Auckland Council is encouraging Aucklanders to enjoy themselves in the city centre with a range of activities to celebrate Play Week, an annual event that promotes physical activity, play and games.
Play Week is a national Sport NZ-led initiative promoting play as one of the top four ways to get active, alongside physical activity in school, active recreation, and sport.
Auckland Play Week runs from Friday 25 October until Sunday 3 November and Aucklanders are invited into the city centre to join in the fun, with a range of options to suit all ages; from junk play in Te Komititanga to an introductory course on Mahjong, street game design workshops, Dungeons and Dragons sessions and much more.
Community Committee chair Councillor Angela Dalton says Play Week is as an important initiative to help Aucklanders stay active and healthy, and Auckland Council supports Play Week as part of its commitment to ensuring Auckland is a thriving region for all.
“Play is vital – it’s how our tamariki and adults alike, learn to problem solve and get creative. Play Week reminds us that the possibility to play is everywhere, and we’re never too old to play! It’s proven to be great for mental health and wellbeing, and we’re encouraging Aucklanders of all ages to get amongst it for Play Week,” Cr Dalton says.
Dr Alexandra Bonham, author of Play and the City: How to Create Places and Spaces to Help Us Thrive, says initiatives like Play Week are important because play is essential for everyone.
“It’s how we relax and revitalise, build and maintain friendships, try new things, learn and innovate,” she says.
“Play allows us to have a go at doing things differently which opens up new ideas and opportunities. A city that is enjoyable to live in - providing welcoming spaces, plentiful resources, and an attitude of 'yes, you can' - is a playful city,” she says.
“Initiatives like Play Week make the case that children always benefit from having access to places and spaces that encourage play, and they serve as a reminder for adults that we too can tap into a playful mindset. Play should be everywhere and accessible to everyone, and during Play Week, it will be.”
Dr Bonham will be facilitating an Auckland Conversations panel discussion titled “How can we make Tāmaki Makaurau a playful city?”, as part of Play Week, to highlight the importance of play, why play should be ‘an everywhere activity’, and how play outcomes can be achieved in urban spaces. The panel will also share different perspectives on play and its importance in making Tāmaki Makaurau a welcoming space for all.
The Auckland city centre Play Week programme is supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate. All activities and events are family friendly and free to take part in and enjoy.
See the full Play Week programme here.
The Urban Room in conversation with Tim Gill – Urban Playground - How child-friendly planning and design can save cities.
Friday 25 October, 8.45am-10am - Online
Art and Play: A Photographic Exhibition
Friday 25 October, Sunday 3rd November - Ellen Melville Centre
Out and About - Pop Up Play
Saturday 26 October, 10am-1pm - Myers Park
Play in the Square – Te Komititanga
Sunday 27 October, 10am-3pm - Te Komititanga Square
Street Games Design Workshop
Tuesday 29 October, 6-9pm - Silo Park
Mahjong
Wednesday 30t October, 11:30am-1:30pm and 6-9pm - Freyberg Square/ Ellen Melville Centre
Play Urban Design Workshop
Wednesday 30 October, Time 4.30pm - 7pm - Isthmus Office Queen St
Auckland Conversations - How can we make Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland a playful city?
Thursday 31 October, 5.30pm - 7.30pm - Aotea Centre
Dungeons & Dragons
Friday 1 November, 11:30-1:30pm and 6-9pm - Freyberg Square/ Ellen Melville Centre
Mas-wrestling – A traditional Kazakh sport
Friday 1 November, 11:30-1:30pm - Freyberg Square
Play in the Square
Saturday 2 November, 10am-3pm - Aotea Square
Out and About - Conscious Kids
Sunday 3 November, 10am-2pm - Myers Park
City Centre Ride ‘n’ Seek
October 1 - 31, 10am-2pm - Myers Park
