Leisure & Events
As the effects of globalisation, increases technology and the pace of life invade more and more areas of everyday life, free-time has become an increasingly precious and important resource. For those pursuing leisure lifestyles derived from consuming the ‘riches’ of the leisure market and for those who are experiencing a shortage of free time—a ‘time squeeze’--leisure may offer many benefits but also some costs. For the growing numbers of people looking forward to abundant free-time in retirement and for the increasing number of young people who are experiencing reduced activity levels, and problems of overweight and reduced fitness, leisure has never been more vital for ensuring individual and social health and well-being.
At the macro level, the social, cultural, environmental, health and economic significance of leisure and events have increased in Aotearoa/New Zealand and around the world. Leisure and events and areas that address these phenomena, including play, recreation, the arts, sport, festivals, celebrations, health and fitness, outdoor recreation, parks, entertainment and tourism, are important aspects of modern life and providing for these is an increasingly significant feature in modern economies. They can play a vital role in enhancing social capital and quality of life.
This Research Theme has been established to further knowledge and understanding of the ways leisure and events, and their associated forms, contribute to individual and social health and well-being, quality of life and social, cultural, environmental and economic development. Better knowledge of these broad phenomena will inform policies to maximize the benefits and minimize the costs associated with the production and consumption of leisure and events.
Latest News
Lincoln University Post Graduate student Bailey Peryman’s report “Surf break identification and protection in the Gisborne District” completed in July 2011 was received by the Environment and Policy Committee of the Gisborne District Council at its September 2011 meeting and the council agreed to prepare policy options based on a staff review of the report in the year commencing June 2012.
Surfbreak Protection Society submissions on draft Canterbury Regional Policy Statement
Minister of Conservation releases final NZ Coastal Policy Statement (on 28 October)
Professor Grant Cushman and Mr Bob Gidlow have been appointed as Editors-in-Chief of the World Leisure Journal for a three year term from 1 January, 2010 to 31 December, 2012. The Journal is internationally peer reviewed and has the role of stimulating and communicating research, theory, and critical thought in all areas that address leisure, including play, recreation, the arts and culture, sport, festivals and celebrations, health and fitness, and travel and tourism. The journal carries contributions on all kinds of leisure, from all relevant disciplines, and from all parts of the world.