Play isn’t just something kids do — it’s how people of all ages learn, grow, and connect with the world around them.
In Ōtara-Papatoetoe, play in more forms is getting a big boost.
The Ōtara-Papatoetoe local board has just adopted its 2025 Play Plan — a fresh, fun approach to making sure everyone, no matter their age or ability, has plenty of chances to play. Whether that’s at the park, outside school, or in the neighbourhood, play is being made more accessible and inclusive across the board.
The plan helps guide future investment in play – not just in playgrounds, but across the wider community – based on the belief that play should be part of everyday life, everywhere.
Chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says it sets the direction for future decisions and funding, opening more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy play.
“Play is part of how people connect, grow, and enjoy where they live. From climbing trees and playing tag in the park, to relaxing in shared spaces or skating with friends — it all matters. That’s why the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Play Plan matters. It’s a bold step toward making play part of daily life — not just in playgrounds, but in parks, schools, churches, marae, libraries, streets, and town centres.
“A Samoan proverb says, "E le se tasi e ta'a'alo ai le taaloga – e ao ona iai uma vaega." The game can’t begin without all the pieces. This plan is our way of bringing everyone together — council, community, schools, churches, sports clubs — to back play in all its forms: climbing trees, dancing in the street, kicking a ball, or simply hanging out.
“It’s a commitment to a future where Ōtara-Papatoetoe has the fun, safe, welcoming spaces our people deserve.”
What's in the plan?
The plan offers a wide range of options for the local board to incorporate wider play activations, such as:
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Playful street art
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Playful installations
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Installed adventurous nature spaces
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On-site adventurous nature spaces
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StoryWalks
An overview of the play elements being considered.
Next steps
The local board’s next step is to decide which play ideas can be included in their action plan — this is the plan that turns local priorities into real projects in the community, showing what’s happening, where, and when.
Play is the real hero here. After all, even Spider-Man needed somewhere to climb, swing, and connect with his neighbourhood.
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