2-5 November 2026
IPA World Conference
Ōtautahi, Aotearoa | Christchurch, New Zealand
Join us in one of the world's greatest natural playgrounds, for the IPA World Conference. Bringing together practitioners, educators, researchers, policy-makers and businesses to connect, collaborate and help shape the future of play.
The theme of the conference is mahi auaha - innovating for play - and will explore bold, inclusive and culturally rich ways to create a world where all tamariki (children) have the right to play, their own way.
We’ll also dive into topics around kotahitanga - inclusion in play, and tākaro Māori - indigenous play - highlighting diverse voices, traditions and approaches that shape play across communities and cultures.
Champions for play
Play Aotearoa wants play to be recognised as vital to a healthy and happy childhood. We want Aotearoa to become a place where kids can explore, learn, and thrive through play - in their own way. We advocate for the child’s right to play and a play-friendly Aotearoa New Zealand.
Manaakitanga
We respect tamariki and rangatahi as members of a whānau and community, their rights and their right to play.
Whakamanawa
We proactively engage within our communities to strengthen and inspire opportunities for play.
Kaitiakitanga
We are champions for tamariki and rangatahi, and their play environments now and into the future.
Kotahitanga
Together we strive for wellbeing, belonging and mana across all ages.
Mātauranga
We share our knowledge, wisdom, understanding and skills to support communities to recognise the value of play.
About us
Who we are
Play Aoteroa is devoted to ensuring that every child in Aotearoa is able to experience a life enriched by play. We work alongside community groups, organisations and individuals to create opportunities for the facilitation of play by training, assisting, and facilitating an empowered exchange of ideas towards the provision of high-quality play experiences for every Kiwi kid.
Our work
Our play work
Time to play is crucial for a child’s development and happiness. Our work focuses on guiding and assisting groups and individuals tasked with the care of children to produce experiences which are play-focused. Play Aotearoa ensures that the child’s voice is heard, and we help shift play into a top-priority position by utilising the tools in our five key areas of development.
· Awareness | Hinengaro
· Education | Kuranga
· Good Practice | Hanga
· Policy & Research | Kaupapa Here & Hurahura
· Empowering Communities | Whakamana Hapori Whānui
Events
International Play Association World Conference
Join us in Christchurch for the IPA World Conference. Bringing together practitioners, educators, researchers, policy-makers and businesses to connect, collaborate and help shape the future of play. The theme of the conference is mahi auaha - innovating for play - and will explore bold, inclusive and culturally rich ways to create a world where all tamariki (children) have the right to play, their own way. We’ll also dive into topics around kotahitanga - inclusion in play, and tākaro Māori - indigenous play - highlighting diverse voices, traditions and approaches that shape play across communities and cultures.
November 2nd
Te Pae Convention Centre, Christchurch
Article 31
Play Aotearoa New Zealand / Te Rōpū Tākaro Aotearoa - Article 31
Play talk
National Grandparents Week Kōrero
By Moana Wereta and Jessica Worchel In acknowledgement of Grandparent’s week (27 October to 1 November 2022), Play Aotearoa would like to share pūrākau (story) and whakataukī (proverbs) that demonstrate the powerful connection between mokopuna (grandchildren) and tūpuna as it relates to te ao Māori (Māori worldview) (1).
Kua Timata te Kōanga – A Story of Whitebait
Jj woke from the loudness of the day. The manu (birds) were singing their waiata (songs), and the rays of Tama-nui-te-rā were shining bright through the window.
Haere Mai Kōanga!
As Tama-nui-te-Rā (personification of the sun) moves away from the whare (house) of Hine Takurua (personification of winter) and closer to Hine Raumati (personification of summer), we move into kōanga (spring).
Te Karanga a Kui (Kui’s Call)
The two kunekune pigs, Pedro and Piggles, were stranded. Their whare (home) was slowly being surrounded by a lake that was emerging with the weeks of heavy rain that had been battering Aotearoa.
Our partners
Thanks to our partners
Become a member
We are the national voice for play in Aotearoa. We empower our members to champion a child’s right to play, deliver quality play experiences, and share knowledge and information about play nationwide. By joining us, you strengthen your network, gain access to discounts, and enhance your understanding of the significance of play in the lives of our whanau.
