL
21st December 2015 - NZRA HIGHLIGHTS THE VALUE OF COUNCIL RECREATION INVESTMENT
