The ability to play is a fundamental human right for children – but how can play be encouraged as an everywhere activity?
The Kaipātiki Local Board have played a key role in progressing the magic of play by adopting the 2025 Play Plan.
The Plan provides the board with guidance around future investment in play, beyond playgrounds and for the wider community, reflecting the belief that play should be an everywhere activity.
Local Board chair John Gillon says the plan helps the board allocate funding to play activities, especially around low-cost projects.
“Play and having fun is an important part of life, not only for children and youth, but for people of all ages. It supports learning and positive wellbeing, as well as physical, social and emotional development.
“While the board will continue to invest in structured playgrounds, equipment and playing fields, the plan explores low-cost initiatives, and other ways to create opportunities for play, such as in nature and in shared and open spaces. It also reflects our investment into community-led play, through third-party community partners offering events and activities, such as the Kaipātiki Community Facilities Trust.”
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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Beach activation programme
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Rangatahi climbing at Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre
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Sidelines Play Box (Local board-branded sports boxes gifted to local sports clubs)
The next steps for the board will be deciding which play components can be incorporated into the work programme.
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