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Come to the Outdoors Forum

Published 17 August 2017

When: 4 & 5 September 2017

Where: The Boat Shed, Wellington Waterfront

Registration (day two only):
Click here to register yourself / click here to register multiple people

Every year, the NZ Recreation Association holds the Outdoors Forum, a two-day gathering that unifies the outdoors sector and gives a broad view for people who may not ordinarily have the opportunity, time or networks to see the bigger picture. It provides opportunities for collaboration, discussion and recognition of achievements.

This year, on day two of the Forum, the NZ Walking Access Commission is working with the NZ Recreation Association to bring together people from the emerging community-driven trail building movement.

From pioneering groups such as the Te Araroa and Cycleway Trusts, to emerging volunteer-based groups across the country, there is a movement of people who are getting together and working with the Commission, local government and the Department of Conservation to build trails for walking, tramping, cycling and horse-riding across public and private land.

The workshops and talks on day two will examine the successes and challenges facing these groups, and identify ways in which we can all work better together for the benefit of locals and tourists alike.

Day two agenda (subject to change)

8:30am - 9:30am: Political panel (organised by NZRA) to hear political party's views on outdoor recreation  confirmed representatives from Labour, Greens, NZ First, ACT and The Opportunities Party

9.30am - 9.45am: Introduction to the day  Eric Pyle, NZ Walking Access Commission

9:45am - 10:30am: Tourism by design shaping the numbers and the nature of tourists that come to NZ Stephen England-Hall, Tourism NZ

10:30am - 11:00am: Morning Tea

11:00am - 12:15pm: Lessons learned from building trails shared experience from around the country. A panel discussion  Grant Fyfe, Upper Clutha Tracks Trust, Allison Roe, Matakana Trails Trust and Bill Wakelin, Te Araroa Wellington Trust

12.15pm - 1.00pm: Lunch

1.00pm - 1.45pm: Parallel sessions

1: Promoting the health benefits of outdoor recreation Helen Gillespie, DOC and Michelle Palmer, Ministry of Health

2: The Rise of Pay for Play Events and what this might mean for outdoor recreation in the future  Aaron Carter, Total Sport

1:45pm - 2:30pm: Future thinking from DOC and local government on outdoor recreation  Gavin Walker, DOC and Bryce Pomfrett, Auckland Council

2:30pm - 3:15pm: Accessing the outdoors for and with Iwi - TÅ«wharetoa and their journey: Tongariro and the Central North Island  Gina Rangi and Te Ngaehe Wanikau, NgÄ