It’s official: the best recreation facilities are right here in Manukau
4th November 2009
Manukau Leisure stole the show scooping up three prestigious awards at the New Zealand Recreation Association annual conference gala dinner last night [Tuesday 3 November] at Napier’s Opera House.
The Manurewa Aquatic Centre (Ngaa Mahi a Rehia) won the NZRA Outstanding Pool Award and Te Matariki Clendon Community Centre won the Outstanding Facility Award. Both facilities are run by Manukau Leisure, whose inspirational CEO Brett Jude was also recognised with a highly coveted individual award – the Paul Stuart Memorial Award.
NZRA chief executive, Brendon Ward, says Mr Jude’s motivation and leadership has inspired greatness among his staff and Manukau Leisure appears to be achieving its vision of being a respected innovator and leader in the development of bold, relevant and customer focused programmes that deliver healthy and motivated communities.
“Brett leads by example, sets high standards and encourages others to succeed,” says Ward. “Last night’s results speak for themselves – the judges were very impressed with Manukau’s entries and they deserve the recognition they’ve received.”
Manukau Leisure’s CEO says he is humbled by the recognition but also proud of the hard work his staff put in. “In 2007 we transitioned from Council department to operating as a stand-alone business. In the two short years since, the company has exceeded expectations and I’m exceptionally grateful to all our people for their unwavering commitment to the communities we serve,” says Mr Jude.
The Manurewa Aquatic Centre’s dedicated staff were attributed to motivating and supporting local people to become fit and active. Services comprise three swimming pools (learn-to-swim, splash and leisure pools) including the city’s first deep water pool (suitable for underwater hockey and water polo), swim school, spa, sauna, on site physiotherapy and massage professionals, café, and a modern ‘Community Gyms’ fitness centre.
Te Matariki Clendon Community Centre’s young, dedicated, local staff directly contribute to it being a hub of activity within Clendon and Weymouth. The facility contains a single court basketball stadium, a Manukau Library (Manukau City Council), ‘Kauri Kids’ childcare centre, and a wharekai area with commercial kitchen.
NZRA confirm that developing successful partnerships with local service providers was a key element in the centre’s success – as was the enthusiasm and tenacity of the centre’s staff who have shown a commitment to marketing the centre, and have won buy-in and support from the local community.
Recreation professionals from all around the country attended the conference which focused on ‘Bridging the Gaps’ between the recreation industry and others such as health, education and sport.
“The awards are about thanking those people, and recognising those among them who raise the bar, develop innovative solutions and inspire New Zealanders to get active and healthy.” says Ward.
With Auckland dominating this year’s field, other worthy recipients included Manukau City Council and Isthmus Group Ltd for Outstanding Park (Sir Barry Curtis Park), and Auckland City Council for Outstanding Project (McKenzie Reserve).
Email Article