Aroha, passion and ‘just really good at what he does’ are some of the terms used to describe Christchurch City Council’s Ben Rzoska.

The Recreation, Sport and Events Operation Manager can now add national recreation and sport award recipient to the list.

Ben received the Paul Stuart Memorial Award at the Recreation Aotearoa Awards for his outstanding contribution to the facility management sector. 

He has had a long career in the industry with twenty-three years in operations management, ten years in the front lines of the sector and five years in his current role for the Council.

Ben has worked to reduce landfill waste and has been actively transitioning recreation and sport facilities to energy-efficient systems while working to eliminate the use of fossil fuels.

Ben has a strong focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of staff and customers, and has led continual improvement in dealing with unacceptable behaviour including involvement in implementing the Council’s Be Cool Not Cruel campaign.

Head of Recreation, Sport and Events Nigel Cox says Ben has had a significant impact to the performance of the wider team and quality of services offered across Christchurch.

“Ben brings a lot of experience and an extremely common-sense approach, but what makes him unique is the huge emphasis he places on personal relationships and being people centric.

“Ben’s hugely deserving of this award for his dedication and hard mahi - we’re incredibly proud of him.”

Ben says it is an absolute privilege to be recognised with the Paul Stewart Memorial Award.

“It’s an honour to receive this award for my work in the facility management industry.

“I’m so proud to be involved in the sector I love – where we can make a difference to the people and communities we serve.”

Emerging Recreation Leader of the Year

Christchurch City Council Matatiki Hornby Centre Swim Education Team Leader Harry Roberts has been celebrated for his potential, leadership and contribution to recreation in the early stages of his career with the Emerging Recreation Leader of the Year award.

Harry has an extensive background in Surf Life Saving, beginning at the Council as a Lifeguard before moving to become a Swim Education Instructor, progressing through the ranks to Supervisor and now holding the Team Leader position where he leads 16 instructors.

Harry has a passion for learning to respect the water and water safety, and most recently was instrumental in the creation of the Swim Education programme at Matatiki Hornby Centre, developing new swim procedures and programmes.