Amazing things can happen when you pair passionate people who share a playful vision for their city and those who are dedicated to advocating for play.

Thanks to the Te Hau Kori partnership between Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa and Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University, Aotearoa now has its first formal postgraduate qualification in “play”, as part of the Master of Physical Activity and Hauora programme.

The Play Lab tool, which uses universal design, helps teachers, teacher aides and learning assistants support students to learn through movement. It focuses on tamariki whaikaha (disabled children) to find their strengths and build confidence in all learning contexts.

New soft play equipment at a Far North primary school is helping neurodiverse tamariki to grow in confidence and ability. The students now have a safe space for them to freely express their sensory and energy needs while also supporting their physical, social and emotional development.