Building a National Play System – Lessons from Aotearoa

What if play wasn’t just an afterthought in our cities and communities but a key driver of wellbeing, connection, and liveability?

At the first IPA Asia Pacific Play Conference in June, Sport New Zealand will take us inside their nationwide play strategy, sharing how they’ve built a comprehensive play system that ensures play is everywhere, from city centers to rural towns.

For the past eight years, Sport New Zealand has been on a mission to create a structured, interconnected play system that supports children’s wellbeing, development, and access to play.

        In this session, Mark will share:

• The framework behind Aotearoa’s play strategy
• How play has become an integral part of urban planning & policy
• The impact on community wellbeing, and what other nations can learn from their approach

Making Play an Everywhere Activity – Building a National Play System

Meet the play champions shaping New Zealand’s play landscape at the local government level. This panel of city leaders will share insights into how they’ve successfully embedded play in their communities, and how we can apply these lessons globally.

From play-friendly urban planning to government engagement, this discussion will reveal how play can be a powerful tool for city transformation.

New Zealand is proving that play isn’t just a pastime, it’s a pillar of strong, connected communities.

Let’s learn from their journey and bring play into the heart of our own cities.

June 25–27, 2025 | Melbourne, Australia

Secure your spot today! Register Here