Sam Strong

Sam Strong joined the PLF in 2023 as the Events Coordinator, and is currently a non-voting board member. Originally hailing from Canada, Sam began her career working in recreation and community programming, focusing on children's and youth sport and recreation programming. She also has been involved in the events industry, managing large festivals and events in Canada, and New Zealand. Sam holds a Bachelors of Sport and Recreation Management and a Masters of Parks Management from Lincoln University and a Diploma in Recreation and Leisure Services Programming from Conestoga College (Canada), and is an accredited ARPro professional.

Sam is a Senior Recreation and Open Spaces Planner at Thrive Spaces and Places. In this role, she works with local government agencies and other parks and recreation organisations in strategy development, and policy and planning work.  She also sits on the Generate Network as a Committee member and their Events Coordinator, and the Recreation Aotearoa Southern Committee as a Committee Member and Events Chair.