Recreation creates great New Zealanders. It is a catalyst for healthy people, connected communities and a strong economy. Despite this, central government recreation investment remains limited and local government spending is falling. A change of thinking is required.
Recreation contributes to physical and mental wellbeing. It can foster a sense of togetherness and help people integrate. Investment in recreation generates tourism opportunities and makes a community more desirable for professionals and young families. Ensuring New Zealand's recreation industry remains among the world's best requires greater understanding of these benefits and their downstream impacts, along with awareness of how legislative reform can influence recreation delivery.
The market value of recreation and sport is estimated at $5.2 billion, or nearly 3% of GDP
94% of adults take part in one or more recreation and sport activity each year
Approximately 50% of international visitors to New Zealand participate in outdoor recreation
The market value of recreation and sport is estimated at $5.2 billion, or nearly 3% of GDP
94% of adults take part in one or more recreation and sport activity each year
Approximately 50% of international visitors to New Zealand participate in outdoor recreation
Recreation makes a considerable contribution to a locality’s physical and social infrastructure. It is an investment in healthy people, connected communities and a strong economy – all of which are important to New Zealanders, and all of which can be achieved cost effectively through recreation investment.
Recent Links: Increased investment one of three key priorities for recreation industry Cemeteries plan for aging population, rising costs Could more urban planning make NZ more liveable? Sport and active recreation in the lives of New Zealand adults Find out more on NZRA's Advocacy Campaigns webpage
Increased work productivity and better health outcomes produced social benefits of approximately $1 billion a year
The value of local government fixed recreation assets is estimated at $7 billion and operating expenditure at $613 million
Increased work productivity and better health outcomes produced social benefits of approximately $1 billion a year
The value of local government fixed recreation assets is estimated at $7 billion and operating expenditure at $613 million
As the age, expectations and socio-economic and cultural makeup of New Zealanders changes, recreation workers are having to work harder than ever to understand and engage them. Yet many of those within the industry are overworked and under resourced, and the industry is heavily reliant on volunteers. Greater appreciation of paid and unpaid recreation workers, in terms of recognition and rewards, remuneration and development opportunities, is vital to ensure the industry can meet the rising expectations of New Zealanders.
The wider recreation and sport industry employs 74,484 people. Almost a million volunteers support New Zealand recreation and sport every year.
The wider recreation and sport industry employs 74,484 people. Almost a million volunteers support New Zealand recreation and sport every year.
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