An Upper Clutha resident has been named among the winners of Recreation Aotearoa’s 2021 Outdoor Awards.

The Outdoor Awards celebrate and recognise individuals and organisations that have been successful in significantly improving outdoor recreation outcomes for participants and clients. 

The Supreme Award - given to an individual with mana and outstanding leadership in the outdoor sector - went to Luggate resident Rachel Moore. 

Rachel thanked the organisation for the award and said receiving it meant “a great deal” to her.

“I’m very proud to be part of our outdoor recreation sector,” Rachel said. 

Recreation Aotearoa CEO Andrew Leslie said Rachel had been a “significant advocate” for the outdoors through her work with organisations including Hillary Outdoors, Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) and the Department of Conservation (DOC) over the past 30 years. 

“She has helped lead the charge on developing and establishing ground-breaking resources and safety guidelines for the adventure activities sector,” Andrew said.

During a nine-year stint at TIA, before her move to DOC, Rachel led work to implement findings from the 2009 government review into safety in the outdoor commercial sector, led the industry to establish the SupportAdventure website and the processes for developing Adventure Safety Guidelines, and was a finalist for the Women of Influence Awards for her work influencing policy and leading change in the adventure tourism sector. 

The keen tramper and kayaker said she was proud to work in the industry. 

“It’s a privilege to work and play with so many fantastic people who truly champion Papatūānku, who live life to the full and who strive to connect others with our outdoor places.”

Other award recipients included Outward Bound’s ‘Mind Body Soul’ programme, which earned the Outstanding Event/Programme Award; Te Awanui a Rua received the Māori Outcomes Award; and Discover Waitomo received the Environmental Leadership Award.

Andrew said New Zealand was lucky to have many outstanding programmes, operators and individuals working hard to create outdoor opportunities. 

“It’s important for us to recognise these efforts and celebrate the benefits that come with them.”   

PHOTO: Supplied