kitairewaai KiutatAreiai,

8TH & 9TH SEPTEMBER 2022

In September 2022, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland welcomed recreation professionals from across the motu to our annual two day conference which supports Generate's kaupapa 'to provide a launch pad for up and coming professionals'.

The whakataukī - ki uta tārei ai, ki tai rewa ai, guided our conference. The whakataukī is likened to the build and floating of a traditional waka. Onshore is symbolic of home and the sea symbolises the greater world – “How can we prepare now to ensure we succeed in the future”.

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from inspirational speakers, learn tools to enhance their career, and network with like-minded industry professionals.

Day two of the conference afforded attendees an opportunity to explore recreation in Māngere. Attendees were bussed out from the city, followed by a mountain bike over the newly completed Ngā Hau Māngere Bridge Project and around the esplanade before a tour of the facilities and operations of the Ambury Farm by the Auckland Council Park Rangers.

"I think the networking was the highlight. It was really inspiring to be able to talk to like-minded people who are so clearly passionate about their roles."

- Conference Attendee

"A highlight for me was the Mana Taiohi workshop with Ara Taiohi, presented by Simon Mareko. Young people/rangatahi are a key focus for me in my mahi, and I enjoyed learning about the Mana Taiohi framework, and working through practical ways to embed this. "

- Leanne Hammersley, Christchurch City Council

In September 2022, we partnered with Lincoln University to run a Speed Meet before their annual Sport & Recreation Forum. This was an opportunity for networking, where professionals could share more about our sector with students, and students could connect with professionals to find out how to be more involved in the sector (and maybe even secure an internship!). We’ve partnered with Lincoln University to deliver this event for a number of years now. Many of our members studied at Lincoln, so we always enjoy giving back!

Generate NZ had a huge presence at Recreation Conference 2022! It was awesome to see lots of Generate NZ members (both past and present) come together in Whakatū Nelson in November 2022. A huge shout out to Recreation Aotearoa for putting on such a great conference!