INS I GSH S TRSER PE OPROT R1T0 6– –S E…P…T…E. .M2B0E1 R IN I GTH 9 2019
Active Advocacy talking up the value of recreation Figure 1 Image: Department of Conservation
We need to talk about recreation. We value how we provide recreation opportunities – but talking about the many benefits of participation in recreation is crucial to our success. Advocacy links our work into government policy, helps to provide a profile for the industry, and offers insight into the inherent value of recreation and the potential return on investment.
Advocacy: influencing people’s perspectives on recreation Advocacy is a key role of Recreation Aotearoa as they champion quality recreation for the benefit of NZ. Good advocacy promotes the benefits of recreation and provides a voice for those who may not have the opportunity or resources to selfadvocate. Recreation providers at all levels can be great advocates for people’s opportunities to participate in quality recreation experiences – helping to ensure equity of access and distribution of resources. Recreation Aotearoa regularly submits on national, regional and local issues. Find out more about advocacy here.
Recreation is embedded in legislation and policy The rights to participate in cultural life, recreation, leisure, and sport are reflected in international human rights including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
NZRA Insights Report – Fight, Flight or Freeze in the Red Zone
Policy guides provision and funding at both a national and local level. The recreation sector is guided by NZ legislation including the Sport and Recreation NZ Act (2002) and Local Government Act (2002). Local Authorities also use local bylaws, District Plans and other policy tools to ensure provision for recreation places, spaces and experiences. Insights Report 3: The Living Standards Framework explored where recreation adds value to the Wellbeing Indicators that measure progress against The Wellbeing Framework.
The benefits of recreation Health and Wellbeing including improved mental and physical health and quality of life Citizenship and participation reflected in social connectedness, cultural identify and active citizenship Environment including conservation and management of parks and open spaces, lakes and waterways, and connection with the physical environment. The following resources outline the benefits of recreation and sport. The Canadian ‘benefits hub’ allows users to filter benefits according to a range of topic areas. •
Canadian Benefits Hub, allows filtering of benefits
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The Complete Communities Toolbox provides a range of benefits of parks and recreation facilities and programmes
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Play England provides some great information about the benefits of play Sport NZ’s Value of Sport and Recreation Series includes current economic value data.
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