Submission on Wellington City Council’s Joint Revised Long-Term Plan and Annual Plan
Recreation Aotearoa welcomed the opportunity to provide feedback on Wellington City Council’s Draft Long-Term Plan (LTP) Amendment and 2025/26 Annual Plan Consultation Document.
Overview of general comments
We recognise the financial challenges facing Wellington City Council and the need for responsible, sustainable investment. However, we strongly emphasise that investment in play, active recreation, and sport (PARS) is not discretionary — it is essential to the long-term health, wellbeing, and social connectedness of Wellingtonians.
Our submission reiterates the proven social and economic value of recreation, with every dollar invested returning significant community benefits. We also emphasise the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and green space preservation across the city’s recreation network.
We have urged the Council to:
- Maintain and expand investment in accessible play, sport, and recreation spaces.
- Protect and enhance urban green spaces through tree planting and thoughtful design.
- Retain funding for active transport projects, including the Paneke Pōneke bike network and City Streets initiatives.
- Avoid deferring or reducing upgrades to playgrounds and recreation facilities.
- Partner with mana whenua on the management of culturally significant sites such as Mātai Moana Reserve.
- Ensure affordability and equitable access to recreation opportunities when reviewing fees and charges.
We believe that with strong community partnerships and continued commitment to recreation investment, Wellington City Council can help create a thriving, sustainable, and active city.
Read our submission
For more detail, please read:
Submission on Wellington City Council’s Joint Revised Long-Term Plan and Annual Plan
Questions or feedback
If you have any questions, or want to share your views, contact our Advocacy Manager, Sam Newton, at sam@nzrecreation.org.nz.
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