Waka Takaro - Play Trailer | Central Hawke's Bay District Council

Waka Tākaro; Central Hawke's Bay Play Trailer

Waka Tākaro is a mobile community play trailer. It’s a partnership between Central Hawke’s Bay District Council and Sport Hawke’s Bay made possible via the Tu Manawa Active Aotearoa fund.

The purpose of Waka Tākaro is to support and empower our communities to understand and appreciate play and, create more opportunities for local play to happen more often for more people.

Educators are telling us that this resource presents a superb opportunity for authentic learning and engaged students.

Waka Tākaro offers children opportunities for free, creative play. Essentially, it’s a trailer-load of gear which we hope will drive playfulness in CHB Communities. It includes anything from bats, balls, nets, timber, PVC pipes, tennis balls, and recycled items.

Play Activator

Waka Takaro Play Trailer 4

“Kia Ora,

Ko Blanche Paewai-Ashcroft toku ingoa

I am the CHB Play Activator and here to encourage, teach and promote Play to our beautiful community. I am the mother of 3 busy active young boys and have had over 10 years’ experience in the ECE sector, after school programmes and supporting local Playgroups.

My Role as the Play Activator is to support the community with Play by providing the Waka Tākaro at different events both planned and spontaneous, to encourage Play and be an educator of different forms of play as well as the benefits we all get from Play.

So keep an eye out for me and the Waka Tākaro at an event, park or hot spot near you!'

To find out more information visit our webpage at www.chbdc.govt.nz and search Waka Tākaro or speak with Blanche by calling 06 857 8060 or email playactivator@chbdc.govt.nz

Why Is Play Important?

“Play is where children practice life”

Play is essential for growth in cognitive, physical, social and emotional development. It builds fundamental physical literacy, fosters creativity and innovation, builds ability to identify and manage risk. Play contributes to not only children’s lives but also the wellbeing of their families, whānau and wider community.

Sport New Zealand has developed seven Principles of Play that advocate for the importance of play in young New Zealander’s lives.

Play Benefits

Empower children through open ended play with loose parts
Allow a Holistic view when children are playing
Tamariki will be able to play an active role in their community
Loose play promotes relationships between family members and the community

Tamariki are able to feel a since of wellbeing and belonging while being out in a welcoming community based environment
Tamariki are able to explore using different materials
Thinking skills will be put to the test and developed through loose parts play
Rangatahi can support and boost confidence within tamariki when engaging in play
Supports all ages with stress and anxiety by being able to provide a relaxed environment within the community