Award-winning UK film maker and founder of the international “Wild Thing” movement, David Bond, will lead Auckland children in an Amazing Race at Barry Curtis Park, Flat Bush, on 12 March to celebrate National Parks Week (5-13 March).
“The Wild Network’s mission is to help children re-learn how to roam free, play wild and connect with nature,” says David.
“We believe all children should have the right to access the outdoors for play, learning, expression, and – ultimately – the development of a healthy mind and body,” he says.
Auckland Council agrees and is hosting a free David Bond inspirational talk during the Amazing Race: Wild Thing Edition, which starts at 10am on Saturday 12 March.
“While the children are racing around our course, finding checkpoints and completing challenges themed around being out in nature, adults can join in discussions with David about what we can all do to increase “wild” play for our children,” says Auckland Council Parks and Recreation Committee Chair, Councillor Christine Fletcher.
Wild play is unstructured outdoor play, where children’s imagination and exploratory skills are allowed to develop freely.
“Modern issues such as time-poor parents, busy roads, the rise of screen time, and our increasingly risk-averse culture all contribute to making it harder for us to let our children simply go outside and play. During Parks Week, we’re keen to show Auckland children just how easy it is to find a park and get outside,” says Christine.
Amazing Race: Wild Thing Edition
10am Saturday 12 March 2016
at Stancombe Road Carpark
Barry Curtis Park, Flat Bush.
Free.
For more information about the Wild Thing movement, go to wildnetwork.com.
