Play Week 2026
Monday 19 October to Sunday 25 October
Play Week's theme is “whānau play where whānau are.”
Across Aotearoa, Play Week celebrates the many ways whānau play, including tākaro Māori, inspiring tamariki, whānau and communities to be active, have fun and connect with their people and place.
Wherever whānau are, play can happen; at home, at school, in parks and streets, at the beach or outdoors.
Play happens everywhere
Led by local communities and supported by Sport NZ, Play Week helps whānau enjoy play and tākaro Māori in the places that matter to them.
Play is how tamariki explore, imagine, create, take risks, solve problems and connect with others. It can be running, climbing, biking, building, chasing, dancing, making up games or exploring outside.
Play doesn't need to be expensive or organised. It works best when tamariki have the time, space and permission to play in ways that are fun and meaningful to them.
Tākaro Māori includes traditional Māori games, movement and recreation, as well as taonga tākaro (objects used in traditional Māori play). It connects tamariki and whānau to Māori culture, language, whakapapa (genealogy and connections), tikanga (customs and practices), pūrākau (stories) and place.
Tākaro Māori looks different across iwi, hapū, whānau and communities. Local leaders and practitioners help make sure activities are authentic, meaningful and connected to people and place.
Ways to get involved
There are lots of ways to take part in Play Week. Pick something that suits your whānau and community.
Play together at home
Be spontaneous and play with your tamariki – have a kanikani (dance) in the living room as you get ready for the day.
Share a favourite game
Teach your whānau a game you loved growing up or make up a new one together.
Explore tākaro Māori
Give tākaro Māori a go – guided by local knowledge holders or trusted resources.
Join or run a local event
Find a Play Week event near you or get your school, club, workplace or community group involved. You could even organise a Play Street with your neighbours.
Share your Play Week
Post your play moments with #playweek26 and show how your community is celebrating play.
