Managers:
Play can happen pretty much anywhere: home, the backyard, the local green space or park. Sport Whanganui are strong advocates for the importance of play in our communities. We are committed to working alongside our partners and community to empower play and provide leadership and guidance so that Whanganui becomes “The Place to Play”.
Play stories from our community
Sport Whanganui stories and case studies featuring play in our communities.
Case study – Splash community stencils
Hooray for loose parts play!
Tū Manawa: Whanganui Toy Library
The Power of Play
The Power of Play is a report created by Sport NZ to better understand different communities’ perceptions and experiences of play.
Whanganui was one of six regions across Aotearoa to be profiled in the report, with tamariki, whānau, and stakeholders interviewed about how, when and where they like to play.
You can read the Power of Play – Whanganui report on the Sport NZ website.
At a glance:
- Tamariki in Whanganui spend more time playing per week than other children in Aotearoa*, and enjoy a diverse range of play activities.
- Children said they like excitement and challenge when the play, and their favourite ways to play are balls and wheels, water and games.
- Te Awa Tupua – the Whanganui River – is an important part of play and recreation in Whanganui. From waka ama to rowing, the awa is integral to many sports and activities here.
- Our creative culture influences a range of play opportunities for adults and young people alike.
* See references on p15 of the Whanganui Power of Play report
Tākaro Play Trailers
Have an event coming up? Or just want to get your neighbours together in your local park? Play Trailers are a fun, free resource to promote play and support healthy communities.
The play trailers are full of a wide range of play equipment, including tug-of war, giant jenga, kites, parachute, balls, backyard cricket, building blocks and much more.
The Whanganui trailer is a partnership between Whanganui District Council, Sport Whanganui and the YMCA, made possible via the Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund.
The Rangitīkei trailer is a partnership between Rangitīkei District Council and the Taihape Community Development Trust, made possible via the Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund.
The Great Whanganui Play Trail
Co-designed by Whanganui District Council and Sport Whanganui, the Great Whanganui Play Trail is a must-do for families. Built around existing infrastructure in the Whanganui city centre, the Trail encourages people to interact with the city in a new way: through play.
The Great Whanganui Play Trail inspires the imagination, gets the muscles moving, and creates a fun time for whanāu. Look out for new prompts and activities as the Trail is always evolving!
Collect your Great Whanganui Play Trail map from the Whanganui i-SITE or the Whanganui Regional Museum.
