Sam Strong

Sam Strong joined the PLF in 2022 as the Events Coordinator. 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. After living in Australia, Sam moved to Aotearoa, re-qualifying through Lincoln University undertaking a Sport and Rec Management degree with a double major in Events, which introduced her to the world of parks planning.

Currently, Sam is a 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 their Events Coordinator, and the Recreation Aotearoa Southern Committee as the Secretary and Events Chair. Sam is also completing her Masters of Parks Management at Lincoln University to be completed in 2025.