Auckland Council invites all Aucklanders to join in on Celebrating Play this October – an inaugural month-long programme of engaging, free or low-cost, activities spread right across Tāmaki Makaurau, all dedicated to play.
A complement to Sport NZ’s annual Play Week (20 – 26 Oct), Celebrating Play extends the initiative out to a month, highlighting the importance of play and encouraging Aucklanders of all ages to participate. Celebrating Play also expands the scope of the programme from being largely city centre focused to being spread out across the region, offering Aucklanders more range, more opportunity and more fun.
Auckland Council’s Play Portfolio lead Jacquelyn Collins says play is more beneficial, and therefore more important, than people might think.
“If only Aucklanders realised what a vital activity play is, for young and old, we’d get serious about the topic,” Ms Collins says.
“Play isn’t just essential for the physical, social and emotional development of our tamariki, it’s crucial for adults as well. Play brings movement and joy into our lives. At a certain point, as we age, we disconnect from it but we shouldn’t allow this to happen,” she says.
“Play is something we can and should participate in at every stage of life and Celebrating Play reminds us to do just that. These events are scattered throughout North, South, East, West and Central Auckland, so no matter your location, your age or your interests, you’ll find something suitable for you and your whānau - allow yourself to revel in it, let it spark something in you and enjoy.”
As part of the Celebrating Play programme and in partnership with Bupa NZ, an Auckland Conversations event on 21 October at Aotea Centre will be solely dedicated to ‘the serious business of having fun’. Here, leading experts will explore the topic and touch on Auckland Council’s work and dedication to support play and fun for all Aucklanders.
Other events include ‘Back in the Day Play” in Te Komititanga for a nostalgic blast from the past, the ‘Imaginary Worlds’ Kids and Whānau Festival at Auckland Art Gallery, The Great Mahjong Showdown at Ellen Melville Centre that you won’t want to miss, the opportunity to embark on epic adventures through Dungeons and Dragons sessions, and much more.
Councillor Desley Simpson, Deputy Mayor, says it’s great to see this sort of initiative available for Aucklanders and encourages all to make the most of the offerings and play along.
“We want to see Aucklanders happy and enjoying their day-to-day lives in our vibrant city so having these opportunities brought to life throughout Tāmaki Makaurau is a real treat. We hope to see Aucklanders of all ages having fun and celebrating play”.
The Auckland city centre Celebrating Play programme is supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate while regional events are supported by the local boards involved. All activities are free or low-cost and family-friendly.
Visit OurAuckland for the full Celebrating Play programme.
