NZ’s recreation leaders recognised with national awards

25 November 2013

New Zealand’s recreation leaders recognised with national awards

Outstanding leaders in the recreation industry were recognised at the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) Awards, at the Energy Events Centre, in Rotorua.

Two Fellowships and seven awards were announced. The Fellowships went to Dr Bevan Grant and Rob Greenaway. Fellowships are granted to members who are regarded as having made a significant contribution to the purpose, aims and work of NZRA.

The NZRA Award winners:
• Emerging Recreation Leader of the Year - Annalies Donald, of Auckland
• Ian Galloway Memorial Award - Geoff Canham, of Bay of Plenty
• Outstanding Community Recreation Programme - Bikes in Schools
• Outstanding Park - Kaitoke Regional Park, Greater Wellington Region
• Outstanding Pool - Graham Condon Recreation and Sport Centre, Christchurch
• Outstanding Project - Waitangirua Community Park, Porirua
• Outstanding Recreation Facility - Papatoetoe Sports Centre

NZRA CEO, Andrew Leslie, congratulated all of the awards winners for their dedication and passion.

“The contribution the award winners make highlight the extraordinary quality of our recreation industry. We celebrate their achievements tonight, but every day they are making a difference in their community.”

Background information
• Emerging Recreation Leader of the Year - Annalies Donald: Judges commented that Annalies’ commitment to both academic studies and working in the sector were are key factors to her being appointed to senior leadership positions at such a young age.

• Ian Galloway Memorial Award - Geoff Canham: Geoff is a highly regarded professional within parks and recreation and is known for thinking outside the square, at the leading edge of industry changes. The Ian Galloway Memorial Cup acknowledges outstanding personal contribution in parks, amenity horticulture and open space.

• Outstanding Community Recreation Programme - Bikes in Schools: No other initiative in New Zealand has managed to get so many kids riding so often.

• Outstanding Park - Kaitoke Regional Park: This is a well-established regional park in the Wellington Region showcasing outstanding native bush and river ecosystem that is easily accessible to a wide range of people.

• Outstanding Pool - Graham Condon Recreation and Sport Centre: Judges were impressed with the nature and outcome of the relationship between the Sport Centre, Papanui High School and Christchurch City Council.

• Outstanding Project - Waitangirua Community Park: The Park has turned a barren, underused car park targeted by vandals and rubbish dumpers into a thriving community hub.

• Outstanding Recreation Facility - Papatoetoe Sports Centre: The Sports Centre has successfully integrated 12 sports clubs and community groups since it opened in 2011.

About NZRA
NZRA is a not-for-profit industry member organisation committed to promoting recreation and providing professional services to the recreation sector.

NZRA represents professionals who work with public swimming pools, parks and open spaces, recreation facilities and recreation programmes. NZRA believes recreation is vital to the wellbeing of New Zealanders.

For further information, visit www.nzrecreation.org.nz

ENDS

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