Roadmap to improve rangatahi participation in recreation endorsed

A plan to break participation barriers in play, active recreation, and sport for vulnerable young people has been given the seal of approval by Invercargill City Council’s Community and Regulatory Committee.

The Roadmap for Improving Rangatahi Participation in South Invercargill, developed by Active Southland in conjunction with Council, aimed to identify practical ways to improve physical activity participation amongst those aged between 10 and 24.

Council Manager Parks and Recreation Caroline Rain said the report highlighted the need for smarter coordination of existing resources rather than major new investment.

“The strategic roadmap isn’t about new builds – it’s about working with all of our stakeholders, especially our young people, to meaningfully activate the community assets we already share so we are able to maximise the impact they have,” she said.

Active Southland chief executive Vanessa Hughey-Pol said the regional sports trust had appreciated the chance to work alongside Invercargill City Council in the development of the plan.

Collaboration was the key to ensuring investment was applied when and where it was needed the most, she said.

“This is a great opportunity for any stakeholder committed to equitable outcomes for young people to work together.”

Rain said the most-used spaces for rangatahi in the area currently included the South City Shopping Centre, Turnbull Thomson Park, and green spaces including Russell Square, the skate park, dog park, and rugby, rugby league, and cricket grounds.

Meanwhile, feedback had identified the most significant barriers to participating in recreation opportunities included cost, safety concerns around some public spaces, and a need to understand whether perceptions of lower service levels reflected reality or awareness gaps, she said.

The report emphasised the importance of keeping rangatahi involved in the development and implementation of the roadmap, rather than only at the consultation stage.

“If we want to make a meaningful difference, and mitigate some of those barriers or challenges that prevent rangatahi in South Invercargill from participating in active recreation opportunities, it’s their voices that have to drive the conversation forward. This work is about empowering the community to shape the spaces and opportunities that matter to them,” Rain said.

The full report is available online here