How We Get Projects Moving

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

Needs Assessments, Feasibility Reports and Business Cases 

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 in planning and operating facilities. All feasibility studies that we complete meet the requirements of all major funders.  

RSL undertakes Business Cases and is qualified to facilitate the Better Business Case process. 

See Our Needs Assessments, Feasibility Reports and Business Cases Project Summaries →

Spaces and Places Planning and Master Plans 

We complete a range of Local, Regional or National Facility Plans to understand the current state and future needs of communities for play, active recreation and sport. 

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

We also complete Master Plans to understand future requirements for community, sport and recreation spaces. 

See Our Spaces and Places Planning and Master Plans Project Summaries →

Strategic and Operational Support

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

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

See Our Strategic and Operational Support Project Summaries →

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.  

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 where people are active and healthy. 

See Our People, Programmes and Play 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