News & Media Releases
Play Week 2026: Whānau Play where whānau stay
Play Week is back from 19 to 25 October, celebrating tamariki and their right to play. This year’s theme, Whānau play where whānau are, is a reminder that play can happen anywhere — in parks, community spaces, neighbourhood streets, backyards, playgrounds, libraries and anywhere whānau naturally spend time together.
Sport Bay of Plenty is encouraging parents, whānau, schools, organisations and communities across the region to get involved by creating more opportunities for tamariki to play in everyday places.
Play does not need fancy equipment, organised activities or big budgets to make a lasting impact. Often, all tamariki need is time, space and permission to explore, imagine, move, connect and have fun in ways that bring them joy.
Whether it is climbing trees, making up games, playing sport, building forts, rolling down hills or simply mucking around with friends, play helps tamariki learn, grow and thrive.
Get involved during Play Week
Throughout Play Week, Sport Bay of Plenty will be sharing ideas and local opportunities to help whānau make play part of the week. We would love to see how your whānau plays — whether that is at home, at school, at the park, at the beach or out in your community.
Keep an eye on Sport Bay of Plenty’s channels for Play Week activities happening across the region, and join us in protecting and promoting play in everyday life.
| WHO | WHAT | WHERE | WHEN | DETAILS / LINK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ōpōtiki Library and iSite | Whanau play passport | Ōpōtiki Library | All week | https://www.odc.govt.nz/our-services/library/events-at-te-tahuhu-o-te-rangi?category=te-tahuhu-o-te-rangi |
| Western Bay District Council libraries | Scavenger hunt craft sessions |
Waihi Beach , Te Puke, Omokoroa, Katikati libraries | All week | + Play Scavenger Hunt — Waihī Beach, Katikati and Ōmokoroa + Craft sessions making air-drying clay noughts and crosses sets -Waihī Beach Oct. 20 from 3 - 4 pm and for the home-school community Oct. 21 from 11 am - 12 pm Katikati Oct. 22 from 3 - 4 pm + Hop scotch- Waihī Beach |
| Nature Library | Whānau Nature Play Day | Waihi Beach | Sunday 25 October 10-2pm | https://www.sportbop.co.nz/news--events/events/whanau-nature-play-day/ |
| Katikati Community Centre & Katikati Community Led Development | Whānau Play Day | Katikati Skateboard grounds at Moore Park | Friday 23 October 3pm-6pm | Free, whānau-inclusive Playweek event -postponement to the following week if weather prevents delivery. -Drop-in skate ramp -Dunk tank -Bubble wands -Rippa rugby, soccer, and ultimate frisbee — delivered by Katikati Rugby Club, Katikati Soccer Club, and Katikati Ultimate Frisbee Club, -Play trailer -Lolly scramble. -Sausage sizzle, fruit, and water |
| Te Puke Collab | Re-create and play! | Te Puke Baptist Church | 20 October 3:30-5pm | We will collaborate with Keep Te Puke Beautiful and ICONZ to deliver the event, bringing together a range of activities and expertise to create an inclusive and interactive experience for tamariki and whānau. The Play Trailer will be there too |
| Rotorua Lakes Council | Whānau Play Where Whānau Are | Rotorua CBD | All Week | Poi and tītītōria will be placed in selected public spaces for people to take, try and play with, creating spontaneous opportunities for whānau to connect through movement, play and mātauranga Māori. There will be a poster explaining play week and hooks with the poi and tītītōria to hang from inviting people to use, play and take home with them. |
| Nga Kakano | Mārae play Day | Te Puke | Play and learn traditional games like pōtaka and poi toa, a whānau friendly day of tākaro! | |
| Tauranga historic Village | Bub's Play Day | Historic Village | What's on Tauranga: https://www.historicvillage.co.nz/whats-on/event-details/tctl/26688_eventdetails/event/4f0dee38-0318-423a-9d6c-73cf1155bbf8 |
Download a copy of the Play Passport and ecourage your tamariki to fill it in during the week.
