The room is calm, but alive. Soft lights, gentle sounds, and space to breathe. Tamariki (children) take it in - no noise, no rush, no need to explain. Just a moment where everything feels right.
It was Sensory Fun Day at Ōtara Library on 29 April - part of Autism Awareness Month.
A day where tamariki didn’t have to adjust to fit in. Instead, the environment adapted to them.
All set at Ōtara Library.
Ōtara Library buzzed with colour, smiles, and laughter - offering snacks, sensory play, loads of bubbles, and calm spaces. Tamariki and their whānau (family) were free to explore, connect, and simply enjoy the day in their own way.
The beautiful smiles of the Ōtara Library kaimahi who made Sensory Fun Day happen.
The space was filled with soft play zones, sensory toys, art activities, face painting, goody bags, and quiet corners for when tamariki needed a breather. Music stayed low and calming, creating a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
Two stations stole the show — at the music zone, kids shook maracas, tapped drums, and filled the room with joyful sound. Nearby, imaginations ran wild as they built mini animal worlds in ocean, jungle, and farm-themed dioramas. The creativity, focus, and sheer joy were a beautiful thing to see.
One of two popular stations enjoyed by all.
Parents and caregivers were able to join in too, creating a shared experience that many said felt “peaceful and special.” One parent called it “hands down the best event they’ve ever attended."
"So thoughtful and well put together," shared one parent.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board supported the event as part of their ongoing commitment to inclusion and community wellbeing. Events like this build understanding and create a warm, inclusive space that celebrates neurodiversity and community aroha.
Chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia agrees adding, “Ōtara Library didn’t just host an event. They opened a door - to connection, to belonging, and to something even more important: a sense of safety and joy, right in the heart of the community.
“We’re proud to support events like Sensory Fun Day. Autism NZ says 96,000 Kiwis are diagnosed with autism - with plenty of local initiatives happening right here in South Auckland, it’s more important than ever that we foster understanding and create spaces where autistic individuals and their whānau feel truly seen, valued, and supported.
“A huge thank you to the Ōtara Library kaimahi.”
The pain station is always a hit.
More than just fun, this event helped raise autism awareness and showed what true inclusion looks like, not just in words, but in action.
But this event is not a one-off.
Ōtara Library is actively working to ensure the space is inclusive every day - not just during awareness events. Staff are learning how to better support sensory needs, with plans to make the library more autism-friendly.
Libraries and Council Services Assistant Naomi Stretton says the Fun Day was shaped with advice from autism advocates like ASD Dads and Pasifika Autism Support, helping tailor it to the needs of autistic tamariki and their whānau.
“If I could dream big,” Naomi says, “I’d create a two-day event—one for kids to play freely, and one for parents to connect, learn, and feel supported. A celebration for our tamariki, and a boost for those who stand beside them.”
A lovely Sensory Fun Day table for tamariki. Image: Ōtara Library.
The takeaway? Inclusion isn’t a bonus - it’s a responsibility. And it starts with listening, learning, and taking action.
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