We get Recreation,
Sport and Leisure
projects moving.

We support organisations across Aotearoa to make informed decisions about their people, facilities, places and spaces.

See Us In Action
New series

Local Government Reform

A multi-part guide for the recreation, sport and community sector navigating amalgamation, rate caps and reform. Read the overview, then work through each part as it lands.

Latest - Part 03 - Oct 2026

Local Government Reform: Delivery Models Most Likely to Succeed

Amalgamation drivers - consistency, scale, simpler delivery - sit uneasily with the mix of council, club, trust and volunteer models that keep sport and recreation going in many communities. What reform could put at risk, and five principles for not losing what already works.

Read the latest article →
About RSL

RSL undertakes projects and offers strategic advice throughout Aotearoa to enable community well-being. We support organisations to make informed decisions when it comes to people, facilities, places and spaces.

What we do

Four practices.
One trusted advisor.

RSL undertakes projects and provides strategic advice throughout Aotearoa - supporting organisations to make confident decisions.

01

Needs Assessments, Feasibility Reports and Business Cases

We complete assessments on the viability of sporting and other community facilities, no matter what the size. From aquatic centres and indoor courts to high-performance training centres, community centres and sports clubrooms.

Explore practice
02

Spaces and Places Planning and Master Plans

We complete a range of local, regional and national facility plans, along with master plans, to understand the current state and future needs of communities for play, active recreation and sport.

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03

Strategic and Operational Advice

Whether it is a complex strategic review or an important operational issue, we help organisations to find solutions.

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04

People, Programmes and Play

We work with groups to develop strategies for play, active recreation and sport, and to bring facilities to life. We offer programme solutions that will ensure facilities thrive.

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What we've done

From Kaitaia to Invercargill.

Every pin is a project we've delivered - coloured by practice area, right across the motu.

Delivering nationwide

The work,
on the map.

From feasibility studies to regional strategies, we partner with councils, trusts and clubs the length of the country.

150+
projects delivered
Nationwide
across every region
8+ years
guiding the sector
Explore all our work
Christchurch City Council
Client
"Richard Lindsay's experience and insight delivers significant value to recreation and sport projects. His approach is particularly refreshing and engaging connecting to the range of stakeholders that contribute to this work."
David Bailey
Recreation Services Manager · Christchurch City Council
Sector support

Backing the sector that backs communities.

At RSL, we take immense pride in championing the vitality and progress of the recreation, sport, and leisure sector. The team at RSL has been involved in various capacities in the sport and recreation sector for over 30 years. Here are just some of the ways RSL supports the sector:

01

Internships

RSL provides internship opportunities for students studying in the sector. Internships are customised as much as possible toward a student’s interests and future career aspirations.

02

Sponsorships

RSL supports industry groups through sponsorship opportunities. RSL sees the value in industry professional development and networking and therefore sponsors the Recreation Aotearoa National Conference. RSL has also supported other industry groups through contributions of time or financial support.

03

Mentoring / Peer Support

Individuals within the RSL team actively contribute to the career development of many young professionals through mentoring, both formally and informally. RSL team members also actively participate in sector peer reviews and are often invited to serve on industry panels.

Let's talk

Have a project on the horizon?

We'd love to hear about it. A short conversation goes a long way to seeing whether we're the right fit for what you're working on.

Start a conversation