Advocacy projects

Read about our latest advocacy projects and submissions
A man walks along a rocky hilltop. He has walking poles. He has a prosthetic leg

​​​​​​​Recreation Aotearoa welcomed the opportunity to submit on the Draft Refresh of the New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026–2030 (NZDS).

A group of three people kayak down a river

Recreation Aotearoa strongly urges the Ministry of Education to reconsider the exclusion of Outdoor Education from the general senior subject list.

Four kids play on a park

Recreation Aotearoa strongly urges the Government to embed the principle that “gambling should benefit the community” in the Bill, ensuring a substantial share of online casino revenues supports community sport, recreation, and wellbeing.

A cemetery

Recreation Aotearoa opposes the removal of wellbeing from the purpose of local government and calls for cemeteries and crematoria to be recognised as essential core services. We urge the Government to protect councils’ ability to deliver recreation, play, and remembrance spaces that keep communities active, healthy, resilient, and connected.

A group of young people are in a raft travelling down a river

Recreation Aotearoa calls for an industry-led, well-funded vocational education system that supports the recreation workforce — ensuring communities across New Zealand continue to benefit from safe, high-quality recreation experiences.

An aerial view of Waitangi Park in Wellington, showing the skate park

Recreation Aotearoa has submitted on Wellington City Council’s Draft Long-Term Plan and Annual Plan, highlighting the essential role of play, active recreation, and sport in community wellbeing, and calling for continued investment in accessible, sustainable recreation spaces.

A group of people are in a pool doing an aqua class

Recreation Aotearoa welcomed the opportunity to provide feedback on the Inland Revenue Department’s consultation on Taxation and the Not-for-Profit Sector.

Three people walk up the side of a glacier in New Zealand

Public conservation land plays a fundamental role in recreation, health, and community. Recreation Aotearoa submits that it must remain open, accessible, and well-managed.

A man walks along a trail, a mountain looms in the background

Recreation is a major contributor to the physical and mental health of individuals, and to the resilience of our communities. We believe access fees should not undermine New Zealanders’ rights to access public conservation land, which has been a longstanding pillar of recreation and conservation policy in Aotearoa.

Two people look at a communication board in a playground. A young girl points at the board while a lady in a wheelchair reads it

Recreation Aotearoa is the leading professional body supporting New Zealand’s recreation sector, advocating for quality experiences that keep people active, healthy, and connected. Recreation Aotearoa supports a shared, long-term approach to infrastructure planning in Aotearoa.