NextStep professional development portal launched

NextStep professional development portal launched

A new professional development portal for recreation workers is already changing the way the industry approaches training, leading to more high quality recreation opportunities for New Zealanders.

The NextStep portal, developed by the New Zealand Recreation Association, makes it easier for recreation professionals to upskill, better understand their communities, and deliver high quality recreation opportunities for participants.

New Zealand Recreation Association Chief Executive Andrew Leslie said NextStep was designed to be a one-stop-shop that helps recreation workers find workshops, conferences, events and other professional development opportunities.

“The portal offers benefits not only to those looking for professional development and to the organisations that offer those opportunities, but also to the communities that benefit from capable, confident recreation professionals.

“Access to quality recreation opportunities impacts positively on community wellbeing and helps to combat health conditions like diabetes, obesity and depression.”

Sport NZ’s latest Active NZ Survey shows that recreation and sport play an important part in the lives of Kiwis. Close to three-quarters of adults (74 per cent) take part each week and 66 per cent are interested in trying a new sport or activity or doing more of an existing one.

“New Zealand’s aging population and changing demographics mean it is vital that our recreation providers are aware of and understand relevant trends so they can provide activities that cater for a wide range of ethnic, cultural and age groups. NextStep makes it easier for them to do this,” Mr Leslie said.

Since the launch of NextStep, 31 training providers have come on board and 95 courses have been loaded, and Mr Leslie expects this will continue to grow.

“The portal fulfils a real need, not only for the recreation sector, but for New Zealand’s healthy communities.”

ENDS

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