Organisation - About us

New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) is a non-profit member organisation committed to meeting the needs of people and organisations in all aspects of recreation, leisure, parks, open space management, aquatics, conservation and sport delivery.

NZRA was formed in 1992 by the amalgamation of the NZ Institute of Park and Recreation Administration (NZIPRA), the Recreation Association of New Zealand (RANZ), and the NZ Association of Swimming Pool Managers (NZASPM). The purpose of the amalgamation was the development of an organisation with a broader focus and stronger base from which to advocate and promote recreation in New Zealand. NZRA has established strong regional structures fostering professional growth and development through training programmes and networking.

Our Vision

Recreation is vital to the wellbeing of all New Zealanders

Our Mission

To lead a strong, vibrant and cohesive recreation sector
Supporting community enjoyment of parks, pools, facilities and community environments

Our Values

Commitment to the benefits of recreation, Industry leadership, meaningful engagement, integrity and respect

Organisational Structure

A Board of up to eight members is involved with policy and governance. The NZRA Board comprises six regional representatives elected by their respective regions and one President elected at large. The Board has the ability to appoint up to two Independent Board Members depending on what knowledge and skill gaps exist. The Board meets at least four times each year and makes policy/governance decisions. A separate Audit Committee oversees the audit requirements (see Terms of Reference). The National Office, based in Wellington, employs a Chief Executive who manages strategic direction, professional development and advocacy of NZRA, along with other staff involved with administration, project management, communications and marketing.

• NZRA Strategic Plan 2009-2012
• NZRA Code of Ethics

"Recreation is an activity done for pleasure or relaxation that refreshes and recreates. It revitalises your body and mind by means of some pastime, sport, agreeable exercise, play, games or hobbies." NZRA Definition of Recreation 2009 

NZRA Represents

NZRA has over 1400 individual members. These members are generally involved with organisations such as recreation policy makers (both elected and employed officials), territorial local authorities (city, regional, and district councils), voluntary organisations, regional sports trusts, the Department of Conservation, commercial leisure providers, recreation planners, facility managers (wet and dry), programme and event managers, community arts leaders and others involved in the delivery of recreation in New Zealand.

NZRA Members

Own/operate sport and recreation facilities like swimming pools, playgrounds, skate parks, track networks, botanic gardens, sports fields, sport and events centres, recreation centres, community halls, cemeteries and crematoriums, open spaces including parks and forests, national and regional parks, harbours, beaches, rivers and lakes (for recreation use). Many members facilitate community recreation through the delivery of programmes and events. These help create environments which enhance community wellbeing, including after school programmes (OSCAR), programmes for people with disabilities, older adult programmes, holiday programmes and therapeutic rehabilitation programmes.

What NZRA does

Qualifications, conferences and seminars, mentoring, work placements (working with WINZ, staff exchanges nationally and internationally, student internships), industry standards, standards development (Risk Management Guidelines for Sport and Recreation), promotion of recreation and participation, identify and communicate good practice, submissions (Local Government Act), advocacy at Central Government level (early child care facilities for recreation centres), national and international MOU's (Parks and Leisure Australia, Parks Forum, Dance Aotearoa NZ, Fitness NZ).