NZ Recreation Association backs Crown land decision.

There's been a resounding vote of confidence from the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) following the Government's announcement that Crown-owned land is to be better protected.

NZRA's Chief Executive, Brendon Ward, says the decision to ring-fence land that otherwise might have been sold off to developers and other commercial interests has been greeted enthusiastically by its members.

"Recreational land in New Zealand must remain sacrosanct so that there is always uninterrupted access to it, enabling benefits on several fronts," he said.

The physical, spiritual and mental health of New Zealanders can easily be compromised if easy access becomes a casualty of decisions at Government level, and too many kiwis are already overly inactive, so it's good news all round," he said.

He said that the initiatives from Government to tighten the protection for treasured Crown land come at a time when there's been a strong push from SPARC to activate more New Zealanders.

"With them, we're in the business of raising physical activities both indoors and outdoors, and the protection of the nation's recreational heritage is paramount.

"Recreational pursuits are right up there alongside the core values we all want to promote to encourage as many as possible to get sensible exercise," he said.

NZRA promotes recreation and provides professional services to the recreation sector.

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