Articles, sector commentary and case study retrospectives from the RSL team. Practical reading for people working in recreation, sport and leisure.
On the 7th of May the NZ government announced a 'simplification' of Local Government in New Zealand - proposing the replacement of regional councils and amalgamations of territorial authorities. RSL is releasing a four-article series to help the sector navigate it.
We're unpacking what the announcements mean for your organisation, drawing on international models and offering strategies to future-proof your community delivery.
InsightIn this day and age is there a place for shipping containers as part of the facility mix at community sport and recreation venues?
InsightTe Kaha was not the only facility to celebrate a milestone in Canterbury over ANZAC weekend. On a warm autumnal day it was heartening to pop into the Balcairn Hall.
InsightMy mum sent me a nice message of support before RSL embarked on a busy week last week. Her wise words were 'sharing knowledge is one of the most powerful things we can do'.
InsightTransforming facilities from one purpose to another is commonplace in some countries. In NZ we often do it because it is the quickest and cheapest option - but Europe shows what creative repurposing looks like.
InsightThere is something special about our sector. The willingness for people to come together and share knowledge helps us all learn and grow.
InsightThe IAKS 2025 Congress brought speakers from around the world. Two themes ran through the day: net-zero carbon facilities, and measuring the social return of recreation amenities.
InsightWhat do you do when the field trip is cancelled due to low numbers? Easy - you create a field trip yourself.
InsightThe value that recreation brings to individuals, whānau and the wider community has never been more important.
InsightA community newspaper page dedicated to women and girls participating in sport, emphasising the importance of 'fun' and 'all ages' messaging.
InsightCommunities evolve and change, some more quickly than others. The thread through the change is the need for connection and belonging - something recreation and sport deliver so well on.
InsightParticipation trends in the play, sport and recreation system are continuing to change. That change needs to be supported by strategies that can adapt.
InsightThe power of people coming together - meeting for the first time or reacquainting - is the value of networking.
InsightYou've got to love a good working bee. On Sunday we had the opportunity to participate in a community planting day.
InsightOn recent travels I came across this gem. In a previous life it was a supermarket. In 1997 the Timaru District Council repurposed the building.
InsightDoes history become more interesting as we age? Or is that just me? On a recent trip to the West Coast we stopped at the Historic Kumara Baths site.
InsightThe social cohesion benefits of sport, recreation and community are alive and well in New Zealand.
InsightWalking along the foreshore in Eastbourne recently, I came across Greenwood Park and the plaque dedicated to a quiet pioneer for children’s play.
InsightNational Recreation Conference was held last week. I always love conference week as people come together to discuss relevant topics, network and reflect.
InsightLooking forward to having a conversation with Recreation Aotearoa National Conference attendees in November.
InsightIt is great to be back at Cooks Gardens in Whanganui today; a place very close to my heart.
The recent speech by the Prime Minister for Local Government to get back to the basics really troubled me. This post isn't a political position - it's about community.
InsightI was very lucky to visit the Vivo for Healthier Generations Center in Calgary today.
InsightReally enjoyed checking out the re-developed Lancaster Park in the weekend as part of a work field trip.
InsightA visit to Pōrangahau sports club reveals how community sports facilities serve broader wellbeing purposes beyond athletics.
InsightEnjoyed watching the NC Premier Netball Final tonight. A nice way to spend a Thursday evening supporting a sport.
InsightFantastic to see Te Tai Tokerau regional planning projects, including Kōkiri ai Te Waka Hourua, recognised at the national awards.
InsightWe sat down at the back of the church hall. It was a relatively foreign place. We were quietly asked for our gold coin 'donation'.
InsightYesterday was a fantastic day of learning for me (and hopefully others). I worked alongside Dave Tippett and Peter Magson.