With the effects of globalization, increases in technology and the pace of life invade more and more areas of everyday life, andfree-time has become an increasing precious and important resource. 1For those pursuing leisure lifestyles deriving from consuming the 2"riches" of the leisure market and for those who are experiencing a shortage of free time—a " time squeeze" leisure may offer many benefits but also some costs. For the growing number of peoplelooking forward to abundance free time in retirement and for the 3increasing number of young people who are experiencing reduced activity levels, and problems of overweight and reduced fitness,leisure has never been vital for ensuring individual and social health 4and well-being. At the macro level, the social, cultural, environmental healthand economic significance of leisure and events have been increased 5in New Zealand and around the world. Leisure and events and areasthat address these phenomenon, including play, recreation, the 6arts, sport, festivals, celebrations, health and fitness, outdoor recreation, parks, entertainment and tourism, are important aspectsof modern life and providing for these are an increasingly significant 7feature in modern economies. They can play a vital part inenhancing social capital and quality of lives. 8 This research theme has been established to farther knowledge 9and understanding of the ways of leisure and events, and their associated forms, contributing to individual and social health and well-being, quality of life and social, cultural, environmental and economic development. Better knowledge of these broad phenomena will inform policies to maximize the benefits and minimize the costs associated to the production and consumption of leisure and events. 10