About Us | Mō Te Rōpū Tākaro
Play Aotearoa is passionate about play.
Play Aotearoa is the leading national organisation promoting children’s play in New Zealand. We aim to make every child’s right to play a reality.
Our mission
To champion for a play friendly Aotearoa New Zealand with purpose, by collaborating and supporting tamariki, rangatahi, whānau, communities and professionals to improve children's play opportunities, and to provide tools and resources to increase knowledge and the importance of play.
Our vision
The future for Play in Aotearoa
We envision a future where Aotearoa New Zealand recognises tamariki and rangatahi as the experts on play, are treated with respect, their voices are heard, and they are allowed to play freely in their own way in order to discover, develop and grow.
We envision a future where whānau, communities and professionals are empowered by play, and are inspired to gain skills, knowledge and diverse capabilities Aotearoa New Zealand needs now and for the future of play.
Our work
Awareness
— Hinengaro
Play Aotearoa enhances awareness about the essential nature of play in accordance with Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Education
— Kuranga
We deliver workshops, educational courses and innovative programmes to share our expert knowledge to support those who wish to learn and grow in the play sector.
Good Practice
— Hanga
We promote the need for outstanding practice at all levels of decision-making and encourage ethical behaviour and inclusions where children and play are involved.
Policy & Research
— Kaupapa Here & Hurahura
We showcase the value of play through research and development of new information and best practices to enhance play for all tamariki and rangatahi throughout Aotearoa.
Empowering Communities
— Whakamana Hapori Whānui
We offer assistance and guidance to anyone in charge of or interested in delivering or creating information and materials for play.
Our story
It’s who we are
Our story is grounded in our values – it’s who we are, what we stand for and what we offer those around us. Good things come from Play Aotearoa and the more people that know our story, the greater chance we have to grow our voice and make a difference for all tamariki and rangatahi.
Our values represent what we believe in and who we aspire to be. At a time of unprecedented change, challenge and opportunity, our values guide our behaviours day-to-day, informing how we act, the decisions we make, and how we work with each other, children, and our communities.
Manaakitanga
We respect tamariki and rangatahi as members of a whānau and community, their rights and their right to play.
Whakamanawa
We proactively engage within our communities to strengthen and inspire opportunities for play.
Kaitiakitanga
We are champions for tamariki and rangatahi, and their play environments now and into the future.
Kotahitanga
Together we strive for wellbeing, belonging and mana across all ages.
Mātauranga
We share our knowledge, wisdom, understanding and skills to support communities to recognise the value of play.
Our team
We are the Play Aotearoa team.
Our team have come together with a shared vision, to create space for the children of Aoteraroa to flourish and grow by enabling them to do what they do best – to play. Each member of our team brings a unique perspective and by joining together we become a powerful force for positive change.
Become a member
We are the national voice for play in Aotearoa. We empower our members to champion a child’s right to play, deliver quality play experiences, and share knowledge and information about play nationwide. By joining us, you strengthen your network, gain access to discounts, and enhance your understanding of the significance of play in the lives of our whanau.
