How We Get Projects Moving

Your partner in improving the community wellbeing of Aotearoa with better informed people, facilities, places and spaces.

Needs / Feasibility Studies

We complete assessments on the viability of sporting and other community facilities, no matter what the size. Ranging from aquatic centres to indoor courts, high performance training centres to community centres and sports clubrooms we have it covered.

A feasibility study is a vital part of any proposed facility. Our independence allows us to bring together a study that is impartial and is based on years of experience of facility planning and operations. All feasibility studies that we complete meet the content requirements of all major funders.

See Our Needs / Feasibility Study Project Summaries →


Spaces & Places Plans

We complete a range of Local, Regional or National Facility Plans to understand the current state and future needs of sport and the communities that it operates in. 

Historically facility development has often occurred in isolation. A facilities plan takes a broader approach and looks how each facility operates within a networked approach.

See Our Spaces & Places Plan Project Summaries →


Strategy & Operational Support

We help you close the loop and learn from the past before embarking in new directions. Reviewing previous strategy work allows us to help shape your planning processes for better results.

Too often an idea is pursued without considering the past context. Our review work allows you and your partner organisations to gain exceptional clarity of purpose before embarking on your next planning cycle.

See Our Strategy & Operational Support Project Summaries →


People & Programmes

Having a facility without people using it is like having a new bike without a cyclist. We work with organisations to bring facilities to life. We offer programme solutions that will ensure facilities thrive.

We can work alongside your organisation to help develop recreation and sport programmes (and other revenue generating strategies) that can be easily implemented within your facility. The end goal of this approach is a vibrant, busy facility means people are active and healthy.

See Our People & Programmes Project Summaries →


Our Proven Process

At Recreation Sport Leisure Consultancy we pride ourselves on implementing a methodology that not only ensures completion of your project, but guarantees you are listened to and the final product is uniquely yours. The following diagram illustrates our approach.

  • We begin by attentively hearing your vision, ensuring every detail and aspiration is thoroughly understood to serve as the foundation of our collaborative journey.

  • By revisiting past strategies and drawing insights from historical data, we ensure that our approach is informed and contextual, eliminating the chance of overlooking valuable lessons.

  • Drawing from our extensive experience in sport, recreation, and leisure, we amass pertinent data, insights, and best practices to ensure our recommendations are comprehensive and on the mark.

  • We meticulously assess the collected information, diving deep into the intricacies of your project, from feasibility studies to the operational nuances, ensuring every angle is considered.

  • With a keen understanding of both the big picture and granular details, we craft strategies and programmes tailored uniquely for your needs, ensuring the vibrancy and longevity of the facility or initiative.

  • We don't just stop at strategy; we ensure the tangible realisation of our joint vision, overseeing the project's successful execution and ensuring your objectives are met or exceeded.

  • "Richard Lindsay's experience and insight delivers significant value to recreation and sport projects. He can contribute to international sporting facility planning or a local community pool and walkway development. His approach is particularly refreshing and engaging connecting to the range of stakeholders that contribute to this work. Whether your need is a detailed objective report or a philosophical discussion over a cup of tea I fully endorse Richard's capabilities."

    David Bailey – Recreation Services Manager – Christchurch City Council

  • "When it comes to consulting within the sport and recreations sector, it’s hard to go past Richard Lindsay. With over 20 years professional experience working in local and central government, combined with his working knowledge and understanding of both the sport and recreation systems, he’s an asset to any consultancy project. From facility development, to the formulation of strategy, or policy review, he’s done it all. His cost effective and pragmatic approach, combined with a customer focused, relatable manner makes him an asset to our sector."

    Julyan Falloon – Chief Executive, Sport Canterbury

  • "Richard is a passionate, committed, articulate and knowledgeable professional who will add value to any project. I thoroughly enjoy working with him and would not hesitate to work with him again if the opportunity arose."

    Alison Law, Parks And Recreation Manager, Kāpiti Coast District Council

  • “I must say it is a pleasure to work with a consultancy that is knowledgeable and able to deliver appropriate solutions in a timely manner.”

    Bill Steans, Parks and Recreation Manager, Timaru District Council