Significant SPARC funding boost for Outdoors NZ

Press Release: Outdoors New Zealand
Wednesday 1 September 2010
 
Significant SPARC funding boost for Outdoors New Zealand

A nearly three fold increase in SPARC funding will better enable Outdoors NZ to deliver on the shared vision for outdoor recreation contained in SPARC's outdoor recreation strategy.
 
“We are very happy with the outcome of the new contestable funding strategy and pleased that SPARC saw value that Outdoors NZ can provide to SPARC and to the wider outdoor recreation sector” said Paul Chaplow, CEO, Outdoors NZ.
 
“We appreciate the opportunity this funding round presents in enabling us to assist SPARC in delivering the its recently released Outdoor Recreation strategy. This strategy is key to increasing participation in the outdoors of New Zealand and Outdoors NZ will play a leading role in providing the sector with  governance, leadership, sector co-ordination and capability required” said Mr Chaplow.
 
SPARC has supported Outdoors NZ from its inception over 10 years ago but this significant increase in funding recognises the key role of Outdoors NZ has as the peak body in providing sector leadership in outdoor community. ONZ will receive $975,000 over three years.
 
“The increased funding and the fact that it is over a three year period rather than the previous approach of year by year funding means we now have greater certainty and can increase our capability, capacity and ultimately strengthen the outdoor recreation sector and ensure safer and more enjoyable outdoor participation activities".
 
Outdoors NZ is being funded to provide sector leadership and to develop and deliver “OutdoorsMarkTM”. OutdoorsMarkTM is a national outdoor safety assurance audit designed specifically for organisations involved in outdoor education, outdoor recreation, and adventure activities The timing of SPARC's support for OutdoorsMark is particularly good given the Government's decision around the Adventure Tourism Safety Review, where it will be compulsory for commercial providers of outdoors experiences to undergo safety audits.
 
As part of the funding increase, Outdoors NZ will undertake an 'organisational development tool' with SPARC which provides a comprehensive review of capability and performance of the organisation as well as a clear direction for any improvements that may be required.

“With the Outdoor Recreation strategy in place and the contestable funding complete, we look forward to getting on with the job at hand”.
 
Outdoors NZ’s vision is to see people in New Zealand enjoying the opportunity for positive outdoor recreation experiences through a coherent, vibrant, and effective outdoor sector.

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