Adam Gard’ner joins the team at Sport Canterbury with a passion for creating positive change through play, sport and recreation.

He takes on a brand-new role of Play Systems Innovator within Sport Canterbury’s Healthy Families Christchurch initiative.

Adam’s key responsibilities will be to identify opportunities to influence and create change in order to increase quality play opportunities and environments in Christchurch.
He also aims to build relationships with community leaders, government partners and systems stakeholders. This is to amplify existing initiatives, and influence planning and investment. The hope is to positively impact the ability for communities to access quality play environments and to support physical activity through play.

Having called Christchurch home for the last 45 years, after a 14.5-year stint overseas, Adam now resides with his wife and children on the same street in Prebbleton that he grew up on with his parents and brother. When asked what he loves most about living here, he comments on “the strength and love that our community show and the beautiful nature all around us.”  He also loves that, “the city is embraced by the Port Hills on one side, the Southern Alps on the other, rivers and sea.”

Following an 18 month stint at Tennis Canterbury, Adam is familiar with the work of Sport Canterbury.

“I have got to know quite a number of the team during my previous role at Tennis Canterbury. I have always been impressed with the positive culture that is felt when you walk through the door. Everyone is friendly, supportive and caring.” He adds: “I respect what the Sport Canterbury team does in our community in influencing sport, physical activity, play and wellbeing, and I have been very interested in being a part of this for some time.”

Since beginning his new role in April, Adam has valued the support that is shared by the wider team. “I have learned that everyone is passionate about influencing positive change in our communities through play, sport and recreation.”  He also believes that there is wonderful opportunity to connect with our communities through the mahi that we do.

Adam has worked in physical activity for 30 years, predominantly in tennis, but also across other recreational activities. He has enjoyed a lifetime of playing and coaching tennis and was a coach developer for 19 years. In addition, he also worked with athletes with disabilities and has been involved with modified programmes. He holds a deep love of the great outdoors and the opportunities it provides to be active and experience different places.

Together with his wife Lucy, the Gard’ners have three children who have grown his love for learning about physical activity. “Young people have a creative perspective on play and recreation, and it is great to learn from this. I am very interested in how play opportunities can be provided for all generations.”

Adam looks forward to making a difference to the team and wider community in his new position by developing strong relationships with fellow team members as well as learning from them. “I am excited about the opportunities that my role as Play Systems Innovator will provide for engagement with the wider community.”

Welcome Adam, we look forward to seeing the spark you will bring to this exciting new role.

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