Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Recreation Council

Media release
For immediate release 24 October 2008
Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Recreation Council

The New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) fully supports yesterday's announcement by Prime Minister Helen Clark on the establishment of the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Recreation Council.

NZRA chief executive Brendon Ward has heralded the decision as both appropriate and timely.

"The announcement comes at a time when the outdoor recreation sector is calling for leadership and direction," says Mr Ward. "This has been highlighted in SPARC's recent Outdoor Recreation Review and is evidenced by the number and diversity of organisations involved in the sector.

"The Government has responded to the call for action and it is entirely appropriate to honour Sir Ed with the council being named after him."
Early indications of the council's activities and scope are encouraging says Mr Ward.

"It will provide an opportunity for Government and non-Government organisations to work more closely. Hopefully it will also result in synergies, greater investment and better utilization of resources sector wide," he says.

"New Zealand has some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the world. The facilities available to New Zealanders are many and varied. Making people aware of what is available and encouraging them to actively participate are key outcomes. So too is appropriate resourcing of the sector and facilities."

Mr Ward believes increased participation leads to better understanding and appreciation of recreation facilities, which in turn, results in conservation of the environment.

ENDS

About NZRA
NZRA is a not for profit industry organisation committed to promoting recreation and providing professional services to the recreation sector. The sectors that NZRA represents include public swimming pools, parks and open spaces, recreation facilities and recreation programmes. Our vision is that Recreation is vital to the wellbeing of New Zealanders.

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