Investing Beyond the Now: Building Recreation for Future Generations

By Richard Lindsay·Jul 2025·5 min read

Participation trends in the play, sport and recreation system are continuing to change. This change needs to be supported by strategies that can adapt - and recognise what has worked in the past is not likely to suit the future.

I've put together some thoughts on practical investment solutions that could be key elements of future strategy.

I'm grateful to Parks and Leisure Australia for publishing this in their Winter publication and Recreation Aotearoa Te Whai Oranga for enabling this.

Acknowledgments and thanks to Taranaki Foundation, Melody Mobsby, and Momentum Waikato Community Foundation for letting me highlight examples they are taking a lead on.

Get in touch with myself or Richard Lindsay if you want to know more.

Keep reading.

All insights →

Local Government Reform: What It Means for Recreation, Sport & Community Services

On the 7th of May the NZ government announced a 'simplification' of Local Government in New Zealand - proposing the replacement of regional councils and amalgamations of territorial authorities. RSL is releasing a four-article series to help the sector navigate it.

May 2026 · 6 min readRead →

Commercial Spaces in Public Places: Is it Time to Update the 1977 Reserves Act?

He Kupenga Mātauranga is a stunning new community facility in the heart of Greymouth. At the heart of the building is the modern library, complete with a cafe overlooking the awa, an indoor playground, study rooms and public computers.

Aug 2026 · 3 min readRead →

More Than Just a Pitch: Maximising Venue Utility with Junior Sport

It is always great to see Aotearoa's premier venues being utilised for junior sport. The latest example I witnessed was the Basin Reserve being used for under-12's football on a windy Wellington morning in the weekend.

Jun 2026 · 2 min readRead →