Recreation · Sport · Leisure

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 our workStart a conversation
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

Viability assessments for community facilities — from aquatic centres and indoor courts to high-performance training centres, community hubs and clubrooms.

Explore practice
02

Spaces and Places Planning and Master Plans

Local, regional and national facility plans, along with master plans that map 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 find solutions that translate to action.

Explore practice
04

People, Programmes and Play

Strategies for play, active recreation and sport — and the programme design that brings facilities to life so they thrive in their community.

Explore practice
What we've done

From Kerikeri to Invercargill.

Filter by practice or tap a pin to explore the projects we've delivered across the motu.

N
Needs Assessments
Mangawhai Pool Pre-Feasibility Study
Northland · 2025
Mangawhai Pool Pre-Feasibility Study
Northland
Queenstown Lakes District Sports Field Plan
Otago
Hockey New Zealand National Spaces & Places Strategy
National
West Coast Sport & Active Recreation Spaces & Places Strategy
West Coast
Whanganui Aquatics Network Plan
Whanganui
Taranaki Aquatic Facilities Network Plan
Taranaki
Hawke's Bay Sports Field Review
Hawke's Bay
Waimea South Community Facilities Feasibility Study
Tasman
Whakaraupō Multiuse Hub Feasibility Study
Canterbury
Bay of Plenty Spaces & Places Strategy (Refresh)
Bay of Plenty
Palmerston North Canoe Polo Needs Assessment
Manawatū
Snow Sports NZ Dryland Training Facility
Otago
Community Facilities Strategy — Kāpiti Coast District Council
Wellington
Nelson City Council Aquatic Facilities Strategy
Tasman
Northland Aquatic Facilities Plan
Northland
Southland Spaces & Places Strategy
Southland
Rotorua Golf Strategy
Bay of Plenty
Invercargill Play in the City Business Case
Southland
Tatua Reserve Sports Hub Business Case
Waikato
Selwyn District Sports Participation
Canterbury
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Sport & Active Recreation Plan
Auckland
Lincoln University Recreation Centre Upgrade
Canterbury
Maungaturoto Pool Pre-Feasibility Study
Northland
Chatham Islands Spaces & Places Plan
Chatham Islands
Blenheim Gymnastics Club
Marlborough
UniRec Feasibility Study
Canterbury
Turn & Gymnastics Circle Feasibility Study
Canterbury
Tihirau Victory Sports Club Needs & Feasibility Assessment
Bay of Plenty
Palmerston North City Multiuse Covered Courts Study
Manawatū
Bowls Warkworth Feasibility Study
Auckland
View all projects

Featured Projects.

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

Mangawhai Pool Pre-Feasibility Study

Read the case →
Queenstown Lakes District Sports Field PlanSpaces & Places2025
Otago

Queenstown Lakes District Sports Field Plan

Read the case →
Snow Sports NZ Dryland Training FacilityStrategic Advice2024
Otago

Snow Sports NZ Dryland Training Facility

Read the case →
Christchurch City Council
Client
"Richard's experience and insight delivers significant value to recreation and sport projects — from international sporting facility planning to a local community pool. 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