Play is one of the four ways Sport NZ supports New Zealanders getting active, alongside physical education, active recreation and sport. A child’s earliest physical experiences are through play and it’s also where they develop and practice life skills. Play allows children to experience fun, joy and laughter in a way that is important to them.

In the resources below, learn more about Sport NZ's commitment to promoting and advocating on the importance of play for tamariki and Aotearoa New Zealand. See the play principles that help guide our work in partnering and collaborating with others interested in play, and find out how you can encourage play and what to think about when designing spaces for children’s play.