Get Out and Get Active with Your Kids

For release 13 March 2012

Get Out and Get Active with Your Kids

New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) supports the findings of the Milo State of Play report released yesterday which showed that a high percentage of NZ children are not playing every day. The research found that children aged between 8 – 12 years face significant barriers when it comes to unstructured play, and therefore risk weight and brain development issues by not playing daily.

Andrew Leslie, NZRA CEO, in speaking with Sky News, concurred that our children encounter substantial boundaries around free play. “The competition for our children’s leisure time is huge – technology, homework and organised recreation or sport activities are just a few of the many factors keeping our kids from playing more,” Leslie commented.

Leslie believes that we are lucky in New Zealand to exist in a regulatory environment that is actually conducive to free play. There is a trend towards the provision of playspaces rather than playgrounds, designed to challenge our children; encourage them to use all of their senses and to experiment, while also actively engaging the communities in which they are located.

NZRA is working to support the providers of playspaces by delivering education and networking opportunities, from study tours and workshops to seminars and conferences. As a result of these educational and practical experiences, those working within the play industry in New Zealand are better equipped to provide more suitable play environments for our children.

Leslie points out that councils in New Zealand are now providing a range of playspaces, in addition to playgrounds, that encourage not only children, but also youth and adult play. “We can look to Auckland Council for inspiration. Auckland is part of a national pilot on play, playspaces and the re-design of playgrounds and behaviours of children and caregivers around play,” he notes. The importance of getting families out and playing has been recognised and is finding its way into council agendas.

“We are certainly not lacking in resources when it comes to outdoor play in New Zealand,” he comments. “Parents and caregivers however have a very important role to play in terms of encouraging more free play. Even with time constraints, it’s still achievable for most families to be more active. Parents should realise that just by going into the backyard or down to the local park, they are creating golden moments where they can engage with their children, let them experiment, and let them run free.”

Leslie highlights that the report shows we understand the importance of play, with 97 per cent of parents confident that play is “not only important but essential for a child’s development.”

“Though playtime often drops off the list of priorities, the fact that we appreciate its importance is a great first step towards ensuring our children do get outside and get active more often,” Leslie adds.

Media Release Ends…

New Zealand Recreation Association is a not for profit industry member organisation committed to promoting recreation and providing professional services to the recreation sector.

NZRA leads and supports the industry providers of parks, pools, recreation facilities and play. We believe recreation is vital to the wellbeing of New Zealanders.

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