New Recreation Aotearoa Chief Executive set to start

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New Recreation Aotearoa Chief Executive set to start

March 10, 2023

Recreation Aotearoa’s recently appointed Chief Executive Sarah Murray will step into here new role as of Monday 13th March, replacing former postholder Andrew Leslie.

A previous Recreation Aotearoa board member, the peak body advises that “the board and staff are thrilled with this appointment and know that the organisation is in safe hands with her at the helm.”

Prior to taking on her new role, Murray was the Parks, Sport and Recreation Community Partnerships Manager at Wellington City Council having previously held a variety of leadership roles with the Department of Conservation in both Southland and Wellington.

Her career has seen her work across parks and open spaces, recreation, sport and play with a focus on leading and developing impactful partnerships and driving positive change.

In addition to this Murray has held a range of governance roles within the sector including supporting the development of Recreation Aotearoa’s current strategy Te Whai Oranga during her time on the Board.

A longstanding Recreation Aotearoa member and current ARPro Assessor and Regional Committee member, Murray is excited about the opportunity to lead the organisation in the next phase of its journey and support the great work of its members and stakeholders.

5th October 2022 - Andrew Leslie named Chief Executive at Wellington’s Nuku Ora

26th August 2022 - Recreation Aotearoa 2022 Aquatic Awards recognise leading professionals and venue initiatives

7th July 2022 - Recreation Aotearoa becomes first Sport NZ partner to achieve Governance Mark for Second Time

6th July 2022 - Recreation Aotearoa 2022 Waves Conference celebrates 60 years of aquatic industry

23rd June 2022 - Recreation Aotearoa celebrates New Zealand parks, play and open spaces at Awards Ceremony

12th April 2022 - Belgravia Leisure’s Trust House Recreation Centre secures Recreation Aotearoa award

11th April 2022 - Recreation Aotearoa recognises outstanding industry professionals in national awards ceremony

24th March 2022 - Recreation Aotearoa names Michele Frey as new Chair

7th March 2022 - Recreation Aotearoa 2021 Aquatics Awards recognise leading professionals and venue initiatives

27th January 2022 - Recreation Aotearoa welcomes go-ahead for outdoor education and school camps

13th December 2021 - ActiveXchange establishes strategic partnership with Recreation Aotearoa

2nd November 2021 - Recreation Aotearoa GO Week campaign encourages outdoor activity and adventures

11th October 2021 - Recreation Aotearoa responds to reports of customers abusing staff at New Zealand facilities

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