Recreation Aotearoa - Te Whai Oranga

Recreation Aotearoa has recently submitted on the Life Jackets for Children and Young Persons Bill, a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to reduce preventable drownings in Aotearoa.

We fully support the Bill’s intent to protect young people, but the evidence is clear:
Most watercraft fatalities involve adults, particularly men over 40.

That’s why we’re joining Coastguard New Zealand and Safety New Zealand in calling for the legislation to go further.

What we’re advocating for:
– A single, consistent national rule
– Mandatory lifejacket wearing for all people on all recreational craft whenever they are underway
– A change that could save an estimated 12 lives every year

Just like seatbelt and helmet laws, strong national standards change behaviour.
History shows it works; pool fencing legislation reduced child drownings by 80%.

We’ve now presented both written and verbal submissions to the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee and will continue to advocate for clear, effective water safety legislation.

Learn more or read our full submission:
https://www.nzrecreation.org.nz/advocacy/submission-life-jackets-children-and-young-persons-bill

Image credit: Miles Holden for Tourism New Zealand

Poolsafe® 2026 is underway and growing fast. Since mid-January, our assessors have visited 100 facilities across Aotearoa. We now have 161 pools in the programme, including new community sites in Woodville, Eketāhuna, Waipawa, Katikati, Te Puke, Wairoa, and Te Hiku Sports Hub. Parakiore will also be joining later this year.

We’ve also trained five new assessors, increasing our capacity to support even more pools as the programme continues to expand.

Learn more about Poolsafe®: https://www.nzrecreation.org.nz/programmes/poolsafer

Flying the flag with pride. 💚 Randwick Park has once again received the Green Flag Community Award®, with RSPC Trust and For a Cause Ltd celebrating continued success in the programme.

Part of the Green Flag Award® programme since 2018, Randwick Park has proudly achieved Green Flag status every year, a true testament to long-term care and strong community connection.

This Community Award recognises parks that are deeply loved, well used, and cared for with people at the heart. Congratulations to everyone involved. Tino pai! 🌿

Follow the link to discover more about the Green Flag Award® programme and all the winning parks.

https://www.nzrecreation.org.nz/programmes/green-flag-award

Today we say goodbye to Jess, our Kairuruku Kaupapa / Programmes Coordinator, who is making the move north.

Jess has been an incredible support to our Programme Managers and a valued member of our team. We will miss her – especially at quiz time.

We wish you all the best, Jess. Ngā mihi nui for everything you’ve given to Recreation Aotearoa.

We will be recruiting for Jess’ role soon, so keep an eye out next month.

We’re calling for Expressions of Interest to join the ARPro Accreditation Committee. A group dedicated to strengthening quality, credibility, and professional standards across our sector.

If you’re passionate about supporting the recreation workforce and want to grow your own capability, this is a great opportunity to:
– Build governance and assessment experience
– Strengthen your CV and professional confidence
– Connect with a trusted network of sector leaders
– Contribute to the ongoing development of ARPro Te Puawānanga

We’d love to hear from people with a range of backgrounds and perspectives.

Expressions of Interest close Friday 27 February
Learn more here: https://www.jotform.com/form/260107999742063

On Wednesday, we gathered for our annual noho marae, this time at Whakarongotai Marae in Waikanae.

These noho give us time to come together as a team, connect kanohi ki te kanohi, reflect on our kaupapa, and strengthen how we work together.

They also offer space to connect with te taiao. We walked part of the Te Araroa Trail, cooled off in the Waikanae River, and practised tākaro in the sun.

Ngā mihi nui to Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai for hosting us.

Do you know someone doing outstanding work in parks? The Parks Leader of the Year Award (formerly Parks Person of the Year) is open for nominations.

The winner automatically progresses to the Recreation Leader of the Year Award, recognising their leadership on a national stage.

All Parks Awards are now open. Celebrating people, parks and places across the motu.

⏰ Nominations close Friday 27 February, 4pm
👉 Nominate now
🔗 https://www.nzrecreation.org.nz/awards/parks-awards

Kōrero nui! Hutt City Council is celebrating a Green Flag Award® for Motutawa Avalon Park this year, a first for them in the programme!

The award recognises the park’s excellent management and commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and sustainable space for everyone to enjoy.

Across Aotearoa, 23 parks now proudly hold Green Flag Award® status. These awards highlight parks that support play, connection, learning, and wellbeing, all while being.

Follow the link to discover more about the Green Flag Award® programme and all the winning parks.

https://www.nzrecreation.org.nz/programmes/green-flag-award

Save the date, the Midlands Region’s first Big Day Out (BDO) for 2026 is happening in Hastings!

We’re kicking off the year with a full day of learning, connection, and on-the-ground inspiration across some exciting community and recreation spaces.

📅 Friday 6 March
⏰ 10:00am – 3:30pm
📍 Hastings

More details coming soon!

The Summer edition of the Australasian Parks & Leisure Journal is here! Packed with insights, stories, and innovations from parks and leisure professionals across Australia and Aotearoa, the Summer PLA Journal is available now on our Members’ Hub

Looking for a professional development opportunity, a chance to see your ideas in print, or share your knowledge? Submissions are open for the Autumn edition of the PLA Journal. We’d love to help you get your projects, perspectives, or sector learnings featured.

Read Australasian Parks & Leisure Journal here:
https://www.nzrecreation.org.nz/australasian-parks-leisure-journal

Submit an article: PLA Journal Submissions:
https://form.jotform.com/240506022517041

Proud to be part of Parks Week 2026 🌿

From 2–9 March, Australasian Parks Week celebrates parks and open spaces across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia.

You might host something new or simply share the great work already happening in your parks. Every action helps people connect with these spaces.

How to take part: create a small local activity or share existing park stories and events.

Looking for ideas? Visit our website for Parks Week inspiration and resources: https://www.nzrecreation.org.nz/news/australasian-parks-week-2026