Recreation Aotearoa award recognises industry achievements

December 9, 2024

Recreation Aotearoa's recently presented Outdoors and Recreation Awards 2024 have celebrated the people, places. programmes and projects that are enhancing people's wellbeing.

Presented in Tāmaki Makaurau during last month's Recreation Aotearoa 2024 National Conference the awards recognised individuals and locations that have significantly enhanced outdoor recreation outcomes across the nation.

Outdoors & Recreation Awards 2024 winners

Te Mahi Ako Apprentice of the Year 2024
John Mainu'u

Outdoors Awards 2024
Whenua Iti - Fostering Futures programme

Te Tohu Tiakina Taiao - Environmental Leadership Award 2024
Outward Bound Trust of NZ - Manawa Ora

Te Tohu Whakaaweawe Kaupapa - Outstanding Event/Programme Award
2023 winner: NZ Sailing Trust & Auckland Kayaks - Rainbow/Takatāpui Programme
2024 winner: First Steps Outdoors - Girl POWA

Te Tohu Manu Kura- Supreme Award 2024
Hazel Nash

Recreation Awards 2024
Outstanding Community Programme Award 2024
Girls Skate NZ

Outstanding Event 2024
CLM Community Sport & Māngere College - The Big Move

Oustanding Park 2024
Wellington City Council & Mākara Peak Supporters - Mākara Peak

Outstanding Pool 2024
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

Outstanding Project (under $500,000) 2024
Kāpiti Coast District Council - The Meanwhile Space

Outstanding Project (over $500,000) 2024
CPlay - CPlay Caroline Bay Playground
Tauranga City Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council & Ngāi Tamarāwaho - Kōpurererua Valley Stream Realignment
Tauranga City Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council & Ngāti Hangarau - Te Rere o Ōmanawa Project

Outstanding Recreation Facility 2024
Western Bay of Plenty District Council - Island View Reserve Playground
Selwyn District Council - Foster Park

Outstanding Research, Policy & Planning 2024
Sport NZ & Wellington City Council - Skate Guidelines for Local Government
Wellington City Council & Visitor Solutions - Te Awe Māpara - Community Facilities Plan

Emerging Recreation Leader 2024
Harry Roberts, Christchurch City Council

Paul Stuart Memorial Award 2024
Ben Rzoska, Christchurch City Council

Ian Galloway Memorial Cup 2024
Paul Andrews, Wellington City Council

Mark Mitchell Memorial Trophy 2024
Jenn Benden, Xyst

Fellowship Awards
Jo Wiggins
Brendon Rope
Stella Luoni Morgan

Images: Mākara Peak park Supporters was named Oustanding Park 2024 (top, credit: Wellington City Council) and Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa was named Outstanding Pool (below) at Recreation Aotearoa's Outdoors and Recreation Awards 2024.

21st November 2024 - 26 New Zealand parks and green spaces secure internationally recognised Green Flag Award status

9th September 2024 - IAKS ANZ panel kicks off collaboration with Recreation Aotearoa

22nd July 2024 - CLM’s Kirsty Knowles appointed as Co-Chair of Recreation Aotearoa

11th July 2024 - Recreation Aotearoa spotlight their Parks Planning Masterclass

20th March 2024 - Recreation Aotearoa announces new partnership with Xyst

30th November 2023 - CLM and Recreation Aotearoa announce partnership extension

6th November 2023 - Christchurch City Council’s Nigel Cox wins Recreation Aotearoa award for contributions to the recreation industry

13th October 2023 - ActiveXchange extends Recreation Aotearoa partnership

12th October 2023 - Recreation Aotearoa reveals nominees for 2023 Awards

8th September 2023 - Recreation Aotearoa 2023 Aquatics Awards recognise leading professionals

10th March 2023 - New Recreation Aotearoa Chief Executive set to start

16th February 2023 - New Zealand parks secure internationally recognised Green Flag Awards

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

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

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

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.