News

Recreation Aotearoa is pleased to announce the renewal of its strategic partnership with Skills Active Te Mahi Ako for a further two years.

Recreation Aotearoa has refreshed the Tuakana–Teina Mentorship Programme to better support professionals across New Zealand’s recreation sector.

Recreation Aotearoa is pleased to announce the renewal of its strategic partnership with Syngenta for a further two years.

Nominations are now open for the Outdoors Awards 2026, celebrating the people, projects, and organisations strengthening outdoor recreation across New Zealand.

Australasian Parks Week 2026 is taking place this 2–9 March 2026. We'd love our members to get involved!

In 2025, we carried out a review of our Awards Programme. The review looked at how well our awards reflect today’s industry, and how we can better recognise the people and organisations shaping our future. As a result, we’re introducing some changes for 2026. 

Recreation Aotearoa says the Government’s draft laws to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA) fail to recognise recreation and public open space as essential for community wellbeing.

Twenty-three parks and green spaces across Aotearoa New Zealand have today achieved Green Flag Award® status — an international recognition of excellence that reflects not only beautiful landscapes, but strong management, environmental stewardship, and community connection.

The 2025 Awards were held tonight in Ōtautahi Christchurch, bringing the sector together to recognise excellence and impact across Aotearoa. The calibre of mahi this year was outstanding, a real testament to the strength and depth of the recreation sector.

We’re delighted to announce the finalists for the Recreation Awards 2025. These awards celebrate the projects, programmes, facilities, and people who are shaping the future of recreation across Aotearoa.