Press Release

21 May 2009

Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Recreation Council Welcomed

Chief Executive of the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council Darryl Carpenter has welcomed the establishment of The Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Recreation Council.

The Outdoor Recreation Council will assist Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) by providing strategic advice on outdoor recreation in New Zealand.

“The Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Recreation Council will provide an independent and expert voice on outdoor recreation in this country. We fully support the Government’s initiative to better align and focus efforts across the sector and applaud the high calibre of appointments to the inaugural Council.

“The Mountain Safety Council looks forward to working closely with the new Council and SPARC and supporting the implementation of the Outdoor Recreation Strategy for New Zealand.

“The establishment of the Outdoor Recreation Council is a clear recognition of the importance of outdoor recreation in New Zealanders’ lives. We see this as an important step that enhances a sector-wide approach in outdoor recreation and one well-aligned to the Mountain Safety Council’s objective of enabling people to enjoy the outdoors safely.

“We welcome the opportunity to begin working with the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Recreation Council to see more people in the New Zealand outdoors, more often, safely,”said Mr Carpenter.

ENDS