Council Wins Recreation Award

By Frank Neill

Wellington City Council has won a 2023 Recreation Award.

The council won the award for Te Whai Oranga Pōneke, its open space and recreation strategy.

This document provides a framework and strategic direction for the council to manage and

develop public open spaces, recreation facilities and recreation programmes and services over the next 30 years.

It’s mission is to support Wellingtonians to live well, and connect to nature and each other.

The awards are presented annually by Recreation Aotearoa Te Whai Oranga, which represents all professionals in the recreation industry.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to recognise the work being done by groups and individuals across Aotearoa to support their local communities to be active,” Recreation Aotearoa Te Whai Oranga Chief Executive Sarah Murray says.

“Our communities have faced big challenges over the past year, particularly around Cyclone

Gabrielle and the effects of climate change on our country.

“Now, more than ever, it’s important to highlight the benefits that recreation brings to the

wellbeing of our people while we acknowledge those who are doing great things in the recreation sector for their communities,” Sarah says.

“We’ve had a high calibre of nominations this year.

“We were particularly proud to see a strong focus on biculturalism, community involvement,

sustainability, and inclusion across a wide range of recreation offerings.”