Sustainable Sport NEWS

The New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) has opened registrations for its 2014 National Conference being held at Lincoln University, Christchurch from 26th to 28th November 2014

The Conference, the premier event for New Zealand’s recreation sector, is this year following theme Everyone has a leadership role, recognising that everyone in the community sport and recreation sector has a role to play in ensuring New Zealanders have the best possible recreation opportunities.

The programme will also include concurrent sessions covering natural resource management, recreation facility and service provision, and policy making, as well as field trips to local recreation facilities.

The Conference will feature three-time Supreme Halberg Sportsperson of the Year and current Olympic and Commonwealth Games chef de mission Rob Waddell will feature among an inspiring line-up of keynote speakers at this year’s National Conference.

Rob Waddell will present alongside impressive local and international speakers covering developments and trends impacting the wider recreation industry. Other keynote speakers include Dr Robert Manning, the Steven Rubenstein Professor of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont; Local Government New Zealand President Lawrence Yule; Department of Conservation Deputy Director General for Conservation Partnerships Dr Kay Booth; Sport NZ General Manager Community Sport Geoff Barry, and Lagardere Unlimited Oceania Chief Executive Dave Beech.

The National Conference will also feature the presentation of the annual NZRA Awards, which recognise professional achievement and excellence by both individuals and organisations, and are one of the high-points of the recreation profession calendar.

Outstanding Awards include:

• Outstanding Community Recreation Programme

• Outstanding Event

• Outstanding Park

• Outstanding Pool

• Outstanding Project

• Outstanding Recreation Facility

• Outstanding Research, Planning, and Policy Award (NB: uses different criteria)

Individual Awards include:

• Emerging Recreation Leader of the Year

• Ian Galloway Memorial Cup – excellence and outstanding personal contribution in the Parks industry

• Mark Mitchell Memorial Trophy – excellence and outstanding personal contribution to the recreation industry

• Paul Stuart Memorial Trophy – excellence and outstanding personal contribution to the facility management industry

Award nominations close on 19th September.

For further information on NZRA National Conference or the NZRA Awards go to www.nzrecreation.org.nz

16th December 2013 - NEW ZEALAND RECREATION ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS