An investigation of youth group leaders' perspectives on recreation opportunities on Banks Peninsula, Canterbury, New Zealand

Abstract

‘Nature Deficit Disorder’, a concept coined by Richard Louv (2005), highlights a growing concern that young people are now spending so little time in outdoor environments that many are almost entirely disconnected from nature, a trend that has the potential to undermine the establishment of the next generation’s conservation ethic. Studies conducted in New Zealand suggest that more opportunities are needed to encourage families and young people into the outdoors (Reis, Thompson, Lovelock, & Boyes, 2010). In close proximity to Christchurch, Banks Peninsula appears to offer opportunities for urban youth to develop environmental understanding through outdoor recreation. The aim of this research was to understand the demand for local outdoor recreation opportunities among Christchurch-based youth groups, as well as to gauge support for the newly named walkway on the Banks Peninsula called the “Spine of the Lizard”. The research created a database of 150 local youth organisations that participate in outdoor recreation; conducted an on-line survey of youth organisation leaders (n=72); and undertook interviews with youth leaders (n=13). Key findings revealed that, while all interview participants acknowledged its recreation opportunity potential, relative to some other locations, Banks Peninsula is not currently a high-frequency outdoor recreation destination for youth groups. The majority of respondents (61%) reported that they would like to use Banks Peninsula more often for their groups’ activities. These findings and key recommendations will be presented within the context of broader debates about youth, outdoor recreation and social change.