Get ready to laugh, move, and connect – Play Week Aotearoa is back from 20–26 October, and this year it’s all about celebrating the power of play with whānau. 

Play is a powerful way to bring joy, connection and lifelong benefits for children. This year we’re encouraging whānau to rediscover play and tākaro opportunities and get active with their tamariki in fun, spontaneous ways – no gear, no cost, just connection. 

Sport NZ Play Manager, Scott Mackenzie, says when parents and caregivers get moving, their kids do too.  

“When whānau play together, it strengthens bonds, builds confidence and sets tamariki up to enjoy being active for life. 

“Through play and tākaro opportunities, tamariki learn to move, connect and understand the world around them.” 

Research from Active NZ to be released later this month, supports the power of whānau play, showing that: 

• Almost 9 out of 10 children love being active with their whānau, as it makes them feel close and connected. 
• Young people are more likely to want to be more active when an adult in their household has the same desire.
• Spending time with whānau and friends is the second biggest reason tamariki choose to be active. The only thing that motivates them more is having fun.  
  Tamariki who enjoy being active with their whānau are more likely to meet physical activity guidelines.
• When we create play spaces and activities that suit different ages and include whānau, we help more tamariki and rangatahi stay active and happy.   

Throughout Play Week, communities will host locally led events and activations, supported by Regional Sports Trusts, councils and kaupapa Māori organisations.  

“Play isn’t structured or expensive – it can happen in the gaps of our daily lives and routines, so it’s just about making space for fun, movement and connection in everyday life,” says Scott Mackenzie.  

“Play brings communities together, it’s a way for families to connect, and it’s one of the most powerful tools we have to help children grow up active, confident and happy.” 

Play is at the heart of Sport NZ’s strategy, and we are working with a play workforce across the motu to ensure all tamariki have quality opportunities to be active and healthy, to reach their goals and achieve their full potential. 

Find out more about Play Week Aotearoa 2025 here: https://sportnz.org.nz/playweek/about-play-week/ 

ENDS 
  

Media contact: 

Michelle Pickles 
Group Media Manager 
Michelle.pickles@sportnz.org.nz 
021 833 244

Note to Editors: 

Further information on Active NZ research into whānau influence on young people being active here.