Insight

Frosty Morning, Warm Connections: Canterbury's Rec Sector Comes Together

Jun 2025·4 min read

The power of people coming together - whether it is meeting for the first time, or reacquainting - this is the value of networking. It was great to see a good turnout in Christchurch for the Canterbury Region Recreation Aotearoa networking breakfast. As a sector that focuses on people, it's more important than ever before to continue to connect, share and support each other.

It takes more than frost to stop Canterbury's recreation sector champions from showing up for a good networking session.

Approximately two dozen Canterbury members braved the cold morning and turned up to the breakfast on Tuesday. RSL sees the broader value in networking for the sector and has supported these types of events since the company began eight years ago. Kanohi ki te kanohi networking just cannot be beaten.

Christchurch City Council provided a toasty warm venue and arranged logistics, with RSL providing the breakkie.

The group got to hear from Kiri Pope about the release of the updated Strategic Plan that will guide Recreation Aotearoa. Kiri was ably supported by fellow RA Board Member Watene Hema while RA Advocacy Manager Sam Newton was on call for any curly questions.

The group then earned their breakfast by providing feedback on some of the key challenges facing Spaces and Places in Canterbury; information that will be used to help shape "Our Places" - a regional approach to spaces and places planning for sport and recreation.

Thanks to everyone who made it happen, or even just made it there.

Originally published on rslc.nz.

Keep reading.

All insights →
Recent update · 4-part series

Local Government Reform: What It Means for Recreation, Sport & Community Services

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.

May 2026 · 6 min readRead →
Insight

Shipping Containers in Community Sport: Affordable Asset or Public Eyesore?

In this day and age is there a place for shipping containers as part of the facility mix at community sport and recreation venues?

May 2026 · 5 min readRead →
Insight

A Century Strong: Celebrating 100 Years of the Balcairn Hall

Te 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.

Apr 2026 · 4 min readRead →