International Approach to Parks and Open Space.

30 August 2006

International Approach to Parks and Open Space at Green Pavlova

What is Green Pavlova?

Green Pavlova is a national conference for New Zealand's recreation and parks industries co-hosted by Waitakere City Council and the New Zealand Recreation Association on 4 and 5 September at the Trusts Stadium.

Most of the presentations and field trips are centred on Waitakere's current practices in open spaces including parks, sports fields, cemetery and playgrounds.

Two international speakers will converge on Waitakere early next week to discuss approaches to recreation and open spaces which can be applied in New Zealand.

"This is an exciting opportunity to learn about what's happening in the UK and US and particularly to hear from our resident experts whose work in recreation and parks continues to enhance Waitakere," says Chairman of the City Development Committee Penny Hulse.

"There's such a lot of work being done in Waitakere that goes on without a great deal of fanfare such as empowering the community to protect the environment through the Green Network and Project Twin Streams.

"The council is focused towards involving the community when it comes to enhancing open spaces - so the design is not just what 'the council' wants; the process is becoming more inclusive," says Councillor Hulse.

The Executive Director for Groundwork in the UK, Ingrid Emerson is highly experienced in the field of community engagement in area/green space regeneration. She will speak about Groundwork's thousands of yearly projects that target neighbourhoods damaged by decline and neglect, creating opportunities for people to learn new skills and make better, safer and healthier neighbourhoods.

Award winning landscape architect and President of the NZ Landscape Architects Association Renèe Lambert will highlight the importance of public open space design and place-making in the creation of truly livable cities and inspiring public open spaces.

This is the first time Green Pavlova has been held in Waitakere. Last year's conference was held in Christchurch.

For more information/registration forms go to the website www.greenpavlova.co.nz or contact:

Brendon Ward, Chief Executive Phone: 04-801 9364 or 027-2242070 Email: b.ward@nzrecreation.org.nz

Or

Debbie Chapman, Conference Convener Phone 021-2786195 Email: Debbie.Chapman@waitakere.govt.nz

ENDS

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