The education of New Zealand recreation workers

Abstract

This thesis describes the development of recreation education in New Zealand. The term 'recreation' is discussed and various definitions are considered in Chapter One. The major agencies which have provided training courses are described in detail, including the School of Physical Education at the University of Otago, the YMCA and the Society of Physical Education. The Government has taken a lead in the provision of recreation services on two occasions (1937 and 1973) and the programmes resulting from two Acts of Parliament are considered in full. The recent involvement of Government through the New Zealand Council for Recreation and Sport is described and comparative developments in England, Australia and Canada are included. The thesis concludes with a consideration of possible future trends. Appendices include profile data on New Zealand recreation workers and a chronology of the development of recreation in New Zealand.