Agenda ⇽ Green Pavlova 2024 | Recreation Aotearoa on Glue Up

Registration will close May 10, 2024 at 5:00 PM

Wednesday, May 29, 2024 8:00^AM to 6:50^PM

8:00^AM - 8:50^AM

Registration

Dobson Foyer, Ground Floor

8:50^AM - 9:20^AM

Opening Mihi Whakatau • Ngāi Tūāhuriri

Plenary room - Rakaia

9:20^AM - 9:45^AM

Mayoral Welcome

Philip Mauger - The Mayor of Christchurch

9:45^AM - 10:45^AM

MANAAKI WHENUA • Opening Keynote • Takapūneke Reserve
Paul Devlin•Debbie Tikao

Paul Devlin (Christchurch City Council) & Debbie Tikao (Ōnuku Rūnanga)

Takapūneke has a rich history and is of immense cultural importance to Ngāi Tārewa and Ngāti Irakehu.
The story of this whenua is both shocking and complex, yet according to historians, this piece of Akaroa
coastline “provide(s) an even richer set of narratives around the Nations identity than Waitangi.” The event
that occurred at Takapūneke in 1830 played a substantial role in shaping New Zealand’s political
framework. Events since 1830 exemplify the collision of two significantly contrasting world views, and as
such, spans over two hundred years of anguish, conflict, and change.
This presentation will take you on a journey of innovation, deceit, desecration, and sorrow to the current
day - and reimagining this landscape, sharing values, and establishing a true partnership. The story
commences in 1820 with the establishment of a thriving trading centre at Takapūneke, followed by a
massacre that sent shock waves back to London, decades of battle with local bodies over the desecration
of this sacred land through to the healing work we're doing today and the blessing of stage one landscape
works on Matariki 2022.
The Takapūneke Reserve Landscape design is the culmination of many years
of work, wānanga, relationship building, and dreaming. It is an expression of mana
motuhake and an expression of what can be achieved through a meaningful Te Tiriti
o Waitangi partnership.
Today, Ōnuku Rūnanga and Christchurch City Council stand side by side to realise
the vision by those members of Ōnuku Rūnanga who built the foundation for this
relationship. They wanted:
• to share the story of Takapūneke with the world
• to safeguard and grow mātauranga Māori
• to restore the mauri and mana of the land and people

Paul Devlin
Christchurch City Council
Debbie Tikao
Ōnuku Rūnanga Te Taiao Manager at Ōnuku Rūnanga/ Takapūneke Reserve Co-Governance Group

10:45^AM - 11:15^AM

Morning Tea/ Paramanawa

Exhibition Hall 1, Ground Floor

11:20^AM - 11:50^AM

MANAAKI WHENUA • Love where you live
Michala Lander

Michala Lander (GHD)

We all have a love story that connects us to place. It could be our connection to Papatūānuku (the land),
the landscape, the people or the history and heritage. Whatever the connection, it is the reason for
choosing the place we live. Too often, these features that make our places unique are overlooked and
undervalued in infrastructure planning. Consequently, our public space suffers through a lack of provision
or from poor maintenance of the existing facilities.
It is time we shifted the paradigm to move beyond creating liveable cities, to focus on what makes them
loveable. GHD has developed the loveable framework, an approach to planning that celebrates our
connection to place and demonstrates the importance of understanding and planning with long term
social value in mind.
This is achieved by making sure that all infrastructure is considered to be social infrastructure for people
now, and communities of the future. We put people at the centre of planning, acknowledging their shared
connection to place can create strong connections, pride and ownership making them resilient and
powerful. It means looking beyond infrastructure as having one function, but having many opportunities.
So that, its not just a road; it’s a place to recreate, a place to gather, a place for commerce and a piece of
history.
For recreation professionals, this is our opportunity to maximise the value of infrastructure by embedding
public space, recreation and community facilities into its planning and design. By applying a loveable lens
we can broaden the scope of what infrastructure delivers. Imagine a bridge that creates a recreational
trail or a train station with a new public space. The outcome is infrastructure that connects us to place,
improving social outcomes and higher economic benefits. What's not to love?

Michala Lander
Technical Director - Social Planning of GHD

11:55^AM - 12:25^PM

MANAAKI WHENUA • Repurposing Land for Nature Based Solutions
Dr Bex Dollery

Dr Bex Dollery (Waimakariri District Council)

In recent times, the world has experienced disrupted weather systems resulting in an increase of extreme
weather events. Closer to home, in the Waimakariri District, significant rainfall events wreaked havoc the
residents’ lives during each year from 2021-2023 prompting Civil Defence Emergency Operations
procedures, home evacuations and several hundreds of service requests to the local authority regarding
damage to private and public infrastructure.
In addition to the personal physical and mental health effects of these extreme weather events, the
increased surface water impacts the local economy and industries, the environmental values of terrestrial
and aquatic habitats and species, and the ability of ecosystems to provide services such as water and air
purification, nutrient cycling, recreation opportunities and resources such as food and medicine.
Efforts to adapt and mitigate to projected flooding events is happening across Aotearoa New Zealand
including alternatives to the usual “grey infrastructure’ methods. The benefits of using blue-green
infrastructure alongside other mitigation and adaptation techniques gaining recognition and was
highlighted in a recent publication titled “Sponge Cities”.
Considering the benefits of repurposing land to incorporate nature-based solutions to mitigate the climate
and biodiversity crises, the Waimakariri District, the Council purchased an 85 ha area of land in 2023. The
land had previously been used for agriculture but was often flooded during the wetter months. The land
purchase was strategic to explore the potential for the land to protect and enhance the biodiversity and
ecosystem services, enhance the cultural opportunities in the District, become a nature-based solution to
mitigate effects of climate change, and to recreate further opportunities for people to experience nature
and recreational activities. We will outline and explore the benefits of nature-based solutions to a number
of environmental and societal issues.

Dr Bex Dollery
Ecologist at Waimakariri District Council

12:30^PM - 1:00^PM

MANAAKI WHENUA • Rewilding Our Parks
Duncan MacDougall

Duncan MacDougall (Hamilton City Council)

In 2023/24, the Hamilton City Council experimented with a no mow project that transformed 13 of the city’s parks into grass and wildflower meadows. The Parks and Recreation team aimed to create a different and wild landscape that would offer new and seasonal attractions for the public and assess the impacts of this initiative.
The trial had five main objectives:
• To enhance the biodiversity of the parks by providing habitats for various flora and fauna.
• To create aesthetic appeal by adding colour, texture, and diversity to the parks.
• To create spontaneous play opportunities by inviting people to explore, discover, and interact with the meadows.
• To reduce mowing maintenance requirements.
• To reduce greenhouse gas emissions though the saving of fuel use.
The no mow project was a legitimate and successful land management practice that achieved its objectives and received positive feedback from the public. The trial faced initial scepticism from the public who were concerned about the appearance, safety, and functionality of the meadows. However, by the end of the trial, the majority of the feedback was supportive and appreciative of the project. The usage data also showed that the trial sites had increased visitation rates, in some cases up to eight times higher than previous years. The biodiversity of the parks also improved significantly, as the meadows hosted a variety of plants, insects and birds. The meadows also created opportunities for spontaneous play, as people were encouraged to walk, play and relax in the wild environment. The meadows also reduced the need for mowers over five months, resulting in a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. The no mow project demonstrated that grass and wildflower meadows can be a viable and beneficial alternative to conventional grounds management in urban parks.

Duncan MacDougall
Parks Services Manager at Hamilton City Council

1:00^PM - 2:00^PM

Lunch/Wā Kai

Exhibition Hall 1, Ground Floor

2:05^PM - 2:35^PM

MANAAKI TANGATA • Our Decarbonising Journey
Craig Taylor

Craig Taylor (Citycare Property)

Citycare Property Towards 2030 Strategy has an ambitious goal – Our business is decarbonised and we
are transparent. We are committed to taking action to address the climate emergency. We now have just
over five years to make sure we hit the target included in Towards 2030. So where are we at and what are
our plans to get there?
Alongside much of our sector, decarbonisation is part of a longer transformational journey. This year we
will finalise our carbon reduction plan and reduction targets to help limit global warming. We are
conducting our first climate risk assessment and building the capability to measure and report more
indirect (Scope three) emissions.
We have completed an Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Strategic Roadmap which outlines our
four key guiding principles (Tangata, Kawanatanga, Kaitiakitanga, Auahatanga), goals, and measures for
each of these principles and a plan for how we will uphold these principles.
Citycare Property believes in Net Zero and we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint, responsibly
managing our waste and managing and minimising our environmental impact and the effects that climate
change will have on our day-to-day operations.
In our industry vehicles play a huge part in the way we all do business. Emissions reductions are now a
significant focus for all parties and the solution lies in a collaborative approach. Sharing knowledge and
lessons learnt will ensure we have the best chance of effecting change.
This presentation will outline the journey Citycare Property is on and discuss lessons learnt, the merits of
electrification and a range of other tactics which we intend to explore in relation to our fleet in the
immediate future.
Join us as we expand on our decarbonisation journey.

Craig Taylor
Sector Lead - OSM at Citycare Property

2:45^PM - 3:20^PM

MANAAKI TANGATA • Lancaster Park Redevelopment: how we changed a derelict stadium into a new community sports park
Dr Richard Gibbs

Richard Gibbs (Christchurch City Council)

Lancaster Park has long held a special place in many Cantabrians’ hearts. First developed as a privately owned park, in 1919 the Victory Park Act vested title to the land in the Crown for the park to be used for cricket, rugby, and other sports, amusements, entertainment, and events. The land was to be held in trust for those activities in commemoration of the Canterbury soldiers who died in World War 1.
Fast forward to 2011 when the park was last known as the AMI Stadium, and when the park and buildings were severely damaged by the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquakes. A feasibility study to look at rebuilding the stadium was completed but repair or rebuild was discounted due to the significant risks. A decision was made in December 2016 to decommission the stadium including demolition of the buildings and grandstands. Christchurch City Council completed the demolition of the earthquake-damaged stadium in December 2019.
After discussing the future of Lancaster Park with Ngāi Tahu, the Crown and the then Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board, the Council agreed that the park should continue to be used for sporting and recreational purposes, as required under the Christchurch City Council (Lancaster Park) Land Vesting Act 2008.
In September 2019, the Council released a spatial plan for developing the park in response to community need for more recreational areas and sports grounds in the area. There was a lack of open space in the Philipstown area around the park, and significant demand for more access to space for sports fields and associated facilities in the south-east of the city.
The spatial plan was a first look at how the site could be used once the stadium was gone and was put together following discussions with the major sporting codes about the future of the site. A cultural narrative was developed by Matapopere and incorporated into the design for the spatial plan. To be consistent with the Vesting Act, the primary purpose of the land was for sport with ancillary activity relating to more passive recreation.
The redevelopment of the park has involved six main areas, these being:
•the sports fields and supporting sports infrastructure
•the supporting community buildings
•a historical recognition and visitor experience area
•a feature play space
•native planting areas, landscaping and stormwater flow management
•restoration of the Memorial Gates, built to commemorate the sacrifice of Canterbury athletes during World War I, which have been retained as an important heritage feature of the park, following feedback from sporting and community groups
The Memorial Gates now form a distinctive entrance into the park. They are a long standing feature of the park and many people will remember walking through them on their way to events on the park before the 2010–11 earthquakes. Their restoration is an acknowledgement of Lancaster Park’s rich history.
This talk looks at the options that were initially considered with regard to the future of the park, from retaining its original use to commercially developing the land. The talk will show how the park was eventually brought back into use as a community park in mid-2022, focus on the lessons learnt and will discuss the redevelopment work that is still on-going.

Dr Richard Gibbs
Christchurch City Council

3:20^PM - 3:50^PM

Afternoon Tea, Paramanawa

Exhibition Hall 1, Ground Floor

3:55^PM - 4:25^PM

TĀKARO • The Hidden Scope: Leveraging Scope 3 Reporting for Collaborative and Sustainable Supplier Partnerships
Kacey Gambin

Kacey Gambin (Kompan)

The need for widespread sustainable actions and partnerships within local government parks and
recreation teams is no secret. With growing concerns over climate change and the urgent need to address
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it is crucial for public entities to adopt sustainable practices and
engage in partnerships that prioritise environmental responsibility.
This presentation will investigate why local parks teams need to consider the 3rd scope of the GHG
protocol and examine its characteristics and importance. Scope 3 emissions encompass the indirect GHG
emissions generated throughout a product's life cycle, including the extraction of raw materials,
production, distribution, use, and end-of-life phases. By working with organisations who report on Scope 3
emissions, local government teams can proactively address their carbon footprint beyond their own
operational boundaries.
This presentation will also demonstrate how incorporating Scope 3 reporting fosters transparency and
accountability within supplier relationships. By evaluating organisations based on their reported emissions
(including Scope 3), parks teams can make informed, data-driven decisions that align with their
sustainability goals, promoting environmentally-conscious practices throughout the supply chain.
Additionally, this session will emphasize the positive impact of Scope 3 reporting on reducing overall
emissions. By encouraging suppliers to measure and disclose their emissions, local government teams
can identify opportunities for emissions reductions across the entire value chain. This collaboration can
lead to innovative solutions, such as sourcing materials from low-carbon suppliers or implementing
energy-efficient production techniques.
Finally, the presentation will address potential challenges and provide practical strategies for overcoming
them. It will offer guidance on how to engage and educate suppliers about Scope 3 reporting, foster
collaboration, and establish meaningful sustainability goals. Case studies and best practices from other
public entities will be shared to inspire and guide parks teams in their sustainability journeys.

Kacey Gambin
Marketing Manager/ Play Specialist at Kompan

4:30^PM - 5:10^PM

MANAAKI WHENUA • Day 1 Closing Keynote • Kauri Protection in the Waitākere Ranges. A partnership approach to safely re-opening tracks.
Edward Ashby•Stuart Leighton•Richie Mundy-Castle

Edward Ashby (Te Kawerau ā Maki), Stuart Leighton (Auckland Council) & Richie Mundy-Castle (reNature)

Kauri in the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area have been affected by Phytophthora Agathidicida (PA, known
colloquially as Kauri Dieback Disease). In order to protect the forest, in December 2017 Te Kawerau ā Maki
(TKM) performed a rāhui ceremony (a customary prohibition on access and use) as a quarantine and
conservation measure over the Waitākere Forest in West Auckland. TKM Chairman Te Warena Taua said at
the ceremony the rāhui is to save the forest for future generations.
Te Kawerau ā Maki & Auckland Council demonstrated the value of a partnership approach when
developing and delivering the Kauri Protection Programme in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park to reopen
a portion of the track network. Since 2018 the two organisations have worked collaboratively to reopen
tracks and allow users to safely return to the Ngahere while protecting the forest ecosystems.
Technical support has been provided by reNature to assist with engineering solutions and ensure New
Zealand Track standards have been met. The project team has been guided by the following key principles
which will be presented:
• Holistic approach
• Adaptive management
• Standard design
• Minimal impact design
• Early Engagement
• Ecosystem regeneration
• Physical separation of track users from Papatuanuku
• Reversibility
• Minimise plastic use within the Ngahere
The partnership approach has ensured that infrastructure delivered is aligned with local Māori values and
delivers a resilient solution for the both the community and the Ngahere.

Edward Ashby
CEO, Te Kawerau Iwi Tiaki Trust of Te Kawerau ā Maki
Stuart Leighton
Park Ranger at Auckland Council
Richie Mundy-Castle
Operations Manager at reNature

5:10^PM - 5:20^PM

Wrap of the Day & Closing Karakia

5:20^PM - 6:50^PM

Exhibitor Drinks

Exhibition Hall 1, Ground Floor

Thursday, May 30, 2024 8:00^AM to 11:30^PM

8:00^AM - 8:30^AM

Registration

Dobson Foyer, Ground Floor

8:30^AM - 8:45^AM

Day Two Opening/Housekeeping

8:45^AM - 9:40^AM

TĀKARO • Day 2 Opening Keynote Toitū Te Tangata, Toitū Te Tākaro – Maintenance and Renewal of Nature Play | Māra Hūpara (Traditional Māori Play)
Aynsley Cisaria•William Hatton

William Hatton & Aynsley Cisaria (Boffa Miskell)

Increasingly, tākaro such as hūpara and/or tākaro-taiao (nature-play) are included within papa-tākaro (playspace)
across Aotearoa. The (re)use of naturally-occurring materials such as rākau (timber - treated or
natural), kōhatu (rocks) and whenua (earth/soils) are being incorporated into playspace design, reflecting
local pūrākau (stories) and offering more holistic approaches to play.
With the use of biodegradable materials -- in particular rākau (timber - treated or natural) -- there is little
precedent for how to best maintain these features, and uncertainty around renewing and/or letting nature
take its course and decaying in place (a Māori concept of returning to the whenua). There is a gap in
knowledge, and growing urgency to develop a solution towards papa-tākaro maintenance and renewal.
At present there is no process for natural play and more importantly māra hūpara to be adequately
maintained and/or renewed in a way that respectfully considers tikanga of mana whenua.
Speakers Aynsley Cisaria and William Hatton (Boffa Miskell) have undertaken research to develop a toolkit
/ guidelines that will support councils and communities in maintaining their natural play and papa-tākaro
assets in the long-term with a process that respects mātauranga Māori.
Gaining insight and perspectives from clients, Council, play specialists and mātanga, this research seeks
to increase understanding and offer reassurance that communities can confidently install papa-tākaro
designs, knowing they have an appropriate, effective solution (toolkit and guidelines) to maintain and
ensure the longevity of their assets.
This presentation will provide an overview of the research undertaken to-date which is expected to be
complete by Matariki 2024.
Tākaro (play) is an important part of how we come together and connect with others in our surroundings.
Planning for maintenance and renewal is vital in ensuring lasting play experiences and value for
communities ensuring ‘toitū te tangata, toitū te tākaro’.

Aynsley Cisaria
Landscape Architect at Boffa Miskell
William Hatton
Landscape Architect at Boffa Miskell

9:45^AM - 10:15^AM

TĀKARO • ZOOM SESSION • Uniquely Fit: Designing Outdoor Fitness Experiences for Every Age and Ability
Morten Zacho

Morten Zacho (KOMPAN)

In 2024, physical activity is increasingly recognised as vital for holistic well-being, and designing outdoor
fitness sites is a pivotal role local government plays in encouraging and facilitating exercise among
diverse user groups.
This presentation, led virtually by Morten Zacho from the KOMPAN Fitness Institute, delves into the
nuanced considerations and innovative approaches involved in crafting outdoor fitness environments
tailored to the needs and preferences of various users. Just like a fingerprint or DNA, each person has
fitness needs that are unique to them.
Drawing upon extensive research and practical experience, Morten will explore the multifaceted
dimensions of outdoor fitness site design. Central to his discourse is the recognition of the diverse
demographics comprising potential users, ranging from children and adolescents to adults and seniors,
each with unique physical capabilities, interests, and motivations. By understanding these nuances,
designers can create inclusive spaces that cater to a broad spectrum of individuals, fostering a culture of
fitness and well-being within communities.
After this session, attendees will understand the significance of a holistic and user-centric approach to
designing outdoor fitness sites, wherein considerations for diversity, accessibility, safety, and
technological integration converge to create environments that inspire and empower individuals to lead
active and healthy lifestyles. Through insights gleaned from the KOMPAN Fitness Institute's expertise, this
presentation offers invaluable guidance for designers, planners, and stakeholders invested in promoting
community well-being through outdoor fitness initiatives.

Morten Zacho
Associate Professor at the University of Southern Denmark & Senior Manager, KOMPAN Fitness Institute at Kompan

10:15^AM - 10:45^AM

Morning Tea/ Paramanawa

Exhibiton Hall 1, Ground Floor

10:45^AM - 11:15^AM

MANAAKI TANGATA • Food Forest • Community Connection between Park, School and local neighbourhood
Gina Scott

Gina Scott (Waipā District Council)

Te Awamutu Food Forest is two years into its journey, has consumed hundreds of community volunteers
hours and has the potential to be a tourist attraction for the town. What started out as one person’s vision
to create a community garden quickly turned into a future sustainable fruit corridor which will eventually
weave its way through the town and is accessible to the whole community.
A small group of volunteers act as a steering group for the project, meet once a month and consider
themselves ‘jack of all trades, masters of none’.
Council works in partnership with the project group, making spaces available which align with the future
cycleway and walkway networks, has supported financially with funding through contestable funds,
provided upskilling opportunities for the volunteers and their Community Advisor supports the project.
Working alongside local businesses and community volunteers three sites have been planned, planted and
nurtured with suitability, accessibility and sustainability being the centre of all decision making.
Collaboration with community includes neighbouring schools acting as kaitiaki of the sites and using the
spaces as outdoor classrooms, local businesses either supplying staff to work on volunteer days,
donation of goods & services or sponsorship. Tree maintenance is being managed by the Waikato Wintec
Horticulture cohort and Waikeria Prison will be involved, with work groups bottling excess fruit which will
be returned to community, some to be sold and some made available through pātaka kai sites across the
town.
As the project progresses the final destination is becoming more obvious – a sustainable, accessible fruit
tree corridor which will enable all community to access fruit to support food security and family health
needs all year round.

Gina Scott
Community Advisor at Waipa District Council

11:20^AM - 11:50^AM

MANAAKI TANGATA • Pāpāmoa Hills: Exposing the rich cultural history through a respectful, collaborative and slow burning co-design process.
Kat MacMillan•Matt Peacocke

Matt Peacocke (BoP Regional Council) & Kat McMillan (Toi Moana)

The Pāpāmoa Hills are among the most significant historical and archaeological landscapes in Aotearoa
and involves a number of iwi who date back to the arrival of the Arawa canoe around 1350. It has 1,630
individual archaeological features including Pā sites, and wahi tapu, but has stood as the poor cousin to
the mighty Mauao, Mt Maunganui.
From 2017 - 2023 a collaborative process was undertaken to co-design a new experience on the hills, and
a new entry to the park, celebrating and recognising the complex history, culture, and ecology; revealing to
the public the hidden magical heritage known to the local tangata whenua.
Kat MacMillan will take you through the respectful working arrangement and collaborative approach the
Bay of Plenty Regional Council has with the local Iwi; how we worked together to form a trusting
relationship within such a contentious/passionately known to the local tangata whenua, to reveal stories
filled with war, love and over 700 years of Māori heritage.
Matt Peacocke will address how the design team worked together with Iwi, BOPRC, artists, ecologists,
engineers, and planners in a respectful and engaging deliberative manner towards a final resolved design
that celebrates the history and uniqueness of the site. A potentially contentious and tricky site, turned into
an enjoyable project, done right.
Key points:
o Co-design vs informed design.
o Design for the site and the people – not the ego.
o Allow good process, earn trust.
o Listen, learn, absorb, and respond thoughtfully.
o Allow time.
o Foster creativity. Work with artists. Enrich the design.
o Focus on the experience and the place.
o Expose the ecology – improve soil, fauna, flora.
o Design for 5yrs and to 500yrs, and between.
o Share narrative - telling stories of the cultural history, led by the Tangata Whenua.

Kat MacMillan
Toi Moana Councillor at Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Matt Peacocke
Landscape Architect at Boffa Miskell

12:00^PM - 12:30^PM

MANAAKI WHENUA • The Journey of Braided River Revival: Connecting community and awa ki uta ki tai
Greg Stanley•Anna Ivanova

Greg Stanley, Sarah Worthington & Anna Ivanova (Environment Canterbury)

Canterbury Regional Council’s Whakahaumanu Ngā Awa ā Pākihi/Braided River Revival programme
focuses on reviving the mauri (life force) of the region’s braided rivers through collaboration and
connection.
The programme signals a shift from river management focused solely on flood protection, to one that also
facilitates collaborative efforts to protect and enhance the range of values that make Waitaha
Canterbury’s braided rivers unique and important ecosystems.
Balancing flood protection with environmental enhancement is not new but we now have a rare
transformational opportunity to support the unique character of braided rivers ki uta ki tai by taking a
holistic approach to how we manage them, putting the health and mauri of braided rivers at the forefront
of all the work we do in rivers.
By interlacing community, mana whenua, private and public landowners’ values, actions and pride, this
approach focuses on river resilience and recognises the interconnections between water, land and coast,
and everything that exists within the river corridor from source to sea, including the way we connect with
them and the services they provide.
This session will share the journey of Whakahaumanu Ngā Awa ā Pākihi / Braided River Revival to date
including how the programme was formed, what benefits and progress have been achieved, and what
initiatives are underway. The session will also highlight how the programme is integrating nature-based
solutions and holistic management into Canterbury Regional Council’s/Environment Canterbury’s work,
and how it is collaborating with partners, stakeholder and communities in the interest of protecting,
enhancing and restoring the mauri of braided rivers and supporting a resilient community with the tools to
facilitate change.
Speakers Greg Stanley (Regional Lead–Braided River Revival), Sarah Worthington (Braided River Revival
Advisor) and Anna Ivanova (Regional Lead–Rivers Delivery) from Environment Canterbury will traverse the
programme’s purpose and learnings to date.

Greg Stanley
Environment Canterbury
Anna Ivanova
Environment Canterbury

12:30^PM - 1:30^PM

Lunch/Wā Kai

Exhibition Hall 1, Ground Floor

1:30^PM - 2:10^PM

MANAAKI TANGATA • PANEL: Insights from Lived Experiences of Disability in Accessing Play, Parks, and Open Spaces

Enhancing the accessibility of Play, Parks and Open Spaces across Aotearoa can significantly improve community resilience, foster greater social cohesion, and increase participation in play and active recreation.

This panel discussion provides an opportunity to hear directly from individuals with lived experiences of disability, and those involved in Disability Advisory roles. Panellists will share insights on what quality, accessible and inclusive spaces mean to them, and will offer suggestions on how delegates can enhance better Parks, Play and Open Space experiences for people with disabilities in their respective roles.

All of us have an opportunity to enhance the accessibility of Play, Parks and Open spaces - join this panel discussion to find out more!

Additionally, this session serves as an introduction to the Outdoor Accessibility Workshop scheduled directly afterwards in Dobson 3 (2:15pm - 4:15pm - afternoon tea break included).

2:15^PM - 2:55^PM

MANAAKI WHENUA • Environmental Sustainability Guide for Spaces & Places
Glenn McGovern•Mark Bates•Nick Yannakis

Glenn McGovern (Sport NZ), Mark Bates (HDT) & Nick Yannakis (Beca)

Sport NZ has developed guidelines to help Territorial Authorities and other sport and recreation
organisations, navigate the issues relating to environmental sustainability that affect spaces and places.
The guidelines have been developed in collaboration with Architecture HDT, BECA and a project steering
group. This session will walk participants through the contents of this new guide, and discuss ways that
your organisation can identify and adopt environmental sustainability actions.

Glenn McGovern
Spaces & Places Consultant at Sport New Zealand
Mark Bates
Director of Architecture HDT
Nick Yannakis
Beca

2:55^PM - 3:20^PM

Afternoon Tea/ Paramanawa

Exhibition Hall 1, Ground Floor

3:20^PM - 3:50^PM

MANAAKI WHENUA • Sustaining Urban Vitality: Unveiling the Urban Forest Plan and Its Implementation
Toby Chapman

Toby Chapman (Christchurch City Council)

Urban trees are being recognised for the crucial role they play in fostering environmental resilience,
enhancing air quality, and promoting overall well-being in densely populated areas.
In recognition of the pivotal importance of our urban trees, Christchurch City has recently adopted its first
Urban Forest Plan which at its heart, aims to increase the amount of tree cover across the city and ensure
it is resilient for future generations.
What is an Urban Forest? At its essence, an urban forest refers to the interconnected network of trees
within an urban environment, including trees within our parks, streets, and even on those within residents
back gardens.
This talk will touch on the important role that urban trees play in mitigating the impacts of climate change,
promoting biodiversity, and fostering a healthier, more sustainable urban environment. I will talk about our
Urban Forest Plan, how it was adopted and where the challenges were.
Finally, I will go over how we have already begun implementing actions within the plan including an
overview of our Urban Forest Planting program currently underway.

TC
Toby Chapman
Urban Forest Manager (Parks) at Christchurch City Council

3:55^PM - 4:40^PM

TĀKARO • Day 2 Closing Keynote • Play Opportunities Through Environmental Design
Dr Damien Puddle

Dr. Damien Puddle (Invercargill City Council)

In traditional local government approaches, the most important childhood pastime, play, is relegated to
playgrounds, parks, and formal sport facilities. These spaces are incredibly important, but they are the
beginning of play, not the end. When prescribed spaces are the only focus, it overlooks the needs children
have to play and connect with the rest of their environment, whether urban or natural.
A novel design approach, Play Opportunities Through Environmental Design (POpTED), has been
developed to support local government and its partners to appropriately respond to the need for providing
for play beyond playgrounds.
Modelled off Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and Active Design principles,
POpTED aims to embed thoughtful play planning and design thinking into project requirements and
delivery. It has the potential for incorporation at the district plan, technical specifications, and codes of
practice level, as well as in project management and design stages.
Attendees will be encouraged to consider how they can include POpTED into their areas of work and
influence so they can contribute to creative city-wide play enablement beyond traditional play spaces. This
will ensure that informal play is a key component of all well-functioning urban environments for current
and future generations of children.

Dr Damien Puddle
Local Play Advocate at Invercargill City Council

4:40^PM - 4:50^PM

Parks Leaders Forum Update

4:50^PM - 5:00^PM

Conference Close & 2025 reveal

6:30^PM - 11:30^PM

Parks Awards Gala Dinner

Waitaki Room, Level 1

Wednesday, May 29, 2024 11:20^AM to 4:25^PM

11:20^AM - 11:50^AM

MANAAKI TANGATA • Keep New Zealand Beautiful • community partnerships
Rebecca Hampton

Rebecca Hampton (KNZB)

Keep New Zealand Beautiful began 56 years ago as a government-led litter reduction campaign. Now,
we’re one of Aotearoa’s leading environmental not-for-profit organisations, committed to inspiring,
educating and empowering the community of Aotearoa to restore, preserve and improve our climate future
through active participation.
Our ‘Be a Tidy Kiwi’ campaign, launched half a century ago, is still an iconic part of New Zealand’s DNA.
Since then, New Zealand’s economy and population have grown, and so has our waste problem. Climate
change, loss of biodiversity and waste pollution are critical challenges facing our country. This is why
we’ve expanded and pivoted our programming towards the inspiration, education and empowerment of
Aotearoa’s youth and community.
We are committed to delivering world-class environmental education programmes; facilitating and
inspiring community led initiatives; running behaviour change campaigns and by empowering New
Zealanders with knowledge by providing robust, evidence-based research – focusing always on where we
can have the biggest impact.
Sustainability, waste reduction and management, resource recovery and reuse, and water conservation all
require proactive responses working with and within the community. In order to encourage innovation,
grow and nurture action and foster behavioural change, we partner collaboratively with government,
industry, local organisations, schools and individual communities and this is where we see partnering with
organisations, community groups, parks and facilities through Recreation New Zealand aligns beautifully!
The scope of our programming, combined with our qualified team and passionate volunteers, positions us
amongst the most respected and capable environmental organisations in Aotearoa.
Whilst both the scope and nature of the waste problem facing the future of New Zealand has changed
dramatically since 1967, one thing remains the same and that is our dedication and commitment to our
mahi and our deep-seated desire to Keep New Zealand Beautiful!

Rebecca Hampton
Education Director of Keep New Zealand Beautiful

11:55^AM - 12:25^PM

MANAAKI TANGATA • Connecting Communities • Beach Haven Coastal Connections & Birkenhead War Memorial Park Track Upgrades
Andrew Mackenzie•Leigh Radovan

Andrew Mackenzie (reNature) & Leigh Radovan (Auckland Council)

Kaipātiki Local Board on Auckland's North Shore consists of numerous parks and reserves with
spectacular native bush and streams close to downtown Auckland. Most of the reserves are in steep
narrow valleys behind residential properties with steep accessways and tracks. In 2012 Kaipātiki Local
Board developed the Kaipātiki Connections Network plan with the aim to “connect the people of Kaipātiki
to transport nodes, town centres, schools and community facilities”. The plan identifies the importance of
improving opportunities for people to interact and improving networks to allow for greater number of
users, providing universal access for all to enjoy our tracks. reNature were engaged to upgrade the track
networks in numerous reserves. As part of the design process they identified two reserves where a stepfree
track network could be achieved to provide inclusive recreational opportunities in the region. These
two flagship projects are the Beach Haven Coastal Connections project and the Birkenhead War Memorial
Park Track Upgrade project.
Support and funding from the Kaipātiki Local Board and the National Environmental Targeted Rate (NETR)
Kauri enabled these projects to be carried out. This enabled the installation of multiple long span
structures over valley systems to help eliminate dropping into and climbing out of the steep gulleys to
meet the grade requirements to create step free connections. The NETR funding to upgrade tracks in Kauri
Forests was supplemented with Local Board funding to complete these projects to a higher standard than
the typical MPI requirements. Improved accessibility was highlighted as a key requirement for these
projects and as such step free connections were provided. Rerouting of track segments in order to provide
the step free connections was undertaken which involved multiple specialists; planner, geotechnical
engineer, archaeologist, ecologist and Arboricultural input as part of the consenting process and
successful delivery of these projects.

AM
Andrew Mackenzie
ReNature
Leigh Radovan
Senior Project Manager at Auckland Council

12:30^PM - 1:00^PM

MANAAKI TANGATA • Community Conservation to balance getting out of the way and adding value
Daniela Biaggio

Daniela Biaggio (Wellington City Council)

Community Conservation has been a story of transformation for Wellington. Weaving the huge amount of voluntary effort poured into care for nature in the city has shaped the identity of Wellingtonians. We share our local authority context insights on how to keep the spark alive, be agile, innovative, and resilient in our efforts for a city where people and nature thrive. Learnings from Predator Free Communities, Kiwi as an icon for reconnection and hope, inspiration from taonga spilling beyond Zealandia’s fence, and our opportunity to elevate and connect the efforts of environmental champion in a landscape.

DB
Daniela Biaggio
T/L Biodiversity & Urban Eco at Wellington City Council

1:00^PM - 2:00^PM

Lunch/Wā Kai

Exhibition Hall 1, Ground Floor

2:05^PM - 2:40^PM

TĀKARO • Empowering Parks and Recreation: A Sneak Preview into a Disruptive Public Sector Marketplace
Melanie Langlotz

Melanie Langlotz (Geo AR Games)

Join us for an enlightening session on the evolving landscape of technology in Parks and Recreation. Over
the past eight years, our speaker has collaborated with 140 cities globally, primarily working alongside
Parks and Recreation teams.
Embark on a forward-looking journey with our session, offering a sneak preview into a groundbreaking
marketplace tailored for the public sector. With a rich history of collaboration spanning eight years and
140 cities, our speaker brings a unique perspective, predominantly working alongside Parks and
Recreation teams.
In 2023, a disruptive platform was initiated to counter budget constraints faced by cities and government
departments. This session provides an exclusive glimpse into this transformative marketplace, focusing
on outdoor solutions with a broader scope encompassing diverse sectors.
This talk is designed for Parks and Recreation teams eager to explore the potential of technology in
community empowerment. Delve into the role of innovative solutions in outdoor spaces and learn how
technology can seamlessly integrate with parks and recreational areas to foster environmental awareness,
education, and community resilience.
Beyond the tangible applications, the session aims to illuminate the platform's overarching mission—to
empower communities globally through technology. Discover how the platform fosters collaboration
without borders, breaking down silos in the public sector. This is not just a discussion on technology; it's a
conversation about transforming the way communities interact with their environment.
Join us for this unique sneak preview into the future of public sector innovation, exploring the disruptive
potential of a marketplace designed to transcend boundaries and foster collaboration for the benefit of
communities worldwide.

Melanie Langlotz
CEO of Geo AR Games

2:45^PM - 3:15^PM

TĀKARO • Make Aotearoa Skate Again
Damian Doyle•Alexi Trenouth

Alexi Trenouth (Sport NZ) and Damian Doyle (44 Ramps)

Make Aotearoa Skate Again
Skateboarding, scooter riding, BMX, roller and inline skating has seen a big surge in popularity. It’s fun, low cost, accessible, multigenerational, and creative. Councils across Aotearoa are investing more in skate facilities to build spaces for people to come together, connect and be active. The thing is great skate provision is a relatively new concept and comes with a number of challenges including limited understanding by Councils of best practise, a lack of strategic planning, small pool of experienced designers and builders and a diverse community who value individuality and independence.
For the past year Sport New Zealand has been researching national and international best practise to pull together a guideline document that not only looks at how to create great skateparks and engage successfully with the community, but also at wider, low cost interventions such as supporting DIY parks, street spots, active transport links, leases as well as skate schools.
The guidelines will be presented by Alexi Trenouth from Sport New Zealand/Wellington City Council and Damian Doyle from 44 Ramps – a council officer and a skateboarder on the same stage and page?! Come and hear for yourself.

Damian Doyle
Skateboarder at 44 Ramps
Alexi Trenouth
Project Lead at Sport New Zealand

3:20^PM - 3:50^PM

Afternoon Tea, Paramanawa

Exhibition Hall 1, Ground Floor

3:55^PM - 4:25^PM

MANAAKI WHENUA • Tōku Tūrangawaewae – My Place to Stand: Creating transformative places with children and young people
Dr Wendy Hoddinott

Wendy Hoddinott (Gather Landscape Architecture/WSP)

Children and young people have brilliant ideas, but are seldom involved in designing their outdoor places.
Yet research tells us that when tamariki and rangatahi are meaningfully involved, the outcomes are more
likely to meet their needs and be reflective of their experiences and aspirations.
This presentation follows the participatory design process of two co-design projects with Ōtautahi
schools in 2023. Children at Te Huarahi Linwood Avenue and Te Kōmanawa Rowley Schools worked
alongside professional landscape architects and educators to co-design and construct an area of their
school’s outdoor environment. For each project, over the course of eight weeks, tamariki embarked on a
process typcially reserved for design experts. They learned how to put a brief together, sketch, make
models, build prototypes and collaborate with one another towards improving their outdoor environment.
The children then assembled the structures with their whānau as part of a final, celebratory event.
Tamariki gained first-hand experience in design, construction and in the role of a landscape architect. The
project explored 3-dimensional creativity and nurtured skills in problem solving, teamwork, communication
and independent thinking, while embedding the school curriculum and cultural narrative within the design
process. This presentation describes the methodology at the heart of this innovative design process, key
insights from each project and their application for public space design generally. The presentation
highlights how play and experimentation provide the best framework for developing real projects and
creating transformative spaces.

Dr Wendy Hoddinott
Landscape Architect at Gather Landscape Architecture

Thursday, May 30, 2024 9:45^AM to 3:50^PM

9:45^AM - 10:15^AM

MANAAKI TANGATA • Changing Places and the accessible places journey
Jenn Hooper

Jenn Hooper (Changing Places) & Hannah Wilson (Hastings District Council)

Resilience means different things to different people. Sometimes it’s as simple as being able to leave your own house.
Collaboration between the disability sector and the territorial authority in the parks sector can result in significant benefits. This presentation discusses various options for how your territorial authority can include Changing Places in your public space. Changing Places offers a very different public facility option which will allow your district or city to be wholly inclusive of all disabled residents or tourists and those who love and care for them giving visibility and inclusion to a cohort of our community who are currently largely invisible. We’ll describe several examples of successful collaborations within the parks sector between tertiaries, local government and other entities. Utilising gold standard specialist equipment, local world leading design and the highest technology, the provisions of these beautiful bathroom facilities make sure nobody is excluded from participating in the community because of their high and complex care needs, enriching their lives and the lives of those they encounter. The benefits will allow both high needs adults and children as well as their caregiver a safe, user friendly and practical solution and allowing them the freedom to participate in our communities/public spaces.

Jenn Hooper
Founder of Changing Places

10:15^AM - 10:45^AM

Morning Tea/ Paramanawa

Exhibiton Hall 1, Ground Floor

10:45^AM - 11:15^AM

MANAAKI WHENUA • Remote sensing – how evolving technology can assist in sustainable decision making
Dr Brett Morris

Dr Brett Morris (Syngenta)

Urban sprawl has resulted in many open spaces now surrounded by residential dwellings. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, use of drones for NDVI sensing of open space is becoming more limited and regulated due to privacy. Additionally, no fly zones are increasing as commercial aircraft fly over these newly developed areas. As such, the use of satellites for plant health monitoring is increasing. This session will introduce delegates to the newly introduced satellite monitoring developed specifically for a wide range of decision making processes. Key learnings from this session will be how this technology works and how to achieve benefits for individual facilities in practical terms.

Dr Brett Morris
Syngenta

11:20^AM - 11:50^AM

MANAAKI WHENUA • Place first. Making second
Nik Kneale

Nik Kneale (Isthmus Group)

I have a beef with the term Placemaking. It alludes to a place needing to be made.
Places already exist. They have their own qualities, no two the same. We live, work and play within them,
and they’re a product of the layering up of land, people and culture.
They’re part of our identity, sometimes deeply such as mana whenua connection through whakapapa, and
sometimes on a shallower level – that classic Christchurch question “what school did you go to?” comes
to mind.
In many of our cities and towns, our reasons for being there are often lost over time. Our ancestors chose
places to live based on abundance – reading the landscape and locating themselves where they and their
communities would have the best opportunities to thrive. Sometimes these were permanent homes,
sometimes seasonal. In many places we’ve disconnected ourselves from these reasons for being through
gradual, intergenerational decisions such as industrialization of our water’s edges, the covering over of our
productive soils with roads, industry and housing, and turning our backs on our rivers and estuaries –
changing these essential life-giving environments and critical lifelines into drains and threats.
Through built and unbuilt projects I will explore and demonstrate how understanding place first is critical
in order to do right by the environment and by the people of the place - current and future. Binding people
and place together for a resilient future.

Nik Kneale
Principal Landscape Architect at Isthmus

11:55^AM - 12:25^PM

MANAAKI WHENUA • Optimising the seasonal transitioning of sportsfield turfgrass surfaces
Will Bowden

Will Bowden (PGG Wrightson Turf)

This session focuses on providing delegates with key information regarding the successful transitioning
of natural turf sports field surfaces from winter to summer seasons. The session is based on NZ R&D and
applied in the context of our unique environmental and operational conditions.
In particular, delegates will learn about key issues that influence successful turfgrass transitioning from
cool to warm-season species (i.e. ryegrass to Kikuyu and/or couchgrass).
This session focuses on providing delegates with key information regarding the successful transitioning
of natural turf sports field surfaces from winter to summer seasons. The session is based on NZ R&D and
applied in the context of our unique environmental and operational conditions.
In particular, delegates will learn about key issues that influence successful turfgrass transitioning from
cool to warm-season species (i.e. ryegrass to Kikuyu and/or couchgrass).
Key topics covered shall include:
1. Allelopathy (i.e. the effect [or otherwise] of ryegrass endophyte on emerging warm-season turf species
in spring).
2. Product application timing
3. Data based upon NZ-bred turfgrass varieties that are most sustainable in our environmental conditions
The above points shall provide delegates with a comprehensive subject overview and understanding of the
factors that are likely to influence seasonal sportsfield turfgrass management.
Attendees shall gain practical knowledge that they can take from the session and implement at an
operational level within their teams and regions. Aside from turfgrass transitioning, other topics covered
within this session shall be of benefit to those responsible for delivering year-round natural turf surfaces
where seasonal transitioning may not be a requirement.
The underpinning philosophy of the session shall be sharing advice on how to achieve positive outcomes
for natural turfgrass sports fields whilst being mindful of the environmental and operational sustainable
parameters we operate within across New Zealand.

Will Bowden
Agronomist Product Development Manager at PGG Wrightson Turf

12:30^PM - 1:30^PM

Lunch/Wā Kai

Exhibition Hall 1, Ground Floor

1:30^PM - 2:10^PM

MANAAKI TANGATA • Placechangers • Using technology to assess open space needs and accessibility
Nicki Malone

Nicki Malone (Xyst)

This presentation will explore how we used innovative and user-friendly spatial planning technologies, the
PlaceChangers tool, to assess the open space and community facility needs and accessibility of facilities.
We will take a deep dive into the possibilities of the PlaceChangers tool, drawing on a local example from
Mangawhai, a small northland community that is facing challenges common to many attractive rural
destinations that are experiencing population growth. We will also touch on international examples and
look at opportunities for the future.
The methodologies and techniques we used are applicable to anyone wanting to develop an evidencebased
open space or community facility plan.

Nicki Malone
Senior Consultant at Xyst

2:15^PM - 2:55^PM

TĀKARO • A magical partnership
Georgina Hailwood

Georgina Hailwood (BrodieHailwood)

Introduction:
Background on how the partnership between Hamilton City Council and the Magical Bridge Trust was
formed in 2021 and opportunities identified through this collaboration.
Purpose:
The Magical Bridge Trust had identified a gap in accessible and inclusive playgrounds in New Zealand and
saw an opportunity in the Waikato to secure a location to bring New Zealand's first Magical Bridge
Playground in Hamilton.
Method:
Stage one was funded by leveraging existing playground renewals and improvements planned with
Hamilton City Council in combination with The Magical Bridge Trust raising finance through community
grants, sponsorship and in-kind donations. This partnership approach demonstrated that a cohesive
approach to playground development can deliver a special experience that wouldn’t have been achievable
otherwise.
Results:
Stage 1 of New Zealand's first Magical Bridge Playground opened December 2023. The results have been
hugely positive with an estimated increase of more than 600% in visitor numbers in the month of January
2024 compared to the previous 2 years. -This playground sets an example of what a truly accessible and
inclusive playground looks like. With its huge success, this has identified the need to review adjacent
facilities and potential place making opportunities in the surrounding area.
Conclusion:
Overall it's been a hugely successful project, which is making an overwhelming difference for the people in
our community. The success of stage 1 reinforces the need for accessible and inclusive spaces and is
spearheading what transformation looks like in this space. Hamilton City Council and The Magical Bridge
Trust look forward to building on the success of Stage One, with progress continuing Stage Two which
includes additional facilities and play opportunities.

Georgina Hailwood
Director of BrodieHailwood

2:55^PM - 3:20^PM

Afternoon Tea/ Paramanawa

Exhibition Hall 1, Ground Floor

3:20^AM - 3:50^PM

TĀKARO • Enhancing Community Engagement through a Collaborative Nature Play Space Initiative
Celia Hogan

Celia Hogan (Little Kiwis Nature Play)

This presentation will highlight the success of the Nature Play Project, a story of a dedicated community
member who initiated the establishment of a nature play space in a local park. Despite financial
constraints, Celia Hogan collaborated with the local park ranger to transform an underutilised area into a
vibrant and engaging play space for children and families. Through a series of working bees and
community engagement activities, the project successfully fostered a sense of ownership and
stewardship among local residents, ensuring the sustainability and maintenance of the site.
The nature play space has become a popular destination for families, school groups, and ECE groups,
providing a safe and dynamic environment for children to explore and connect with nature. Celia's
innovative approach not only revitalised the park but also strengthened the bond between the community
and their natural surroundings.
In this session, attendees will learn about the strategies employed by Celia to leverage community
resources and harness volunteer efforts in creating a valuable recreational asset. The presentation will
also explore the benefits of nature-based play spaces in promoting physical activity, cognitive
development, and environmental awareness among children.
Overall, this case study exemplifies the power of grassroots initiatives and community partnerships in
enhancing public spaces and enriching the lives of residents. Participants will gain insights on how to
leverage community resources to promote outdoor play and social interaction, fostering a culture of
collaboration and stewardship for outdoor recreational areas.

Celia Hogan
Founder of Little Kiwis Nature Play

Wednesday, May 29, 2024 11:20^AM to 4:25^PM

11:20^AM - 11:50^AM

TĀKARO • Winning Support for Play
Jacquelyn Collins

Jacquelyn Collins (Auckland Council)

Sport NZ’s Local Play Workforce Project is creating 18 play advocate roles in councils across Aotearoa, to build tamariki wellbeing and community resilience through play. But who needs to get behind play in a council setting, and how can we win their support?
This presentation will explore how to turn elected members and council colleagues into play champions. As Auckland Council’s Play Advocacy Advisor, Jacquelyn Collins is working to build a resilient network of play opportunities for highly diverse communities, working within a complex governance structure and constrained not only by decreasing budgets, but also by the physical barriers to play in an urban environment.
In 2023 Jacquelyn engaged with 149 elected members in 2023, attended countless council team meetings, and connected with council-controlled organisations and council-funded entities, developing the role of the council in making Tāmaki Makaurau a playful city. She’s learned some lessons the hard way about creating play champions! If you’re speaking with councillors who haven’t played themselves since Muldoon was in power, or council teams who can’t quite see how play is anything to do with them, this talk will provide practical tips about increasing play resilience in your city or town.

Jacquelyn Collins
Auckland Council

11:55^AM - 12:25^PM

TĀKARO • Creatives Project: Wesley Primary School
Harko Brown

Harko Brown (KAIMATAI-HUPARA), Ocea Grigg & Tumuaki Lou Reddy (Wesley Primary School)

Ira Takaro is the cultural learning pedagogy which esteemed hohou-rongo would utilise based on the natural, DNA-based, repetitive physical movements of their tamariki. Aro-takaro are games implements which are the tools & ‘face’ of traditional Maori game play,sports & cultural sanctuaries.

Wesley Primary School, in Auckland, are dynamically integrating both of these iconic teaching resources into their curriculum. Lead by the moemoea of their tumuaki, Lou Reddy, their school management team and assisted by the MoE Creatives programme, which is lead in school by teacher Ocea Grigg, they have implemented several values based takaro into in-class practices and created a collection of iconic hupara games installations.

In this presentation Ocea Grigg & Harko Brown will give an overview about the development of Wesley Primary’s hupara play installations and classroom use of aro-takaro, which were all devised & designed with student-led input, and some of their resultant physical activity & teaching outcomes.

Harko Brown
KAIMATAI-HUPARA

12:30^PM - 1:00^PM

TĀKARO • The Benefits of Risk: Unpacking the New Risk Management Standard for Play, Recreation, and Sport
Jacquelyn Collins•Dr Damien Puddle

Dr Damien Puddle (Invercargill City Council) & Jacquelyn Collins (Auckland Council)

The way people live and explore cities has demonstrated that play is an ‘everywhere activity’ rather than
something that only occurs within prescribed activity areas (e.g., parks, playgrounds, and sports facilities).
Work by Sport NZ, local government, and its Play Advocates and Advisors over recent years has
highlighted gaps in local government processes associated with delivering play across a wider set of
spaces and places.
For instance, the current safety standards used by local government exclusively for play is limited to NZS
5828:2015 (the playground standard). While valuable, playground standards have been identified as being
overly prescriptive and not based on child-development goals. International researchers and professionals
have also recognised that current workplace health and safety risk management processes do not always
translate well to the domains of play, active recreation, and sport. This has led to the development of
benefit-risk assessment, a health and safety approach that recognises the inherent benefits involved in
physical activity and balances them with the potential risks involved.
Of great interest and value to this sector is the publishing of a new standard specifically for this purpose -
ISO 4980:2023 ‘Benefit-risk assessment for sports and recreational facilities, activities and equipment’.
This talk builds on foundations laid at previous Green Pavlova conferences and will outline challenges
associated with traditional health and safety approaches to informal play and discuss the opportunities
presented by this new benefit-risk standard. Dr Puddle will make recommendations for the future and
challenge the sector, and indeed the nation, to adopt this new approach and standard for the benefit of
children nationwide.

Jacquelyn Collins
Auckland Council
Dr Damien Puddle
Local Play Advocate at Invercargill City Council

1:00^PM - 2:00^PM

Lunch/Wā Kai

Exhibition Hall 1, Ground Floor

2:05^PM - 2:40^PM

MANAAKI WHENUA • Recloaking Mauao • Te tino haepapa kia tiakina te oranga mana Motuhake o Mauao mō ngā uri whakatupu • the obligation to care for and protect the health and wellbeing of Mauao for future generations
Josh Clark

Josh Clark (Tauranga City Council) & Dean Flavell (Ngā Poutiriao ō Mauao Trust)

Our presentation will centre on Mauao Historical Reserve and the Mauao Implementation Plan, which sets
an example for parks nationwide. Mauao, Mount Maunganui, is one of the most popular landmarks in
Aotearoa, with more than one million visitors each year.
Deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual significance, the Mauao Implementation Plan drives the restoration,
archaeological preservation, and placemaking projects through authentic partnership with iwi and the
community.
Through the co-management approach of Ngā Poutiriao ō Mauao, we will present the various innovative
projects that have been co-designed to enrich the local and visitor experience while safeguarding a sacred
archaeological environment.
Our presentation will delve into the captivating narrative of Mauao, tracing its historical roots and the
profound journey of confiscation and rightful return to the Iwi of Tauranga Moana.
We will showcase the meticulous implementation plan devised to honour the legacy of Mauao, featuring
initiatives such as uniform signage, storytelling platforms, and the establishment of interpretation sites.
Our audience will gain valuable insights into the collaborative efforts aimed at preserving cultural identity
and enhancing visitor experiences.
Furthermore, we will unveil the intricacies of the management plan, detailing operational goals such as the
removal of exotic trees (with helicopters!) to restore the natural landscape. We will illustrate the design
process, planning stages, and the transformative impact of these conservation initiatives.
We will also engage in a forward-looking discussion, exploring the next steps and future opportunities for
the preservation and stewardship of Mauao.

Josh Clark
Tauranga Council

2:45^PM - 3:15^PM

MANAAKI WHENUA • Sandy Point Domain Masterplan, Invercargill – Managing the complexities of a large-scale multipurpose reserve
Cassandra Horton•Caroline Rain

Cassandra Horton and Caroline Rain (Invercargill City Council) and Rachael Eaton (Boffa Miskell)

Invercargill City Council (ICC) manages over 3000 hectares of reserve land, with over 2000 of those hectares being Sandy Point Domain.
Sandy Point is highly valued by the local community and visitors to the city of Invercargill. The domain provides a wide range of recreation, sport, and adventure activities and is home to many sporting and recreational clubs as well as forestry and other commercial activities.
Sandy Point also has significant cultural, biodiversity, historic and amenity values. Though, the domain is facing some challenges including,
•remaining relevant to future population and recreational trends
•quality and appropriateness of existing assets, facilities and land uses
•potential impact of climate change and sea level rise on assets and infrastructure from inundation and erosion
As one of the few remaining native forest areas within Invercargill City’s urban environment, the main outdoor recreational hub and home to over 30 clubs and associations, ICC required the delivery of a spatial masterplan to illustrate the strategic direction for the next 50 years.
The masterplan was developed with a fact and data-based approach and a range of supplementary information was reviewed and considered as part of the masterplan process including:
•Climate change and associated potential impacts on assets and infrastructure from sea level rise, inundation, coastal retreat, and erosion
•Ongoing management and location of the commercial forestry operation at Sandy Point
•Economic benefit of recreation activities at Sandy Point
Following a long engagement process ICC and Boffa Miskell, in partnership with mana whenua, key partners and stakeholders and the community, have produced an exceptional spatial masterplan.
Ultimately, the Sandy Point Masterplan will establish a long-term plan for future park use, asset renewal and development, and help guide future funding decisions, while maintaining its highly regarded status as the main recreation hub for people of Invercargill and Southland.

Cassandra Horton
Asset Planner at Invercargill City Council
Caroline Rain
Invercargill City Council

3:20^PM - 3:50^PM

Afternoon Tea, Paramanawa

Exhibition Hall 1, Ground Floor

3:55^PM - 4:25^PM

MANAAKI TANGATA • Narrowing the Gap Between Tertiaries and the Parks Sector
Roslyn Kerr

Roslyn Kerr (Christchurch City Council)

Collaborations between tertiary providers and organisations in the parks sector can result in significant
benefits, yet often such collaborations only result due to personal connections. They can also be
particularly challenging in parks given that parks spans such a wide variety of academic disciplines,
including ecology, horticulture, recreation, tourism, landscape architecture and many others. This
presentation discusses the various options for different tertiary/sector collaborations including the
various forms they can take and how to set them up. These can include internships, student projects,
guest lectures, field trips, research projects, funding applications and a range of other options. The
presentation also describes several examples of successful collaborations within the parks sector
between tertiaries, local and central government and other entities. The benefits can include increased
options for students, real-world research opportunities, and the chance for parks organisations to
contribute to educating the next generation of parks professionals.

Roslyn Kerr
Parks, Programmes and Partnerships Manager at Christchurch City Council

Thursday, May 30, 2024 9:45^AM to 3:50^PM

9:45^AM - 10:15^AM

TĀKARO • Lorna Irene Playground journey from neighbourhood playground to 2023 Playground of the Year
Catherine Wylde•Robert Gulley

Cat Wylde and Robert Gulley (Kāpiti District Council)

Lorna Irene Drive Reserve playground won the Playground of the Year in 2023. It’s Kapiti’s only fully accessible playground. Join members of the team who share the journey of how this neighbourhood playground went from a standard renewal to what it is today. The difference it made to have Nicola and Kash from “down the road” being part of the design through to the re-dos of not having equipment just right, and all the other challenges and continuous learnings from the project. The session will include video interviews with those involved in the community consultation from Council and Community and from tamariki themselves.

Catherine Wylde
Contractor at Kapiti Coast District Council
Robert Gulley
Parks and Outdoor Recreation Advisor at Kapiti Coast District Council

10:15^AM - 10:45^AM

Morning Tea/ Paramanawa

Exhibiton Hall 1, Ground Floor

10:45^AM - 11:15^AM

TĀKARO • Play value through inclusion and collaboration
Adrian Rodriguez•Larissa Rose

Larissa Rose and Adrian Rodriguez (Park Supplies & Playgrounds)

Is accessible and inclusive play equipment, delivering what it needs to in the community?
So many older playgrounds do not cater for our disability community’s needs, or only focus on solutions
for certain disabilities. How can we better design inclusive playspaces and equipment and are new
“inclusive playgrounds and equipment” doing any better?
Do we need a new look into what is currently offered? We are seeking to improve the options for New
Zealand playgrounds with equipment that is manufactured here and not imported as a more sustainable
practice.
This is a talk about our journey at Park Supplies & playgrounds to ensure New Zealand designed
equipment is specific to our culture, play needs and focusing on a wide range of disabilities. We seek
equipment and designs that are tested in partnership with community groups and organisations like Deaf
Aotearoa and Disability Sport Auckland etc. and parents of children of various disabilities. This ensures we
are delivering and designing workable playspaces and equipment items, that deliver high play value and
useability for a full spectrum of children in Aotearoa.
So far in our journey, we are starting small with simple, manageable, and achievable changes, worked
through with the groups that know the needs of their children and the gaps that exist in playspaces today.
This talk by Larissa Rose, a playspace designer of 18 years and Adrian Rodrigeuz a parent to a child with a
disorder of impulsivity and self-control, both seek to show our progress, open thought provoking
discussions, and create and inspire new high value ideas and partnerships for better playspace in
Aotearoa.

Adrian Rodriguez
Playground Consultant at Park Supplies & Playgrounds
Larissa Rose
Landscape Architect at Park Supplies & Playgrounds

11:20^AM - 11:50^AM

MANAAKI TANGATA • Yardstick 2.0 • Parks Benchmarking and Provisions for the Future
Jenn Benden

Jenn Benden (Xyst)

Yardstick is an online benchmarking and survey tool that has been in development and use for over 20
years by parks managers in New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and Canada. It has been used by industries
such as parks, aquatics, facilities, roads, and more. It is developed by parks leaders and managers who
understand the variety of knowledge needed in planning and senior roles.
We wanted to deliver a product that answered questions like "how do I know I am delivering best
practice?" or "what levels of provision are provided in other organisations?"
So, the Yardstick parks benchmarking tool has been re-imagined, re-built and re-designed to give parks
managers and staff key insights on their assets and parks provision across their regions and cities. The
tool will also provide new insights free to the parks industry every year, in partnership with Recreation
Aotearoa.
Join us to hear about the 2024 upgrades to Yardstick, changes to how it is delivered and future features to
come.

Jenn Benden
Director of Xyst Limited

11:55^AM - 12:25^PM

MANAAKI WHENUA • Surely its either Black or White? But what if it’s actually, Orange?!
Bart Cox

Bart Cox (Wellington City Council)

A discussion about a tree that polarises Wellington. To some, it is the pinnacle of cultural heritage and the most important plant food source in Aotearoa to others it is an ecological weed disrupting ecosystems.
Retain or remove? That was the question Wellingtonians were asked to contemplate and debate at a two-day symposium on a non-locally native species, that is doing pretty well on all accounts, in the capital.
Karaka, a native species, now abundant in Wellington has long been attracting polarising views and controversy.
Prior to human’s coming to Aotearoa New Zealand, karaka’s range was likely restricted to coastal areas of the northern North Island. Now it occurs throughout Aotearoa, including on Rēkohu/Chatham Islands, due to the transportation and subsequent planting by Tāngata Whenua and T’chaket Henu (Moriori) where it is known as kōpi.
Karaka holds very significant cultural and historical value to Tāngata Whenua and T’chaket Henu mostly as a significant food source and very much considered a taonga.
All rich debates hinge on strong arguments on both sides; some conservationists consider karaka as an environmental weed due to its capacity to outcompete other native vegetation and disrupt local ecosystems.
Karaka has its own named toxin, karakin and the berries can be toxic to dogs and people if not prepared correctly before eating them.
Every summer, without fail articles appear around the danger of karaka to dogs resulting in the phones ringing at the council.
But what do we really know of the danger and what do we know of the importance of karaka and is this attention balanced? By demonising karaka are we not doing karaka and Tāngata Whenua a great disservice when we cut down karaka without consultation? nd will karaka really take over Wellington and produce a monocrop?
Until recently, Wellington City Council were more than happy to cut down karaka trees without consultation, as we didn’t know any better, rather responding to panicked members of the public.
A new approach to Karaka management presents us a unique challenge that illustrates the complexities intrinsic to balancing cultural values with the integrity of the ecosystem.
Our aim is to weave all of the perspectives together to explore novel ways to address future management of karaka in Wellington that allows for both the cultural significance and the impact of the ecosystem of karaka growing unchecked. We are looking to a management strategy that is informed by our Mana Whenua partners in consultation with the community.
We believe, within this debate, sits a golden opportunity (some may say its even orange) to be a part of the building of relationships that bring greater nuance to the understanding of our native plants. In our rich cultural and ecological, multi-coloured world.

Bart Cox
Wellington City Council

12:30^PM - 1:30^PM

Lunch/Wā Kai

Exhibition Hall 1, Ground Floor

1:30^PM - 2:10^PM

MANAAKI WHENUA • Kauri Glen Reserve Treetop Connecter Path
Drew Kenny•Leigh Radovan•Trevor Butler

Leigh Radovan (Auckland Council), Drew Kenny & Trevor Butler (Frame Group)

Kauri Glen Reserve is a forested gully area in the heart of Northcote, within Auckland that has magnificent
stands of mature kauri. As part of Auckland Council’s kauri protection programme, a new accessway has
been constructed through the reserve. This includes hygiene stations, well-surfaced tracks, boardwalks
and a spectacular 60m long, 1.5m wide bridge with viewing bays that has been constructed at treetop
level across the 18m deep gully. The bridge replaces the original walking track that meandered down
through the gully on multiple steps near sensitive kauri tree roots. This path was regularly used by school
students as a direct access to Northcote College.
The chosen bridge design consists of a multiple span glue laminated timber structure supported on high
timber piers founded in the base of the gully. This solution provides better protection to the kauri trees,
whilst also providing a much-improved walking route from residential areas to the local college. An added
benefit is the outstanding opportunity the bridge provides to view the kauri forest at treetop level.
Specific design details and construction methodologies were adopted to minimise the environmental
impact of the bridge foundations and construction, and to overcome the challenges of having limited site
access and the need to apply strict kauri dieback disease hygiene protocols. Aesthetics was also a strong
consideration, with poured rubber strips utlised for grip on the bridge deck, and barriers with laser cut
stainless steel panels.
Strong support was received from Kaipatiki Local Board, the community, and the college for the tree-top
bridge solution, which is likely to encourage more students to walk to college.
Skilled contractor work by Fort Projects, together with strong technical support from the designers, Frame
Group and Auckland Council Kauri Dieback Track Specialist Team enabled the construction to be
completed with minimal site impact.

Drew Kenny
Senior Designer/Project Manager at Frame Group
Leigh Radovan
Senior Project Manager at Auckland Council
Trevor Butler
Principal Consultant at Frame Group Limited

2:15^PM - 2:55^PM

MANAAKI WHENUA • Beyond the course: Golf clubs are more than golf!
Watene Hema

Watene Hema (Golf NZ)

Golf clubs are more than an exclusive course for only it's members. Golf has never been more popular, and
Golf New Zealand is commited to support it's growth through a range of participation initiatives, in
particular to support women and girls, young people and disabled people. Alongside this, they have
strengthened partnerships with golf organisations across Aotearoa to support wider growth of the game,
including a landmark partnership with New Zealand Māori Golf. This is change the face of golf, and a key
piece in this is our clubs and courses.
This presentation will take you through a range of case studies showcasing the potential of golf clubs as
wider community hubs. Fostering community connection through multi-use and string community
relationships. It is also an opportunity to connect with other community stakeholders on how we can work
together.

Watene Hema
Participation Manager - Māori Golf Development at Golf NZ

2:55^PM - 3:20^PM

Afternoon Tea/ Paramanawa

Exhibition Hall 1, Ground Floor

3:20^PM - 3:50^PM

MANAAKI WHENUA • Regenerative Turf Management
Rob Cooper

Rob Cooper (Living Turf)

Regenerative Turf Management is modern trend being practiced globally, that follows the agricultural
industry, and somewhat super seeds the concept of sustainability. It uses the premise that cultural turf
practices all influence the turf soil ecosystem, and by better understanding those effects we can
continually rebalance soil chemistry and biology, to produce high performing turf surfaces and minimize
environmental impacts.
This presentation is multi layered, and traverses the application of MLSN soil test interpretation, Microbe
Wise testing for measuring soil inhabiting micro-organisms (population density and diversity), nutritional
influences, and rhizosphere engineering.
While the technical content of this presentation has been authored by Living Turf ANZ, the presentation is
non-commercial and of great technical value to modern and free-thinking turf managers. It has been
presented to audiences throughout Australia and New Zealand over the past 12 months, with excellent
reviews.

Rob Cooper
Executive Chairman at Living Turf

Wednesday, May 29, 2024 11:20^AM to 12:25^PM: 11:20^AM - 11:50^AM
Mana Taiohi/Rangatahi Engagement; 11:55^AM - 12:25^PM
Mana Taiohi/Rangatahi Engagement continued

Thursday, May 30, 2024 1:30^PM to 3:50^PM

1:30^PM - 2:10^PM

TĀKARO • Pukao • the kumara cultivation game
Harko Brown

Harko Brown

Many of our ancestral traditional games had their origins in protocols & rituals which acknowledged & thanked nga atua for food gifts. Pukao, also known as pukaorangi & whakamahuhu, is one of those.
Our session will involve a fun meet & greet game, followed by a bit of whakapapa on pukao, we will each make a kumarama (a type of ball) from harakeke then we will play a series of fast-paced & exciting pukao games on marked-out courts with a 2.4m central pou.
Pukao courts are very easy to make and can be played on the same small arena (10m x 10m) by 6-30players at once. This session could well influence planners of recreation to consider pukao as an exciting cultural addition to their play spaces.

Harko Brown
KAIMATAI-HUPARA

2:15^PM - 2:55^PM

MANAAKI TANGATA • Recreation Aotearoa • Outdoor Accessibility Workshop

Outdoor Accessibility WORKSHOP

Everyone should have the opportunity to access the outdoors in a way that's meaningful for them.

But, we know that despite the desire to participate more, people with disabilities in Aotearoa often experience more barriers that restrict their participation in outdoor recreation, compared to those without disabilities. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities reinforces that people with disabilities have the right to participate in recreation activities on an equal basis with others, yet, accessibility remains a significant barrier to participation.

To provide increased support to the sector in addressing these barriers, Recreation Aotearoa have collaborated with the Accessible Outdoors Working Group to develop Accessible Outdoors Guidelines. These guidelines, encompassing best-practice guidance, national insights, international guidance and local case studies, are designed to improve the accessibility of tracks and trails, including associated infrastructure and amenities.

This workshop presents an opportunity to explore case studies demonstrating accessibility initiatives in the outdoors, and to offer your valuable feedback on the guideline drafts. Join us to help shape the future of inclusive outdoor access!

2:55^PM - 3:20^PM

Afternoon Tea/ Paramanawa

Exhibition Hall 1, Ground Floor

3:20^PM - 3:50^PM

MANAAKI TANGATA • Recreation Aotearoa • Outdoor Accessibility Workshop continued