Recreation Aotearoa and Parks and Leisure Australia Renew Trans-Tasman Partnership

Recreation Aotearoa and Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) have officially renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reaffirming their commitment to Trans-Tasman collaboration in the parks, recreation, and leisure sectors.

The renewed partnership, signed in the spirit of whanaungatanga and “mateship”, builds on years of cooperation between the peak industry bodies of New Zealand and Australia. It underscores a shared vision to improve wellbeing through recreation, promote environmental stewardship, and strengthen professional development opportunities across both nations.

“This agreement reflects our shared belief in the transformative power of parks, leisure and recreation,” said Recreation Aotearoa Co-Chairs Bobbi Clark-Heu and Kirsty Knowles and Parks and Leisure Australia President Kristen Davies. “This renewed partnership is grounded in mutual respect and a shared commitment to each other, our cultures, and our communities. It reflects our strong belief that we are better together: lifting each other up, exchanging knowledge, and working side by side to shape inclusive, thriving places for people across Aotearoa and Australia.”

Key pillars of the renewed agreement include aligned professional development initiatives, information sharing, reciprocal representation at annual conferences, and enhanced communication through joint publications and webinars. The agreement also highlights a deepened commitment to honouring the Indigenous peoples of both nations and promoting bi-cultural and multi-cultural understanding.

By renewing this partnership, Recreation Aotearoa and PLA signal a continued dedication to fostering innovation, inclusion, and excellence across the parks and recreation landscape of New Zealand and Australia.