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Dave Adams
Head of Strategic Foresight at Sport New ZealandDave Adams is the Head of Strategic Foresight at Sport NZ, where he leads efforts to prepare the recreation and sport sector for future challenges and opportunities. A qualified and award-winning futurist, Dave holds degrees from Houston University and Metafutures, complementing his business degree and Masters in recreation and leisure from Victoria University.
With extensive experience at Sport NZ, Dave has held leadership roles across events, investment, policy, relationship management, and sector capability. He also served as an advisor to the Minister for Sport.
Dave's sporting background includes representing NZ Universities in football and Wellington at age-group level in cricket and tennis. Outside of work, he enjoys family life with his wife Karyn, three children, three chickens, two horses, two cats and a dog.
Simon Alefosio-Tuck
Kaitohu Whakahono Rēhia - Recreational Partnerships Advisor at Rotorua Lakes CouncilSimon Alefosio-Tuck (Ngāti Raukawa) is a member of the Rotorua Lakes Council Active and Engaged Communities team. Working with the local community to give Rotorua better recreational outcomes. Part of his work includes working on behalf of the landowners and mana whenua of Tītokorangi and Whakarewarewa Forests to provide for recreation in the world renowned Redwoods, famous for its MTB tracks.
Simon has extensive experience working in the outdoors across various roles, including adventure tourism, outdoor education, and with the Department of Conservation in multiple locations. This has given him broad experiences to help provide more opportunities for non-traditional outdoor users.
Jenn Benden, ARPro
Director of Xyst LimitedJenn is an established and award-winning leader in the parks, sport and recreation sector. She has a long history of volunteerism in the parks industry including past Chair of the Generate Network, World Urban Parks board member, and Chair of the Canterbury Recreation Aotearoa Committee for 5 years. She is a previous ARPro Accreditor and Green Flag Judge.
Jenn is a Director of Xyst and is leading the software development and product updates to Yardstick, and is enthusiastic about the value that data provides in parks planning and decision making.
Matt Body
Architect at Warren and Mahoney ArchitectsMatt is a seasoned architect with extensive knowledge derived from emersion in complex multi-faceted projects. With leadership experience across a broad range of sectors, Matt now specialises in sport architecture, with projects across the spectrum from grass roots community facilities to internationally recognised stadiums.
Motivated with the intent to bring communities together to celebrate, participate, encourage, and inspire, Matt is focused on delivering projects that excite. “Communities are built around places that unite us, that build pride through our achievements and collectively strengthens our societies.”
Matt believes that sports facility design in New Zealand is at a crossroads with greater awareness of issues around inclusivity, access, sustainability, and operational cost. Community perception of value is changing. From working with Matt, clients understand that the process from design to delivery is a collaborative venture, yielding both discovery and innovation, and that this ultimately resolves with a solution focused on the greatest outcome for the users and their communities.
Simon Bogalo
Lead Designer at ConvicSimon is the Lead Designer at Convic, managing the creative direction of the team. With over 16 years’ experience as a Landscape Architect, he is a highly motivated, innovative, and creative designer. His breadth of both landscape and youth recreation experience extends to projects across Australia, New Zealand and international regions such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai.
Simon grew up in West Auckland, studying Landscape Architecture at Unitec before moving to Canada and then onto Melbourne where his passion for delivering skateparks and youth spaces commenced in 2013. His ongoing passion for skateboarding and general youth activation has expanded his design capabilities to create multi-generational spaces.
Utilising contextual and spatial landscape architectural thinking, Simon creates unique and responsive design outcomes. Coupled with his extensive community engagement experience and warm approachable manner, Simon has a range of skills leading many complex and significant projects. This is demonstrated through Simon’s recent award of the Adelaide City Prize an AIA National Architecture award for the Adelaide City Skatepark.
Simon has recently been bringing his passion and experience back to Aotearoa working on Wellingtons premiere Kilbirnie Skatepark and Te Awa Kairangi Skatepark and Youth Space in Lower Hutt.
Mark Bruce-Miller
CEO of Whenua Iti OutdoorsMark is the CEO of Whenua Iti Outdoors, a charitable trust, where he has been at the helm since 2013. He spent 13 years prior to this in the education sector and is dedicated to supporting the team to grow and strengthen connections to youth across local and regional communities in Aotearoa. His strength is in finding innovative and creative solutions to the sustainability of Whenua Iti Outdoors.
Taylor Bruning
Ngāi te Rāngi, Pūkenga, Ngāti Ranginui
Taylor Bruning is one of the trainee instructors that the Tuia ki Tāwhiti Fund enabled Whenua Iti Outdoors to employ. Originally a student who graduated the Manaaki Tāpoi programme at Whenua Iti, she is a flourishing leader and now in a full time instructor role at Whenua Iti.
Esther Bukholt, ARPro
Director of SolstoneEsther worked for over 30 years in the Recreation Sector, twenty of those years at the coalface and in project roles. Here, she struggled with self confidence, mis-reading the leadership landscape and not identifying the skills needed to make it into the higher roles to achieve the impact she longed to make. To her astonishment, and in a surprising twist of events, she 'cracked the code', found her confidence and hasn't looked back. She now uses these experiences to realise her vision: that leaders in Aotearoa are representative of the communities we live in.
To this end, Esther co-founded Ara ki te Taumata—Pathway to the Summit, a leadership programme and network for emergent wāhine/women leaders in Aotearoa. Esther is also the Director of Solstone, a leadership, engagement, and strategic development consultancy. Here, she works with leaders, teams, and communities to find and navigate their true purpose.
Melinda Butt
Play Advocate at Whangarei District CouncilMelinda has over 20 years of professional experience in the visual arts industry, working across a diverse range of fields, including film, television, fine art, teaching, and curating. Her passion for art and design extends beyond traditional boundaries, as she also explores music and furniture design.
Melinda thrives on connecting with others and take great pride in delivering work that is site specific and serves the needs of the environment and community. Her portfolio includes large-scale projects across New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.
Melinda has extensive experience in creative development/community-focused work, and she has worked with youth for a number of years. She specialises in teaching Mural making, artistic expression and improving self-esteem.
Geoff Canham, ARPro
Principal Parks & Recreation Specialist at Thrive Spaces and Places LtdGeoff is a Principal Parks and Recreation Specialist and Accredited Parks and Recreation Professional (ARPro) and Certified Parks Professional international (CPPI) with 40 years’ experience in parks agency/ local government parks and recreation within New Zealand and internationally. With a lifetime of experience in parks and recreation leadership, planning and project management, and as a specialist consultant since 2006, Geoff runs Thrive Spaces and Places, a specialist parks and recreation consultancy. Geoff is the current Chair of the Industry Accreditation Board for the NZRA. Geoff was also the NZRA Central Region chairman for 17 years. In 2013 Geoff was awarded the Ian Galloway Memorial Cup for Excellence and Outstanding Contribution to the Wider Parks Industry. Geoff was admitted as a Recreation Aotearoa Fellow in 2022.
Geoff also currently volunteers for the Waiariki Park Region initiative, the BOP Envirohub Board, sits on the Board for Te Mahi a-Nuku (a commercial board for the Ngai Tamarawaho Hapu) and convenes the New Zealand Parks Leaders Forum. Geoff also serves on the Maungatautiri Reserve Committee (Predator Free Sanctuary Mountain).
Shivran Chandra
Senior Parks Projects Specialist at Auckland CouncilShivran Chandra is a Senior Parks Projects Specialist at Auckland Council, working to improve and strategise approaches related to climate change across Auckland’s park network. Before starting his current role, he was an Environmental Engagement Specialist at Tūpuna Maunga Authority where he worked with mana whenua and community groups to create conservation programmes that enhanced the mauri of maunga.
For Shivran, conservation goes beyond plants and animals but also includes people – emphasising collaboration with nature, rather than working against it. Food (and growing it) is a way that we can feel more connected to each other and with our whenua. Throughout his studies and career, his work reflects a strong commitment to creating meaningful and sustainable community-led solutions for socio-environmental issues.
Matt Claridge
Chief Executive at Te Araroa TrustMatt Claridge has been impacting the way people behave for more than 15 years. As executive director of Te Araroa, Matt is currently inspiring change to the way Te Araroa is viewed and managed.
In his previous role as head of Water Safety New Zealand, Matt ensured New Zealand’s drowning toll was reduced and thousands of Kiwi kids learnt to swim. As CEO of The Tomorrow Project, he spearheaded campaigns to change New Zealand’s harmful binge drinking culture. Social marketing to the masses, high profile public safety campaigns and large scale commercial and Government partnerships are just a few of the tools Matt uses to influence others’ actions for greater good.
Matt lives in Wellington and in his spare time he trail runs, coaches water polo and is slowly ticking off each leg of Te Araroa himself.
Amber Clyde
Founder of Girls Skate NZAmber Clyde is a dedicated skateboarder with a mission to foster inclusivity and empowerment in the skateboarding community. Discovering her passion for skateboarding at a young age, Amber faced challenges as a female skateboarder in male-dominated environments but persevered with determination.
After a hiatus, Amber returned to skateboarding and rediscovered her love for the sport. Motivated by her own experiences of feeling unwelcome at skateparks, she founded Girls Skate NZ, an initiative aimed at dismantling barriers for young girls interested in skateboarding. Under her guidance, Girls Skate NZ has thrived, offering tailored coaching sessions led by experienced female skateboarders and empowering thousands of girls to learn and excel in skateboarding.
Amber is committed to creating a supportive environment where girls can build confidence, challenge stereotypes, and cultivate friendships through skateboarding. Her advocacy extends beyond teaching skills; it champions gender equity in action sports and underscores the transformative power of skateboarding as a creative outlet and avenue for self-expression.
As a skateboarder, coach, and founder of Girls Skate NZ, Amber Clyde continues to inspire through her dedication to inclusive practices that empower girls to thrive in sports and in life.
MC
Martin Cooper
Kaumatua at Manurewa Marae
Anita Coy-Macken
Senior Consultant at Visitor SolutionsAnita has been with Visitor Solutions Ltd for 5 years, after 20 years in local government in Auckland and Hamilton. She has broad experience across sport and recreation strategy, policy, planning and facility development. Much of Anita’s work is focused on comprehensive analysis and planning for holistic and sustainable facility development to deliver strong community outcomes.
Dr Jo Cribb
Jo Cribb is a professional director and consultant with a focus on governance, strategy, leadership coaching, and gender-focused initiatives. Recent projects include evaluating Sport NZ's gender equity in governance policy, leading sessions at APEC 2023 on gender equality and drafting papers for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Jo previously served as the Chief Executive of the Ministry for Women, former Deputy and holds directorships on various Government and NGO boards, including the New Zealand Winegrowers, New Zealand Media Council, and Royal New Zealand Navy.
She earned a Doctorate in Public Policy, focusing on government-NGO contracting relationships and has undertaken research on the future of work and technology, including co-authoring the recently re-released book "Don't Worry About the Robots: How to Survive and Thrive in the New World of Work". In 2020, she co-authored "Take Your Space: Successful Women Share their Secrets," with all proceeds going to charities who support women. Jo was a finalist in the New Zealand Women of Influence Awards, and won Governance NZ's Women in Governance Community Award. She is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors.
She also owns a small vineyard in Martinborough, and writes a regular wine column for Your Weekend magazine (Stuff) and Your Home and Garden. She enjoys distilling her own gin.
Dr Tracey-Lee Dalton, ARPro
Healthy Active Learning Advisor at CLM Community SportTracey-Lee enjoys active recreation in the outdoors, sharing this joy with her husband and children. She is passionate about education, wellbeing/hauora and actively empowering life-long learners by connecting with nature. During her career, she has worked in New Zealand and abroad across the different sectors of education with a focus on outdoor education and health. She has also worked in community recreation. After completing a doctorate, she became a Healthy Active Learning Advisor.
Howell Davies, ARPro
Te Mātanga Tumuaki - Te Wao ā-Tāone | Principal Specialist - Urban Ngahere (Forest) at Auckland CouncilHowell Davies has a practical arboricultural background with 30 years’ experience in tree care, contract management, and urban streetscape redevelopment. Howell started his career at Auckland City Council in 2001, has held a variety of specialist arboricultural roles, including planning, contract management, landscape planning and urban forester.
In December 2016, Howell took on the new role of Principal Advisor Urban Ngahere (Forest) for Auckland Council and part of a team of specialists who developed of the Council's Urban Ngahere (forest) Strategy for Auckland. The Urban Ngahere (Forest) Strategy for Auckland was approved by Council’s Environment Committee and released in March of 2019. The Strategy was the first of its kind for the region (and NZ) and designed to be a high-level guidance and reference document based on research and data analysis.
Over the last decade Howell has presented at a range of local open space management conferences including NZ Arb Association National conference, Recreation Aotearoa Green Pavlova conferences, the UK National conference in 2022 and in 2023 at the World Forum on Urban Forestry in Washington DC. Howell has volunteered for NZ Arboricultural Association, was on the executive committee 2018-2023 and was President of the Association 2021-2023. In his spare time Howell is a keen surfer, fisherman and enjoys keeping a home vegetable garden.
Thomas Dixon, ARPro
Principal Parks Advisor at Auckland CouncilThomas has more than a decade of experience gained while studying and working in the fields of ecology, conservation and parks management. Thomas is passionate about conservation, recreation, and public land management and is driven to have a lasting impact to inspire future New
Zealanders to work with nature.
Following several years doing conservation work, nine years working with the Auckland Council in both Regional and Local Parks teams has helped Thomas to build a diverse skill set and become established as a prominent industry professional.
In his current role, Thomas manages a team that look after key operational issues facing the network of parks and community facilities across the entire Auckland Region.
Hannah Dunlop
Project Manager at ReVision InitiativeHi I'm Hannah, I have 19 years’ experience working in the fields of youth development, local government, program design, strategy, health promotion, policy, environmental sustainability, education, consultation, governance, youth participation and evaluation.
I have developed professionally as a youth worker, facilitator, people leader and researcher as both a contractor and employee for organisations such as Waimakariri District Council, NZ Red Cross, Environment Canterbury, 24-7 YouthWork and Ara Taiohi. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health and have held a number of governance roles with local, national and global YMCA, and 9 years on the Rerenga Awa | Canterbury Youth Workers Collective board.
Currently, I work with Rerenga Awa | Canterbury Youth Workers Collective as project manager for ReVision Youth Friendly Places and Spaces as well as a consultant with InCommon Projects working to support organisations and people working with young people around youth participation and
youth development across Aotearoa.
My unique skill set, and experience allows me to provide the insight and knowledge around the intersection of organisational structure, best practice youth development and participation for effective program design.
Ezra Feau
Associate Principal at Kauri Flats SchoolEzra Feau is the Associate Principal at Kauri Flats School, passionate about celebrating cultural diversity and inclusivity within the school community, with a strong emphasis on his proud Samoan heritage. Committed to education, he focuses on creating engaging and supportive learning experiences for all students, working closely with families and staff to meet each child’s unique strengths and needs. Ezra is particularly driven to create more access to opportunities for children in South Auckland, ensuring children have authentic and meaningful experiences to enhance their Hauora.
Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the great outdoors, believing that connecting with nature enhances overall well-being and learning. Ezra has spent the last 9 years in Primary education and grew up in South Auckland where he now is sowing seeds for the next generation. As a committed advocate for lifelong learning and positive school culture, he continually seeks ways to inspire and empower the next generation of learners.
Sarah Finlay-Robinson
Director of InCommonSarah has over 20 years of experience working in youth development, focusing on delivering youth-led programmes. Sarah has worked with the government, local government, and youth organisations to design, evaluate, and improve youth participation strategies and practices. She provides training and supervision to people working with young people.
Sarah’s unique skill set bridges research, strategy, and practice. She embraces systems thinking while focusing on young people's experiences to craft an impactful story that brings transformation.
Kristine Ford
Principal Policy Advisor at Wellington City CouncilKristine has been with Wellington City Council for 7 years. Kristine has an eclectic background in health, education, and government sectors. She has worked in policy development, research, advocacy, midwifery, international development, refugee healthcare, education, aged care, and fashion. Kristine has an eye for detail, but also able to take a strategic high level view and enjoys taking systems thinking approaches to navigate complexity. Kristine is committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the founding document of Aotearoa.
Rob Gulley
Advisor Parks & Outdoor Recreation at Kapiti Coast District CouncilRob grew up surrounded by recreation, sport, and the outdoors. He lived at an outdoor pursuit centre when he was young, developing a love for the outdoors and recreation. His love for recreation and for sports pushed him to pursue a Bachelor’s in Sport & Exercise Majoring in Sports Development at Massey University.
Rob is currently the Advisor Parks and Outdoor Recreation at Kāpiti Coast District Council. Since being with KCDC he was lucky enough to be in the team which won Recreation Aotearoa Playground of the Year 2023. Rob is also a committee member for Generate Network NZ which is a network for emerging recreation professionals in NZ. He is also currently serving in the New Zealand Army Reserves.
In his spare time, Rob enjoys playing golf and tennis and organising events at his local tennis club. He thrives on fostering a sense of community and the joy of play, whether through official sporting events or the spontaneous, unofficial play that brings people together.
Joe Hammon
Kaiwhakahaere – Te Waka Tairanga Whenua at Auckland CouncilNgāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa me Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa
Joe Hammon, a distinguished leader, joined Te Waka Tai-ranga-whenua as Kaiwhakahaere this year. His illustrious career is driven by a steadfast commitment to achieving positive outcomes for Māori. Joe’s extensive experience spans significant roles within the New Zealand Police – Ngā Pirihimana o Aotearoa and Oranga Tamariki, where he has consistently championed the well-being and advancement of Māori communities.
Joe’s profound understanding of Te Ao Māori informs every facet of his work. He is dedicated to fostering and sustaining robust relationships with Mana Whenua, ensuring that the principles of partnership and respect are at the forefront of his leadership. His vision and leadership continue to inspire and drive meaningful change within Auckland Council and beyond.
Tami Harris
CEO of Acorn NeurodiversityTami Harris is a registered psychotherapist and the CEO of Acorn Neurodiversity, a non profit in Tāmaki Makaurau, providing support services to neurodivergent young people and their whānau. Tami has over 30 years of experience in both the US and New Zealand managing non-profit organisations and programmes specialising in mental health, autism, ADHD, learning disabilities and trauma. Tami also provides consultation to organisations around neuro-inclusion in the workplace.
Chrissy Hiraani Hilton
Kaiarahi Mātaiao ki Tāmaki at Toi TangataNgāti Kahungungu, Ngāti Ranginui, Te Arawa
Currently residing in Tamaki Makaurau but hailing from Maraenui, Hawkes Bay, Chrissy dedicates much of her time to mokopuna driven, tīpuna guided decisions and actions. She finds purpose in embedding the learnings and principles of te ao Māori to tell and create innovative opportunities of system change for the Māori community. Chrissy is currently a Kaiarahi, Lead Facilitator for Mātaiao at Toi Tangata, immersing the Atua Matua model of observation and study of the taiao to build taiao literacy for the urban living.
If she isn't out observing the taiao, you'll find her with a rakau in her hand or doing some crossfit, all while having her three boys in tow.
Zanta Jones
Spaces and Places Consultant at Sport New ZealandZanta is a Spaces & Places Consultant at Sport New Zealand. Most of Zanta’s career to date has been committed to population health outcomes through roles in Primary Health Organisations, Regional Sports Trusts, and District Health Boards; these roles have provided the opportunity for Zanta to hone her passion for creating environments that enable physical activity. Zanta is based in Taranaki where her and her family make the most of the lifestyle on offer; she assumes the role of participant, coach, manager, motivator, chauffeur, and nutritionist in her household across a range of sports and activities.
Mark Kent
Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park Ranger at Wellington City CouncilMark Kent currently serves as the Mākara Peak (MP) Mountain Bike (MTB) Park Ranger for the Wellington City Council (WCC), the position established 3 years ago to support the ongoing development of Wellington's dedicated MP MTB Park. In this role, Mark focuses on supporting the implementation of the park's 10-year master plan while working closely with the local community volunteer group, the Mākara Peak Supporters.
Mark credits the success of MP MTB Park to the strong partnership between the MP Supporters and the WCC, a collaboration that has thrived for over 25 years. Mark and Kerei Thompson, the current chair of the Mākara peak supporters will share the journey of the past 25 years of the award winning Mākara peak mountain bike park, the success, and the highlights. Mark and Kerei will delve into the relationship between Council and Supporters, touching on the milestones of the partnership over the years, tips on how Councils can be easier to work with volunteer groups, and the approaches that volunteer groups could use to work in with Council.
Mark's first encounter with MP dates back to 1987, as an avid mountain biker and early adopter of Wellington’s trails, Mark was riding MPs fire access roads long before it became the world-class park it is today. After returning to Aotearoa from overseas in 2000, Mark began volunteering at the newly established MP MTB Park. He quickly became hooked, spending the next 21 years working alongside a dedicated army of volunteers to build trails, plant trees & undertake trapping to help to create the park's now-established forest and Kiwi habitat.
Before taking on the role of MP MTB Par Ranger, Mark spent 23 years working in the museum industry, including 13 years as an Touring Exhibitions Project Manager at Te Papa.
Jenna King
Diversity and Inclusion Lead at AktiveJenna has worked in the disability sector for over a decade, utilising her passion for advocacy and knowledge of the sector to support members of the disabled community to lead independent lives. After graduating with a degree in Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Auckland, Jenna’s working career began managing a rehabilitation gym at a day programme for disabled adults and she has since worked supporting individuals with cognitive and physical impairments as well as mental health disorders.
Jenna is passionate about the holistic benefits that sport and active recreation bring to the disabled community and is driven to enhance equitable participation opportunities for disabled tamariki and rangatahi.
Richard Lindsay, ARPro
Director of RSL ConsultancyRichard has been a member of Recreation Aotearoa since last century and was made a Fellow in 2021. He is passionate about the wider Recreation Sector and has worked in not-for-profits, local and central government and the private sector. He is the Managing Director of RSL, a consultancy working with a range of clients in the Recreation and Sport sectors.
Richard is married to Anna and together they have three (adult) children, meaning there is now more time for biking.
James Littlejohn
Co-founder & Secretary of AdaptMTBJames and his wife Kim created #AdaptMTB to promote the recreational benefits of adaptive mountain biking for persons with disability and their Whanau. Following a dirt bike accident in 1999, James has competed internationally in adaptive skiing and has also completed in both able-bodied and adaptive rowing at National and International Masters level.
Through his lived experience he has seen how technology has developed to enable the 20% of New Zealanders who have some kind of disabilities to enjoy outdoor recreational activities with their friends, and he continues to work to address barriers that limit participation.
Outside his not for profit work, James works at Southern Cross Health Society and enjoys family life in Maungakiekie with his 9 year old son.
Dave MacCalman
Senior Advisor at Halberg FoundatioinDave has had a wide range of experiences in sport and active recreation. A wheelchair user for forty years, Dave is an active hand cyclist, having ridden several times through France and completing two New York marathons. He has worked closely with local Councils to improve access into the great outdoors, particularly beaches across the Bay of Plenty, and trails in Rotorua and Mauao (Mt Maunganui).
Mark Mandeno
Director of Adventure Works LtdMark is an enthusiastic mountain bike rider. After a spinal cord injury 10 years ago, Mark rediscovered the joy of mountain biking. Mountain bike technology for people with impairments has advanced significantly in recent years, opening up opportunities for individuals with a wide range of abilities to safely experience recreational and adventurous activities in mountain bike parks and areas. He is now supporting #AdaptMTB's vision to make mountain biking more accessible. Mark also runs an outdoor education and training business, providing qualifications for outdoor leaders and supporting youth to engage in outdoor activities through school outdoor education, community, and adventure-based youth development programs.
Fiona McDonald
Education Outdoors NZFiona is Education Outdoors NZ (EONZ) chief executive, an outdoor education consultant, and lead auditor. As part of her role with EONZ she provides advice and support to schools on their safety management systems. She leads the review of the Ministry of Education EOTC Guidelines, the EOTC Safety management template and toolkit for the Ministry of Education. She works with Recreation Aotearoa to develop Good Practice Guidelines for outdoor activities.
Previously Fiona has worked as a PE and Outdoor education teacher, Head of Faculty, Assistant and Deputy Principal at high school level. Fiona strongly believes in the value of quality integrated inclusive systems across all of the activities and events that occur in schools.
Glenn McGovern
Spaces & Places Manager at Sport NZGlenn worked for 30 years in the parks, sport and recreation sector in Local Government. Since 2019 he
has been working for Sport New Zealand, where he now leads the Spaces & Places team.
Glenn is a keen tramper, ocean swimmer, cyclist and tennis player. He is also actively involved in pest
control and is an active backyard trapper.
Natalie McNulty
Adventure Series Development Manager at Scouts NZNatalie is a seasoned Recreation Advisor with over a decade of experience in marketing, management and youth advocacy within the non-profit sector. Focusing on uplifting youth voices, Natalie excels in fostering inclusivity and creating pathways for diverse communities. In all her roles she partners with schools and local community organisations to craft innovative solutions for youth well-being, guided by Ara Taiohi's Mana Taiohi Youth Development Principles.
Natalie's expertise extends to training staff in effectively engaging with vulnerable youth, ensuring their holistic safety and support. Her commitment to nurturing comprehensive youth development and inclusion makes her a valuable asset in building the resilience of communities she serves.
Natalie is on the Recreation Aotearoa Northern Region Committee, a Kia Rite Hoea Trainer and recently supported the writing of the Accessibility and inclusion in the outdoors.
Sarah Murray
Chief Executive | Kaiwhakahaere Matua at Recreation AotearoaSarah is our Kaiwhakahaere Matua Chief Executive. Her role is to lead Recreation Aotearoa towards Te Pae Tawhiti / our mission Te Whai Oranga – enhancing wellbeing through recreation. Her focus is to ensure we deliver quality programmes and services that support, empower, and inspire our members and stakeholders, and that Recreation Aotearoa is a strong voice for recreation in New Zealand.
Sarah joined Recreation Aotearoa in March 2023. Prior to this she worked for central and local government in roles that saw her working across parks and open spaces, outdoors, community recreation, sport and play. She has held several sector governance roles. She was a founding trustee of the Shift Foundation, and a Board member of Recreation Aotearoa and WORD Youth Adventures. She is also a long-standing committee member for Revolve, a (mostly) non-competitive cycling club focused on getting more women on bikes.
A keen swimmer, cyclist, kayaker and tramper, in her spare time she loves getting active and connecting with our natural environments.
Sam Newton, ARPro
Advocacy Manager at Recreation AotearoaSam is the Advocacy Manager for Recreation Aotearoa ensuring the voice of recreation is heard at the highest levels of decision making in Aotearoa/New Zealand. He has worked in many high-profile roles, including as a parliamentary advisor and General Manager of the New Zealand Alpine Club. He serves on the Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board and New Zealand Mountain Safety Council executive and is a trustee of the raham Dingle Foundation.
Sam is passionate about outdoor recreation, with a wide variety of interests including mountaineering, rock climbing, ski touring, tramping and mountain biking. He holds a BCom, a BA (hons.) and has been a recipient of a Sir Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship.
Katie Owen
Disability Inclusion Programme Manager at Recreation Aotearoa- PANEL - Neurodiversity at work
- Creating a wildly accessible Aotearoa
- Creating a wildly accessible Aotearoa workshop
Katie is passionate about enhancing opportunities for people with disabilities to be active across Aotearoa. As Recreation Aotearoa's Disability and Inclusion Programme Manager, she leads a national initiative to develop and champion standards, guidelines and advice to the active recreation sector, to ultimately improve access to recreation places and spaces for people with disabilities. Katie has a Bachelor of Physical Education from the Otago University, and Masters in disability coach education at the University of Waikato. She is also a recent Alumni of the Global Sports Mentoring Programme delivered by the University of Tennessee Centre for Sport, Peace and Society.
Elizabeth Parkin
Kaitohutohu Matua / Principal Advisor, Tūpuna Maunga at Tūpuna Maunga AuthorityLiz has been with Auckland Council for many years working in parks and open spaces. Since 2017 she has been working on various ground-breaking projects for the Tῡpuna Maunga Authority. A number of the projects she has led in conjunction with mana whenua, have received awards from industry organisations for their innovation and incorporation of te Ao Māori concepts and approaches.
Dr Nikki Penetito-Hemara
Co-Director of Kori Collaborative LtdNgāti Ranginui, Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Whakatōhea, Ngāti Porou
Born and raised in Manurewa, South Auckland, Māmā of 4, I'm a researcher, a disruptor of systems that don't work for Māori, a practitioner, a strategist, and a driver of positive social change for indigenous communities. We live and breathe tākaro, kori tinana and hākinakina in our whare. This means I love a good dose of competition, I embrace the concept of hīanga and I'm a bit of a haututū. He tīwaiwaka ahau nā Māui!
WP
Waimārie Povey-Nicholls
Kaiwhakahaere Hōtaka Kaipātiki at Auckland Council
Dr Kiko Qin
Kaiako at Te Wānanga o AotearoaQin Qin, commonly known as Kiko, investigates how cultural constraints influence ethnic groups' involvement in outdoor recreation in New Zealand. Focusing on Chinese students' outdoor recreation experiences, Kiko proposes an integrated approach to delineate cultural constraints in this area.
Before embarking on her PhD journey at Lincoln University, Kiko accumulated 12 years of experience in China’s tertiary education sector. Her aspiration to excel as an educator in leisure studies motivated her to pursue a higher degree. Currently, she serves as a Kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in the Literacy and Numeracy Services team. Kiko’s ultimate goal as a dedicated educator is to use outdoor recreation as a vital tool for engaging the ethnic community in Aotearoa.
Mere Rangihuna
Māori Participation Manager at AktiveNgāti Hine | Ngā Puhi | Ngāti Manu | Te Uri-o-Hau
Mere Rangihuna has over 30 years of expertise in sports governance, leadership, and management. Her extensive background spans across school, club, regional, and national levels, where she has built a strong reputation for her strategic vision and ability to foster collaboration.
Mere has held prominent leadership roles, including serving as the Team Manager for the Kiwi Ferns and the AVIS Magic Netball team (Waikato Bay of Plenty), and currently manages the Bay of Plenty Volcanic FPC team. Mere is an active member of WISPA’s He Wāhine Toa Kei Te Kokiri Rōpū, contributing to the development of the organisation’s refreshed strategic plan, playing a key role in supporting the delivery of the 8th IWG World Conference on Women & Sport.
In her current role, Mere focuses on building sector capability and supporting Māori organisations by strengthening their infrastructure. Her passion for strategy, connection, and collaboration is evident in her approach to bringing people together for greater impact at board and advisory levels. An example of this is through her dedication to Iwi of Origin.
Courtney Reid
Community Coordinator at Styx Living Laboratory TrustCourtney is an Environmental Educator, Author and Healer, with a background in Ecology, Parks & Recreation Planning and Community Partnerships. Her work is based in two paths, place and in people. She currently works for the Styx Living Laboratory Trust managing their environmental education program, teaching anyone from 4 year olds to grandparents about our natural environment.
In her spare time Courtney is writing, travelling (surveying local coffee spots!) and hiking with her fiance and dog.
Tracey-Lee Repia
Ama Te Waka Tairangawhenua at Auckland Council (1000)Ngapuhi, Ngāti Uenuku ki te manganui o te ao, Ngāti Porou
Tracey-Lee Repia is a manager in a specialist unit within Auckland Council called Te Waka Tai Rangawhenua, her wider team provides hybrid management support for board Governance and Operations, serving Kaipātiki, and 8 other co-governance/co-management boards. She has a background in Iwi treaty settlement, Law, Māori-Crown relationships, Business (Māori development) and Operations.
Jen Riley
Course Design Manager Pau Whakaahua Akomanga at Outward BoundJen’s mahi at Outward Bound NZ as Pou Whakaahua Akomanga, Course Design Manager includes working with partners to co-create courses with specific themes and working alongside kaiako to deliver impactful experiences for tauira.
She has been on her own journey in te ao Māori for many years, and now enjoys supporting her organisation to move along that path.
Adventure, people and te taiao are the foundations of Jen’s career, she has taught outdoor education in schools and tertiary institutions, and she was Outdoors Manager at Recreation Aotearoa.
She now lives and works at Outward Bound, in the Marlborough Sounds and raising her 8 year old son amongst the Outward Bound community and the 150 plus Outward Bound students who walk down the jetty every month.
Rebecca Rolls
Chief Executive at Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu RaunuiRebecca Rolls is the inaugural Chief Executive of Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui (the Commission). Her public service career includes investigation-related senior leadership roles with NZ Police, Serious Fraud Office and Department of Corrections, before she joined Sport New Zealand as the Diversity and Inclusion Manager in 2021.
From 2022, Rebecca led the team which established the Commission. This involved oversight of the development of legislation and organisational change to transition from Drug Free Sport New Zealand. The Commission has a broader integrity mandate, including competition manipulation (e.g. match fixing) and participant protection (e.g. safeguarding), alongside antidoping.
A former international athlete, she represented New Zealand in both cricket and football. She attended three ICC Cricket World Cups (1997 – 2005), two Olympic Games (2012 and 2016) and one FIFA Women’s World Cup (2015).
Brendon Rope, ARPro
Chair Midlands at smartz / Taradale Community Pool TrustWith over 25 years’ sport and recreation industry experience, across a range of roles and organisations (including regional and national sports organisational management, and sports facilities management), Brendon is now an Active Recreation and Sport Facilities consultant providing advice to sport, recreation and leisure related organisations across the motu.
Commencing his working career as Sport Development Manager at Sport Taranaki, Brendon has worked for regional and national sports organisations. He has hands on facility management expertise developed through his roles at Pettigrew Green Arena, Hawke’s Bay Institute of Sport & Health, and ongoing with the Green Family Taradale Pool.
A co-author of the recent reviews of the National Aquatics Facilities Strategy and the National Indoor Active Recreation and Sport Facilities Strategy, Brendon has also contributed to city and district planning projects, undertaken needs and feasibility assessments and authored business cases for facility projects.
Applying his experience, knowledge and community conscience, Brendon has been the driving force and catalyst to the successful reopening of the Green Family Taradale Pool and the ongoing success of the community outcomes it is providing.
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Councillor Greg Sayers
Councillor at Auckland Council
Koianake Sharples
Toi TangataBorn & raised on Hoani Waititi Marae, I developed the godly skill of dodging dishes!
Spending most nights at the marae and playing tag in the wharenui, I quickly learnt the importance of understanding your surroundings and wasn’t quite lucky when the poutokomanawa of Ngā Tūmanako gave me a solid hongi!
True story!
Being immersed with atua Māori sustains me. I find comfort in testing my ability to find the tranquil moments when atua present opportunities such as my first ever deep sea diving experience, being face to face with Tūmatauenga & watching the sun slowly drift behind the maunga while performing a site-check- it makes me feel so alive!
As a Lead Facilitator within the Mātaiao whānau, I am honoured I have the opportunity to be innovative in my approach when transmitting parts of the mātauranga I have attained over the years. I’m also confident that my tamariki and the many generations to follow are in good hands when I see all the mokopuna-decision our people are making. Maybe, back as a kid, the good ol’ hongi from the poutokomanawa gave me the very ‘lightbulb’ moment I needed.
Mātai i tōu ao!
JS
Emily Steel
Be. LabEmily has over 15 years’ experience working in both Australia and New Zealand in the Health and Disability sector. Trained as an Occupational Therapist, Emily continued her work in Public Health roles, which have enabled her to view her work through a person-first lens, gaining knowledge and capability around disability, equity and creating systems which empower people.
Emily joined the Be. Team in 2022 and is passionate about advancing and championing health and wellbeing outcomes for disabled people, their families and whanau leading to a more inclusive Aotearoa.
David Tait
Ambassador for Adventure, Fun & Safety at GO-4-12 Youth Adventure RaceDavid Tait spent his teenage years exploring the outdoors with his friends and they often created their own outdoor endurance events. This love of adventure and competition led him to race many multisport races and adventure races in New Zealand including the Southern Traverse and the Coast to Coast. In his mid-twenties, David studied at AUT and achieved a Diploma of Outdoor Leadership and he then spent about 25 Years working as an outdoor educator, event director and youth worker. During that time he created or took over the management of several adventure-based events including the GO-4-12, Triple Peaks Challenge, and Cape Challenge. He also established and ran an Outdoor Education Trust.
In 2006 David started the GO-4-12 Youth Adventure Race as he could see how people can learn and grow through training for and competing in an Adventure Race. David is still the event Director for what is now the TrackMe Adventure GO-4-12 Youth Adventure Race as well as working as the Ambassador for Adventure, Fun & Safety at TrackMe.
Simon Tattersfield
Active Environments Manager at AktiveSimon is the Active Environments Manager at Aktive in Tāmaki Makaurau. He has a background in urban planning and has worked in various planning roles, including delivery of community sports facilities, in local government and the private sector in Auckland, London and Melbourne. He has also spent time in governance advisory at Auckland Council.
Since joining Aktive in 2021 Simon has focused on tackling the challenges of delivering the sport and recreation facilities needed in Tāmaki Makaurau. Recently Simon was part of the Aktive team who lead a regional Long-term Plan advocacy campaign which resulted in an additional $35 million of funding allocated by Auckland Council to community sport facilities and led the development of the Tāmaki Makaurau Sport and Recreation Facility Priority Plan. Having spent many happy hours in community sport clubs in various countries around the world, Simon strongly believes in the importance of the sport and recreation sector to deliver inclusive, connected communities and a great quality of life.
Arshia Tayal
Parks & Facilities Advisor at Matamata-Piako District CouncilAfter graduating from Auckland University two years ago, Arshia jumped into their role as Parks and Facilities Advisor at Matamata-Piako District Council. They help drive the development, management, and maintenance of the Council's open spaces and community facilities. With a strong passion for environmental stewardship, Arshia infuses sustainability and inclusivity into every outdoor project.
Arshia passionately advocates for queer-friendly environments. Channelling their inner Leslie Knope, Arshia focuses on crafting supportive spaces for gender diverse individuals.
Kerei Thompson
Chair at Mākara Peak Supporters CommitteeKerei holds a Trade Certificate in Horticulture and Gardening (NZ), and Certificate of Arboriculture from the Waikato Polytechnic. Kerei became a fellow of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture in 2012 for his services to Horticulture Bark Limited and the NZ Gardens Trust.
In 1991 Kerei began operations in the private sector, forming a limited liability company which, since 1994, has traded as Bark Limited. From start-up, Kerei has overseen the company's steady growth to the point where, today, it employs over 100 people and operates across New Zealand, focusing on working in partnership, people and planet.
Bark has earned the reputation for delivering quality garden management in a diverse range of properties such as Government House Gardens, Parliament, universities, private colleges, large private estates, hospital campuses and the retirement village sector. Three of these properties hold National Garden of Significance status. The company has also won prestigious industry awards for it's management and care of some of these gardens.
Kerei became an assessor for the New Zealand Gardens Trust in 1995, extending involvement as trustee in 1997 and Chair 1998 - 2019. Kerei joined the Māraka Peak Supporter committee in 2021 and becoming Chair in 2022.
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Aimee Topia
Mātaiao ki Tāmaki Supporting Facilitator at Toi TangataAimee was born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau where she was fortunate to grow up within te Ao Māori, attending Kōhanga Reo, Kura Kaupapa and Wharekura. Growing up she was always involved in sports such as rugby league, touch, softball, Kī O Rahi and netball. As a young athlete, Aimee was fortunate to have been given opportunities to be part of high-performance programmes within netball and she hopes to see more Māori pursue their career within sports. When she’s not working or playing sports Aimee enjoys being outdoors and spending time with whānau.
Brittany White
Tennis NorthlandBrittany is based in Whangārei and works as the General Manager at Tennis Northland. In this role Brittany is responsible for all aspects of leadership, strategy implementation, regional capability support and programme management, with a drive to increase tennis participation across the Northland region. Prior to her role at Tennis Northland, Brittany worked in roles at Sport Northland, Paralympics NZ and Sport NZ. In a volunteer capacity, Brittany is Co-Chair of Generate NZ, an Aspiring Director on the Recreation Aotearoa Board, and a member of the Northern Regional Committee.
Rebecca Williamson
Data Analyst - Financial Strategy Department at Auckland CouncilRebecca Williamson is the Network Lead for Auckland Council’s Neurodiversity Staff Network. After being diagnosed with ADHD and noticing a gap in support for people with neurological differences in the workplace, she wanted to help build a more inclusive workplace where everyone can belong and to showcase some of the amazing capabilities that only come with neurodivergence.
Rebecca has a background in accounting, finance and events, and currently works as a Data Analyst in Financial Strategy. She is passionate about connecting people and hopes sharing her story inspires others to share theirs.
Catherine Wilson
Director Heritage and Visitors of Department of ConservationCatherine Wilson is the Director of Heritage and Visitors at DOC. The Heritage and Visitor team ensures the way we manage heritage and visitors on conservation land is sustainable and supports us to protect and enhance New Zealand’s natural, cultural, and historic heritage.
Catherine has had a strong focus on sustainability throughout her career; this has included working with businesses to improve sustainability, and in government she has worked on climate change, biosecurity and sustainability in the primary industries.