Media Release
Monday 5 September 2005
Christchurch Host Asia Pacific Congress 2008
The New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) today announced it has won the rights to host the International Federation
of Parks and Recreation Administration (IFPRA) Asia Pacific Congress in Christchurch in 2008.
According to NZRA Chief Executive Brendon Ward this is a significant achievement at a time when the NRA is going from
strength to strength.
"The congress will be combined with our national conference and it is expected that in excess of 200 international
delegates will grace our shores for the congress and post congress tours” said Mr Ward.
The 2008 event was secured in Kuala Lumpur late last week when the Asia Pacific commissioners voted on the venue for
2008. New Zealand Commissioner Paul Wilson from Queenstown Lakes District Council and Mr Ward were both in Kuala Lumpur
for the decision which preceded the 2005 congress.
The commissioners and delegates at the 2005 congress in KL were very impressed with what New Zealand had to offer said
Mr Wilson.
“As the Garden City, Christchurch is a perfect place to host this prestigious event, and it opens up the whole South
Island adventure playground for post congress tours to iconic locations like Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura, Marlborough,
Queenstown and the West Coast – to name a few”.
The NZRA acknowledged the high quality promotional material produced by Tourism New Zealand and the Christchurch
Convention Centre which assisted in securing the 2008 congress.
More Information on the NZRA
The NZRA is a central organisation of individuals and organisations associated with all aspects of the provision for and
delivery of recreation and leisure services, and promotes co-operation and mutual assistance among them.
ENDS