Sport NZ is leading the call to encourage tamariki, whānau and communities to ‘Come Out and Play’ during Play Week Aotearoa 2022.

Play Week Aotearoa 2022, which runs from 7 – 13 November, celebrates the value of play and highlights the importance of quality play opportunities and experiences for tamariki. 

Adults are also encouraged to remember how they used to play when they were young, and to recreate those play opportunities for their children. 

Sport NZ Regional Play System Consultant, Mark Curr, says Play Week is a time to remember, reconnect with, and celebrate play.

“We want people to take time out from their weekly activities and just play with their tamariki – at home, in their back gardens, neighbourhoods, local environments, or urban spaces.

“Play is the easiest way for our tamariki to stay active and happy, and to build new skills, which create a platform for a life of physical activity and wellbeing. This is especially important as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We encourage all parents and caregivers to be actively involved in play with their tamariki, so they can enjoy the life-long benefits that come from just getting out and playing.”

Communities across Aotearoa will hold events to celebrate Play Week, and to provide ideas that anyone can participate in.

“Play Week Aotearoa is being promoted around the motu by organisations including Regional Sports Trusts, Councils and schools, in an effort to share the importance of play with the communities they work with.  Street Festivals, pop up play areas and sidewalk chalk activations are just some of the ideas on offer to encourage tamariki and their whānau to come out and play,” says Mark Curr.

Play is at the heart of Sport NZ’s strategy to get Every Body Active, and the organisation is working with a national play system workforce to ensure all tamariki have quality opportunities to be active and healthy.

People can find out more about Play Week Aotearoa 2022 and all the events on offer at www.playweek.co.nz.

ENDS

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