Sport Canterbury has been working with Ihi Aotearoa to advocate for well-connected neighbourhoods through play.

This work is part of the Neighbourhood Play System, a model developed by Sport NZ. This system aims to grow play in neighbourhoods through projects co-designed with schools, kura and the local community. It takes a locally-led approach by striving to understand and build on community strengths.

Read more:

• Partnership to enhance Play opportunities
• Skate the city
• Let's Play at Home

The model acknowledges that Play happens throughout the neighbourhood and community, including driveways, streets, parks, reserves, green spaces and alleys. 

It aims to address knowledge gaps about the planning, design, and implementation of informal play systems.

The goal is to encourage active play in spaces and communities, supporting positive outcomes for play.

Each Neighbourhood Play System project places the tamariki at the centre of the process, including the voices of their whānau and the community. Tamariki can share where and how they play, and what helps or hinders their ability to play at school and in their neighbourhood.

The Neighbourhood Play System approach aligns well with schools and communities, especially those involved in Healthy Active Learning. It also connects with the local council and various community stakeholders.

Many people already support, advocate for and enable Play. The Neighbourhood Play System model formalises this mahi, encourages collaboration (internally and externally), and outlines a way to support a sustainable approach to developing and maintaining the right conditions for quality play for tamariki in a defined neighbourhood and community.

The Neighbourhood Play System reports serve as a guide to encourage collaboration in supporting the opportunities identified. Sport Canterbury is monitoring the progress of these opportunities as they develop.

Enhancing the quality and accessibility of Play Systems in local communities supports all tamariki in developing a love for Play and physical activity, both of which are vital for their physical and cognitive development.

This infographic outlines the impact of our Neighbourhood Play System projects.

Click on the following links to see the Neighbourhood Play System reports that have been undertaken in the Waitaha Canterbury region:

• Ara Tū Whakatā Gilberthorpe School
• Bishopdale School Te Kura Papakōhatu
• Darfield Primary School
• Grantlea Downs School
• Haeata Community Campus
• Te Kura o Cobden School
• Te Kura o Matarangi Northcote School
• Te Manu Tukutuku South Hornby School

Read more about the Neighbourhood Play system model and reports from around the motu on Sport NZ's website.

Article updated: Tuesday, November 11, 2025