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The Neighbourhood Play System
A new approach to creating play in communities
What is the Neighbourhood Play System?
The Neighbourhood Play System is an exciting approach to urban play design that places the key stakeholder – tamariki – at the centre of the process. They can tell us where they play, how they play and what’s preventing them from playing more at school and in their neighbourhood.
Supported by Sport NZ, Neighbourhood Play System brings together a school or kura, local organisations and community groups who work together to bring to life play projects that suit the needs of their tamariki and communities.
Kauri Flats School, Auckland
Data shows that tamariki in Counties Manukau are spending significantly less time in their daily lives playing or being physically active, with an average of 4.74 hours dedicated to “play” over a seven-day period. This statistic was front of mind when developing this Neighbourhood Play System Report for Kauri Flats School in Takanini – a fast growing suburb, with low consideration of play opportunities for tamariki and their whānau.
Western Heights and Aorangi Primary Schools
Positive changes have been made in the neighbourhood around Aorangi School, Rotorua, to encourage tamariki to play on the way to school. The video above shares the impacts resulting from a Neighbourhood Play System report and collaboration between Sport Bay of Plenty, Rotorua Lakes Council, Aorangi School and their community.
Neighbourhood Play System reports
Find out more in these Neighbourhood Play System reports for a range of schools around Aotearoa New Zealand.
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