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IAKS ANZ, the Australian and New Zealand subsection of the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS), marked a significant milestone by hosting its first-ever sports forum panel at WAVES in collaboration with Recreation Aotearoa.

Held at the Lower Hutt Event Centre at the end of August, the landmark event brought together planners, architects, sport professionals and local councils, creating a unique platform for industry experts to showcase best practices and share case studies in their respective fields.

The forum was a vibrant exchange of ideas, where key industry stakeholders discussed innovative approaches to sports facility planning, design, and management. With a focus on promoting excellence and sustainability, the panel highlighted cutting-edge projects and solutions that are shaping the future of sports and recreation spaces in the Australasian region.

IAKS ANZ Events Coordinator, Iain Ansell, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating “this event marks a new chapter for IAKS ANZ as we continue to foster connections and drive innovation in the sports and leisure sector.

“The partnership with Recreation Aotearoa allowed us to bring together diverse voices and showcase the remarkable work happening across our industry in Australia and New Zealand."

Panel Discussion Highlights:

• John Tuxworth, Bulit Environment Collective (BEC Ninnes Fong), Executive Director
Topic: Case studies presented from national and international projects around sustainable design.

Tuxford kicked off the discussion by exploring various designs of case studies around sustainable design and products used in various projects.

• Yvette Audet, IAKS ANZ Chair
Topic: Membership and Networking Benefits of the International Association of Sport and Leisure Facilities

Audet explored the advantages of joining IAKS ANZ, emphasizing the networking opportunities and access to industry-leading insights that membership provides.

• Aaron Blyleven, BECA
Topic: Energy-Efficient, Future-Fit Aquatic Facilities

Blyleven discussed the design and operational strategies essential for creating energy-efficient and adaptable aquatic facilities, stressing the importance of future-proofing these community assets.

• Mark Bates, Architecture HDT
Topic: Environmental and Sustainability Guidelines for Spaces and Places – Naenae Case Study

Bates presented a compelling case study on Naenae, illustrating the integration of environmental and sustainability guidelines in the design and development of sports facilities.

• Shane Brodie, Sport Waikato Spaces and Places Lead
Topic: Financially Constrained Councils and the Impact on Facilities Investment – Potential Solutions

Brodie addressed the financial challenges faced by councils in investing in sports facilities and offered innovative solutions to navigate these constraints.

• Matt Body, Warren and Mahoney
Topic: Te Kaha and Parakiore Setting the Standard sustainable design and creating community hubs

Body provided a preview of the groundbreaking Te Kaha and Parakiore projects, highlighting how these developments are setting new benchmarks in sports facility design.

The event was well-received, with attendees praising the quality of the presentations and the opportunity to network with peers. The panel discussion was a must-attend for those involved in the planning, design, management, and operation of sports and leisure facilities. Attendees left with valuable insights and new connections that will help shape the future of sports facility development.

IAKS ANZ looks forward to building on the success of this event and continuing to provide valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and professional development within the sports and leisure community.

For more information about IAKS ANZ and upcoming events, contact events.anz@iaks.sport or go to www.iaks.sport/en/anz

Images: Speakers (top) and one of the sessions (below) at IAKS ANZ's first-ever New Zealand sports forum panel.Credit: IAKS ANZ.

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