PARRISH EVANS
Wellington,NZ
Summary
Strategic and people-focused leader with experience spanning partnerships, policy, leasing, and programme delivery across sport, recreation, and community sectors. Currently seconded as Play and Active Recreation Partnership Lead at Wellington City Council, shaping strategy, leading a dynamic team, and advancing cross-sector partnerships to increase access and participation. Skilled in building team capability, developing systems that enable performance, and aligning strategy to culture and outcomes. Experienced in facilitating collaboration across Council teams, guiding public engagement, and supporting organisational change. Recognised for fostering a positive team culture, leading with empathy and clarity, and contributing to initiatives that strengthen both people and organisational effectiveness.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Play and Active Recreation Partnership Lead (Secondment)
Wellington City Council
07.2025 - Current
- Provide strategic leadership of the Play and Active Recreation team, including two Project Specialists and a Communications & Engagement Advisor.
- Lead delivery of Council’s Play and Active Recreation work programme, ensuring alignment with Council, regional, and national strategies.
- Shape and embed team culture around shared values of kotahitanga, pārekareka, manaakitanga, and auahatanga, fostering collaboration, trust, and innovation.
- Develop systems and processes that strengthen communication, planning, and reporting across the team and wider organisation.
- Oversee initiatives supporting equitable access and inclusion, working closely with partners such as Sport NZ, Nuku Ora, and Recreation Aotearoa.
Community Recreation Leases Advisor
Wellington City Council
02.2022 - Current
- Act as a connector between Council and community organisations including sports clubs, early childhood providers, cultural groups, and environmental organisations.
- Support groups through the community leasing process, ensuring clarity, compliance, and alignment with legislation, Council policy, and management plans.
- Represent Council at AGMs, community meetings, and public forums, supporting transparent decision-making and trusted relationships.
- Collaborate across internal teams to deliver integrated outcomes and improve systems for lease records, stakeholder mapping, and community tracking.
- Contribute to strategic policy work including Te Awe Māpara – Community Facilities Review and the Lease Policy Review.
Operations Manager – Community Pools
Wellington City Council
06.2020 - 01.2022
- Led daily operations across Council-run pools with a focus on safe, inclusive, and customer-centred service delivery.
- Built strong team culture through coaching, recognition, and clear communication.
- Led recruitment, onboarding, and professional development for staff and Duty Managers.
- Strengthened staff engagement by embedding shared values and continuous improvement practices.
Programme Team Leader – Recreation
Wellington City Council
11.2017 - 12.2018
- Led a citywide team delivering recreation and community programmes.
- Developed systems for staff training, programme evaluation, and service improvement.
- Supported partnerships and adapted programmes in response to community feedback.
Manager of Multimedia
Pacific University
09.2011 - 09.2015
- Led digital storytelling and marketing strategy for recruitment and engagement.
- Produced award-winning multimedia campaigns and mentored student teams.
- Created high-impact content across digital, video, and print platforms.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Video/Media Production and Business Administration
Pacific University
Forest Grove, OR01.2011
Skills
- Organisational Development & Culture Leadership
- Strategic Planning & Programme Delivery
- People Development & Coaching
- Cross-Council Collaboration & Facilitation
- Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management
- Policy Implementation & Strategic Alignment
Timeline
Play and Active Recreation Partnership Lead (Secondment)
Wellington City Council
07.2025 - Current
Community Recreation Leases Advisor
Wellington City Council
02.2022 - Current
Operations Manager – Community Pools
Wellington City Council
06.2020 - 01.2022
Programme Team Leader – Recreation
Wellington City Council
11.2017 - 12.2018
Manager of Multimedia
Pacific University
09.2011 - 09.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Video/Media Production and Business Administration
Pacific University
Recognition & Awards
Wellington City Council Council
- Leadership Award,
- P.S.R Contribution to Culture Award,
- P.S>R Community Partnership Team of the Year
Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
- Gold Award – IMS Landing Pages
- Silver Award – Student Recruitment Video
- Bronze Awards – Annual Reports & Magazine Design (x3)
Scholarships
- Jason Husband Memorial Scholarship, 2025 — awarded to leaders in the recreation sector who champion others and support peer development through projects that promote access, play, and active communities (Recreation Aotearoa)
Professional Development
- Tū Rangatira | Lead with Purpose – Nuku Ora & Tū Mātau Ora
- Crucial Conversations for Managers (WCC)
- Leading Teams Programme (WCC)
- Emerging Leaders Programme (WCC)
- Time Management (WCC)
- Presentation Foundations (WCC)
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