Policy & Research
— Kaupapa Here & Hurahura
Our research
— Ā Mātou Rangahau
We collaborate with individuals, groups and networks to provide information on policy development and other children’s play concerns. We ensure children’s voices are heard in developing and implementing play strategies and policies.
Our research activity is based on one of our key objectives – to ensure that the awareness and importance of play are acknowledged and put into practice. Our research aims to bridge the gap between policy and legislation and to inform future decisions about standards and policy matters across the play sector in Aotearoa.
Hautaka tākaro, a Play Aotearoa journal
Our mission is to provide a centralised place where knowledge can be shared and information can be passed along to all who contribute to our sector. The journal includes news about innovative ideas, emerging research, case studies, stories, opinion pieces, significant achievements, reports, policy ideas, future strategies, and other compelling information from within the sector.
We understand that information about play is sometimes difficult to capture with data, so to meet the needs of our community better, Hautaka Tākaro accepts submissions across written works, images, audio, and video – including interactive work – and more.
Research projects
— Rangahau Kaupapa
We commission several research projects each year – major and minor – to review the importance of a national play policy.
We also collaborate on projects with other individuals, groups and organisations where the research topic covers play and the child’s right to play. You can read more about our research projects in our members-only area.
Resources
— Rauemi
Learn more about Play Aotearoa’s research and the available resources by using keywords in our search tool, filtering by topic, or by content type (research programmes, projects, case studies, white papers, and resources).
We have a number of free resources available for the community to utilise, and more detailed information can be found in our members-only area.
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.
