Announcing the finalists: Recreation Awards 2025
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.
From innovative park developments to inclusive community programmes, this year’s finalists reflect the creativity, collaboration, and commitment driving our sector forward.
Outstanding Project
Recognising exceptional developments or redevelopments of a strategy or facility, including pools, parks, or recreation centres.
Outstanding Project – Under $500,000
- Alpine Winter Festival Ice Rink – Hanmer Springs and O’Brien Contracting
- McLeans Forest Developments – Environment Canterbury Regional Parks
- The Deep End of Innovation: AI and Pool Safety – Selwyn District Council
Outstanding Project – Over $500,000
- From Retail to Recreation: The University of Waikato Haumaru Sport and Recreation Centre – Bay Venues, University of Waikato, and Mana Whenua partners
- Tulloch Park Development – Stage 2 – Gore District Council
- The Geraldine Sculpture Trail – Geraldine.NZ supported by Timaru District Council, Aigantighe Art Gallery, and The Geraldine Licensing Trust
- Te Kupenga o Rongomai | Maidstone Sports Hub – Upper Hutt City Council, Stephenson & Turner, and Maycroft Construction
- Motutawa Avalon Park – Convic Skateparks, Hutt City Council, and NZ Transport Agency
- Wero Climb – Auckland Council and Waka Pacific Trust
- Hiwa | Recreation Centre – University of Auckland
Outstanding Event
Celebrating vibrant recreation events that bring communities together.
- Girls Get Out There – Scouts NZ, Māngere College, and CLM Community Sport
- Children’s Day 2025 – Christchurch City Council
- Community Day at Gallagher Pools – Hamilton City Council
- S2C Spellers Camp – Belonging, Community, Inclusion – First Step Outdoors
Outstanding Park
Celebrating inspiring outdoor recreation spaces and places.
- McLaren Falls Park – Tauranga City Council
- Kaipātiki Reserve – Te Poari o Kaipātiki ki Kaipara, Resilio Studio, and Auckland Council
Outstanding Recreation Facility
Celebrating our world-class recreation facilities.
- Te Papa Retireti – Tauranga Destination Skatepark – Tauranga City Council
- Netball Sports Centre – Christchurch Netball
- Southland BMX Park – Southland BMX Club and Invercargill City Council
- The Peak – Rototuna Indoor Recreation Centre – Rototuna Indoor Recreation Centre Trust, Rototuna High Schools, and Hamilton City Council
- Te Kupenga o Rongomai | Maidstone Sports Hub – Stephenson & Turner and Maycroft Construction for Upper Hutt City Council
- Paetara Aspiring Central – Queenstown Lakes District Council
Outstanding Community Recreation Programme
Recognising recreation programmes making positive change in our communities.
- Moxie Work Skills Orchard and Garden Projects – Recreate NZ
- COBA – Community of Bike Ambassadors – Central Otago District Council and The Up-Cycles Charitable Trust
- Gear Up Ōtautahi – Christchurch City Council
- IncrEDIBLES: Edible Gardens in Invercargill – Invercargill City Council, Murihiku Kai, and Healthy Families Invercargill
- Hauora Inclusion – CLM Community Sport, Rosehill School, and Kauri Flats School
- Out & About Auckland – Auckland Council
- BaySwim’s Ethnic Women’s Learn to Swim Programme – Bay Venues
Outstanding Research, Policy & Planning
Recognising the creativity, collaboration, and evidence-based thinking that’s driving meaningful change in the recreation sector.
- Invercargill City Council Play Strategy – Invercargill City Council
- Assessment Template Tool for Freedom Camping Opportunities and Compliance for Local Authorities, Communities and Campers – Thrive Spaces and Places
- LGBTTQIA+ Inclusive Leisure in Aotearoa New Zealand – Western Sydney University, University of Otago
- Open Space Metrics: A Standard Formula for Bespoke Community Spaces and Places Infrastructural Outcomes for NZ – Thrive Spaces and Places
- Manaaki Tāmaki Makaurau: Auckland Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy – Auckland Council
Recreation Awards Dinner 2025
Thursday 20 November 2025
Christchurch Town Hall
The 2025 Recreation Awards winners will be announced at the Recreation Awards dinner, sponsored by Otium Planning Group. The Recreation Awards are part of the Recreation Leaders' Summit. Registrations close on Friday 7 November 2025.