Bachelor Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Pg Dip. Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Lincoln University. Recreation Aotearoa Accredited Recreation Professional.
Richard has worked in the Sport and Recreation sector for over 25 years in central and local government, not-for-profit and commercial organisations. He has worked in recreation and sport consultancy since 2015, setting up Recreation, Sport Leisure Consultancy in 2018.
During his time in the sector he has been actively involved in the development or oversight of several Regional Facilities, Spaces and Places Plans across Aotearoa, both as a strategic advisor and as a lead consultant.
During his 13 years at Sport NZ, he became the inaugural Facilities Manager and developed the National Facilities Framework "Better Value from NZ Sporting Facilities". He also drove the implementation of several strategic priorities and investment funds.
Richard resides in Canterbury and has played an active role in the recovery of Canterbury sport and recreation facilities since the earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. As a member of the Sport and Recreation Earthquake Leadership Group he coordinated the various stakeholders and completed the Spaces and Places Plan for the Sport and Recreation sector.
Richard was awarded the Recreation Aotearoa Mark Mitchell Award in 2015 to recognise excellence and outstanding personal contribution to the wider recreation industry.
Richard has a community focus, having served as a Trustee (and Chairman) of the local primary school, been an enthusiastic coach of several junior sports teams and President of the local swimming club.
Married with three children, he enjoys mountain biking and often has a "eureka moment" while cycling through the NZ countryside.
