We get Recreation,
Sport and Leisure
projects moving.

We support organisations across Aotearoa to make informed decisions about their people, facilities, places and spaces.

See Us In Action
Latest - Part 02 - Aug 2026

Local Government Reform: Lessons Learned, or not?

This is the second in a series of articles produced by Recreation Sport Leisure Consultancy looking at the potential impacts and implications of Local Government Reform. These articles broadly focus on the impact on recreation, sport, play and other community provision.

Read the latest article →
New series

Local Government Reform

A multi-part guide for the recreation, sport and community sector navigating amalgamation, rate caps and reform. Read the overview, then work through each part as it lands.

Start with the overview
About RSL

RSL undertakes projects and offers strategic advice throughout Aotearoa to enable community well-being. We support organisations to make informed decisions when it comes to people, facilities, places and spaces.

What we do

Four practices.
One trusted advisor.

RSL undertakes projects and provides strategic advice throughout Aotearoa - supporting organisations to make confident decisions.

01

Needs Assessments, Feasibility Reports and Business Cases

We complete assessments on the viability of sporting and other community facilities, no matter what the size. From aquatic centres and indoor courts to high-performance training centres, community centres and sports clubrooms.

Explore practice
02

Spaces and Places Planning and Master Plans

We complete a range of local, regional and national facility plans, along with master plans, to understand the current state and future needs of communities for play, active recreation and sport.

Explore practice
03

Strategic and Operational Advice

Whether it is a complex strategic review or an important operational issue, we help organisations to find solutions.

Explore practice
04

People, Programmes and Play

We work with groups to develop strategies for play, active recreation and sport, and to bring facilities to life. We offer programme solutions that will ensure facilities thrive.

Explore practice
What we've done

From Kerikeri to Invercargill.

Every pin is a project we've delivered - coloured by practice area, right across the motu.

Delivering nationwide

The work,
on the map.

From feasibility studies to regional strategies, we partner with councils, trusts and clubs the length of the country.

115+
projects delivered
Nationwide
across every region
8+ years
guiding the sector
Explore all our work

Featured Projects.

All case studies →
Mangawhai Pool Pre-Feasibility StudyNeeds Assessments2025
Northland

Mangawhai Pool Pre-Feasibility Study

View the summary →
Queenstown Lakes District Sports Field PlanSpaces & Places2025
Otago

Queenstown Lakes District Sports Field Plan

View the summary →
Snow Sports NZ Dryland Training FacilityStrategic Advice2024
Otago

Snow Sports NZ Dryland Training Facility

View the summary →
Christchurch City Council
Client
"Richard Lindsay's experience and insight delivers significant value to recreation and sport projects. His approach is particularly refreshing and engaging connecting to the range of stakeholders that contribute to this work."
David Bailey
Recreation Services Manager · Christchurch City Council
Sector support

Backing the sector that backs communities.

At RSL, we take immense pride in championing the vitality and progress of the recreation, sport, and leisure sector. The team at RSL has been involved in various capacities in the sport and recreation sector for over 30 years. Here are just some of the ways RSL supports the sector:

01

Internships

RSL provides internship opportunities for students studying in the sector. Internships are customised as much as possible toward a student’s interests and future career aspirations.

02

Sponsorships

RSL supports industry groups through sponsorship opportunities. RSL sees the value in industry professional development and networking and therefore sponsors the Recreation Aotearoa National Conference. RSL has also supported other industry groups through contributions of time or financial support.

03

Mentoring / Peer Support

Individuals within the RSL team actively contribute to the career development of many young professionals through mentoring, both formally and informally. RSL team members also actively participate in sector peer reviews and are often invited to serve on industry panels.

Let's talk

Have a project on the horizon?

We'd love to hear about it. A short conversation goes a long way to seeing whether we're the right fit for what you're working on.

Start a conversation