A Visit to Vivo in Calgary

By Richard Lindsay·Jun 2024·3 min read

I was very lucky to visit the Vivo for Healthier Generations Center in Calgary today (www.vivo.ca). Just wow. Thank you so much to Cynthia Watson for taking time out of your busy schedule to show this kiwi around. I look forward to hosting you when you come down under.

Cynthia's enthusiasm and passion for the kaupapa / purpose of this place was infectious. Vivo truly is a remarkable centre that receives no operations subsidy from Council. It certainly is a centre where "a space becomes a place for the community".

I will post a more detailed write-up at some point.

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 →