Experienced line-up on Sir Edmund Council

Media Release
21 May 2009

Experienced line-up on Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Recreation Council

A wide range of outdoor recreation knowledge and expertise is represented in the membership of the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Recreation Council announced by SPARC Chair John Wells.

The council will play a crucial role in advising SPARC on strategic and investment decisions relating to outdoor recreation.

Mr Wells is delighted with the calibre of the council which will be chaired by Stu Allan, with the other members being Graeme Dingle, Annie Dignan, Dave Bamford, Paul Wilson and Rob Greenaway.

“These are New Zealanders with an extensive range of experience in the outdoor recreation sector. They bring a wide range of skills including governance, practical field experience, commercial acumen, and leadership.

“The Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Recreation Council was established in response to calls from across the sector for an independent body to provide leadership on a coordinated strategy for outdoor recreation. I am confident the council will deliver on those expectations,” said John Wells.

"I am also delighted to have Sir Edmund's name associated with this new entity. This gives the Council the mana and profile the outdoor recreation sector deserves", Mr Wells said.

The Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Recreation Council will be serviced by SPARC. Among the council’s roles will be to provide leadership and advice on;

• Promoting participation in outdoor recreation.
• Developing greater capability in outdoor recreation.
• Decisions on investment in outdoor recreation organisations.
• Developing a strategic sector-wide approach for outdoor recreation.
• Fostering improved collaboration and coordinated planning within and between the outdoor recreation sector and other relevant sectors.
• Raising the profile of the positive values and impact of outdoor recreation.

SPARC CEO Peter Miskimmin says the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Recreation Council will provide the leadership focal point the outdoor recreation sector has been calling for. He said it will have a vital role to play.

“One of the key findings of the SPARC outdoor recreation review conducted over 2007/08 was that nearly three quarters of New Zealanders want to increase their overall participation in outdoor recreation.

“It would be highly appropriate that an organisation with Sir Edmund’s name be charged with helping kiwis, particularly young people, reconnect with the great outdoors,” said Mr Miskimmin.

Ends

© Scoop Media