10 November 2005
At The Heart of Recreation
What does recreation contribute to the health of the nation and how healthy is the recreation sector?
These are just two of the questions that will be explored at the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) annual
conference being held in Wellington from 14-16 November.
“This will be three days of engaging and thought provoking content with an opportunity to acknowledge and reward best
practice from around the country” said NZRA chief executive Brendon Ward.
The line up of key note presenters includes Hamish McInnes from Sport England. His visit to New Zealand has been
sponsored by SPARC to present what is happening in the UK around participation in sport and physical activity at a
national, regional and local level. He will discuss London’s winning bid to host the Olympics in 2012 and the Sport
England strategy to ensure facilities are up to scratch for hosting major events right through to mass participation.
This includes the redevelopment of the Wembley stadium which Sport England is overseeing.
SPARC, Chief Executive, Nick Hill said, “Recreation plays an important role in all of our lives whether it be for
health, social or enjoyment reasons.”
“The NZRA conference is a great opportunity for organisations to share best practice across the sector. It’s vital that
we provide quality recreational experiences for all New Zealanders.”
“We’re delighted to see that Hamish McInnes will be attending and speaking at the conference. Sport England has been
world-leading in sport and recreation, and we look forward to hearing about London’s winning bid for the Olympic Games
in 2012 and getting people active in their communities.”
World renowned futurist Richard Neville is also a key note presenter. Richard presented at the World Leisure Congress in
Brisbane last October and has very strong opinions on recreation and leisure based on his life experiences
Other key note presentations include the Minister for Sport and Recreation Trevor Mallard, SPARC CEO Nick Hill, Director
of the International Festival of the Arts Carla van Zon, Ex Wellington Mayor and National list MP Mark Blumsky, and
Chair of the Arts Council of New Zealand Peter Biggs.
The conference programme attached.
ENDS