Auckland Council is encouraging Aucklanders to enjoy themselves in the city centre with a range of activities to celebrate Play Week, an annual event that promotes physical activity, play, and games.

Play Week is a national Sport NZ-led initiative promoting play as one of the top four ways to get active, alongside physical activity in school, active recreation, and sport.

Auckland’s city centre becomes a giant playground for Play Week 2024

Auckland Play Week runs from Friday 25 October until Sunday 3 November and Aucklanders are invited into the city centre to join in the fun, with a range of options to suit all ages; from junk play in Te Komititanga to an introductory course on Mahjong, street game design workshops, Dungeons and Dragons sessions and much more.

All activities and events are family-friendly and free to take part in and enjoy.

Something for everyone

• Ellen Melville Centre for a Photographic Exhibition – a multi-media window installation that invites you to experience the creativity of loose parts play, as seen through the eyes of school children.
• Dungeons & Dragons sessions – for all ages, both families and newcomers are welcome to come and play.
• Play Urban Design Workshop – an open studio workshop with interactive engagements to explore, test and consider what a playful city could look like.
• Street Games Design Workshop – be taken through a fun game design process and play imaginative outdoor games using the kit of game props.
• Myers Parks Pop-up Games & Activities – have a go at one of the games and activities on offer by the Pop-Up Play team.
• Mas-Wrestling and Mahjong in Freyberg Square – a traditional and strength-based sport where competitors pull on a wooden stick to try and unbalance their opponent or come and learn Mahjong.
• Outdoor Soccer, Games & Cycling – jump into the mini-soccer Hungerball arena to test your skills and make some new friends while playing games, enjoying secret treasure hunts or buzzing as bees in the giant Bee Garden game.
• City Centre Ride ‘n’ Seek – check out the Loop and Ride ‘n’ Seek as you go! There are five interactive boards around the Loop where you can enter a draw to win fantastic prizes! The City Centre loop is a 6.7km network of off-road paths and protected cycle lanes connecting you to all the city centre has to offer.

Get amongst it for Play Week

Community Committee chair Councillor Angela Dalton says Play Week is an important initiative to help Aucklanders stay active and healthy, and Auckland Council supports Play Week as part of its commitment to ensuring Auckland is a thriving region for all.

“Play is vital – it’s how our tamariki and adults alike learn to problem solve and get creative. Play Week reminds us that the possibility to play is everywhere, and we’re never too old to play! It’s proven to be great for mental health and wellbeing, and we’re encouraging Aucklanders of all ages to get amongst it for Play Week,” Cr Dalton says.

Dr Alexandra Bonham, author of Play and the City: How to Create Places and Spaces to Help Us Thrive, says initiatives like Play Week are important because play is essential for everyone.

“It’s how we relax and revitalise, build and maintain friendships, try new things, learn and innovate,” she says. “Play allows us to have a go at doing things differently which opens up new ideas and opportunities. A city that is enjoyable to live in – providing welcoming spaces, plentiful resources, and an attitude of ‘yes, you can’ – is a playful city,” she says. “Initiatives like Play Week make the case that children always benefit from having access to places and spaces that encourage play, and they serve as a reminder for adults that we too can tap into a playful mindset. Play should be everywhere and accessible to everyone, and during Play Week, it will be.”

This article was written with information provided by Auckland City Council.

See more:

• Toys that have stood the test of time
• 50 play ideas from Kiwi parents