NEW ZEALAND PARKOUR ASSOCIATION | Developing and Teaching Parkour in New Zealand
THE NEW ZEALAND PARKOUR ASSOCIATION

The New Zealand Parkour Association (NZPA) was formed in 2010 by some of New Zealand's most experienced and passionate Traceurs, to assist in the healthy development of our discipline and the growth of New Zealand's Parkour scene. The NZPA aims to share the spirit of Parkour and make training more accessible nationwide.

The NZPA was developed with the assistance of the Australian Parkour Association. We have formed a strong relationship with our neighbouring community, and we will continue to work closely with the APA to build upon and create a positive and consistent future for the Parkour community.

The NZPA was developed and is run by New Zealand Traceurs, so they will always put New Zealand Parkour first and strive to create a stronger community for its people. The NZPA is a charitable organization which was formed to benefit the people of New Zealand. Any profits made by the association are cycled back through the organization in order to maintain and develop our community.

On May 6th, 2011 the NZPA was gifted the name Tauhōkai Aotearoa by Te Haumihiata Mason from the Maori Language Commission. 'Tauhōkai' (Pronounced 'toe-hawk-eye') = to glide [flow], move quickly, reach. This describes the manner in which a traceur/traceuse glides fluidly over their terrain. 'Aotearoa' = New Zealand

 

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The purpose of New Zealand Parkour Association is to provide an organization dedicated to the original spirit and principles of the discipline of Parkour. To do so the association and its members will endeavour to:

  • Act as the umbrella organisation for the New Zealand Parkour community.
  • Promote the accurate teaching and portrayal of Parkour.
  • Maintain the ethics of Parkour and to pass on these ethics to all practitioners.
  • Develop a positive image of Parkour and its dedicated practitioners within New Zealand and abroad.
  • Provide the opportunity for individuals to learn about and participate in Parkour, a holistic alternative to other modern day physical activities.
  • Provide a supportive training environment to help all participants realise their potential.
  • Lead by example and promote the safe practice of Parkour in New Zealand.
  • Develop links between Parkour practitioners in New Zealand and between global Parkour communities.
  • Promote health and wellbeing through the practice of Parkour.

 

What is Parkour?

Parkour is about learning to move better, so that you can be strong, resilient and useful.

Parkour is...

  • MOVEMENT - It involves honing the skills of running, jumping, vaulting, crawling, climbing and any other technique that works to move precisely, quickly and efficiently.
  • PRACTICAL - We train movements that can be applied in any real world situations where it becomes necessary to reach or escape.
  • HOLISTIC - Parkour means training to be mentally as well as physically strong; using methods of training that are sustainable in the long term.
  • ALTRUISTIC - Practitioners use their training not just to better themselves but their community as a whole.
  • PERSONAL - Being individual and non-competitive, parkour is all about personal progression; meaning there will be variation in our training methods, experiences and end results. One traceur/traceuse (male/female practitioner) may not overcome a physical or mental barrier in the same way as another.

    • Therefore, Parkour is a non-competitive discipline and philosophy that focuses on passing physical and mental barriers in ones path for the purpose of reaching or escaping and using that ability to help others while living a life of continual personal progression.

    While we will always promote whole parkour, we realise that everyone's journey is unique to them and may not include everything Parkour is. Whether you do this for fun or fitness, or as part of your training for your own pursuits, hobbies or career, we simply encourage you to train responsibly, progress carefully, and consider how you can use your strength to help others.

     

    THE NZPA COMMITTEE

    As an incorporated society we have a committee made up of NZPA members, who oversee the operation of our association. These committee members are volunteers and Traceurs, so they keep the interests of the association at heart.

    Membership of the NZPA although encouraged, it is not necessary for attendance and access to our events and services. There is no obligation to join the NZPA unless you would like to be involved in developing and teaching Parkour in New Zealand.

    More information on membership of the NZPA can be found on our membership page.

    Our New Zealand Parkour Association comprises some of New Zealands most dedicated and experienced Traceurs/Traceuses. These people are either national representatives or local representatives of our association. The committee meets on an annual basis and when topics arise concerning the association or its members as required by the Incorporated Societies Act 1908.

     

    COMMITTEE MEMBERS

    EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

    President - Ryan Mattingley (Wellington)

    Vice President - Damien Puddle (Hamilton)

    Secretary/Treasurer - Leanne Jenkins (Wellington)

    REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

    Auckland - Solomon Riversage

    Waikato - Damien Puddle

    Bay of Plenty - Arepa Ohia

    Manawatu - Joseph Lowcay

    Greater Wellington - Max Bell

    Tasman Region - Aren Olsen

    Christchurch - Hannah Johns

    Southland - David Tressler

    ADDITIONAL BOARD MEMBERS

    Tere Turner (Wellington)

    Andy Pedley (Abroad)

    Wilf Godfrey (Christchurch)

    Tim Rogers (Christchurch)

    Rowan Worthy (Wellington)