Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

Outdoor recreation
Outdoor recreation offers significant benefits to New Zealand through national identity,
health and fitness and the environment. The opportunities for outdoor recreation in New
Zealand are huge. Our landscape is an outdoor recreation-lover‟s paradise, but that doesn‟t
mean that we do not still need to foster participation.
We must work with the sector to improve coordination, strategic direction and to enhance
leadership. However, we must also recognise that the vast majority of outdoor recreation
activity takes place outside of any formal organisation. Accessibility and affordability of
outdoor recreation activities are therefore central to a thriving sector.
Labour will work closely with territorial authorities to ensure that outdoor recreation
opportunities are available to all New Zealanders and visitors to New Zealand at a
low cost but of first-rate quality.
The network of huts and tracks across public conservation land was significantly upgraded
by the last Labour government, and forms the backbone of our „outdoors infrastructure‟.
There are new lodges in place of old huts, more places to go to, tracks repaired, and new
ones to explore either by foot or bike.
This network is a significant asset. Not only is it valued by Kiwis, but our tourism sector
depends on it. And Kiwis expect their government to protect the quality of outdoor
recreational experiences – including walking, tramping, skiing, climbing, angling, swimming,
rafting, boating and mountain biking.
That does not mean only putting resources into „front country‟ facilities or huts on the Great
Walks, where many of the users are international visitors. The existing network of „back
country‟ huts and tracks is vital as well and should remain. A bivvy in the right place, for
example, can save lives.
Labour will continue to upgrade the outdoors infrastructure of huts, tracks and other
visitor facilities, including those in the back country.
Labour will promote the development of new outdoor recreational opportunities, for
example, walking and cycling trails on former railways land.
Health through sport and recreation
Labour in Government put a priority on programmes and campaigns to reduce obesity,
improve nutrition and increase physical activity. National has undone much of that work,
which is to the detriment of the overall health of New Zealanders.
There are large parts of our communities that are not sufficiently active to maintain basic
good health, and Labour believes that government can and should play a role in reversing
that situation. We need to involve our big budget organisations such as Health and
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