Play time the focus for local community

East Gore is one of four neighbourhoods in New Zealand which has been chosen to pilot a community play initiative.

It will be supported by Active Southland, the Gore District Council and Sport New Zealand.

The initiative will seek feedback on how people within the area want to see play improved.

Consultation with the community will happen in the next couple of weeks.

Once survey results were compiled, organisers would investigate ways to put the initiative into action.

East Gore principal Wendy Kitto is looking forward to introducing new ways to play as a part of...
East Gore principal Wendy Kitto is looking forward to introducing new ways to play as a part of the new initiative. PHOTO: VALU MAKA

East Gore School principal Wendy Kitto said she was excited about the opportunity to make the community an even better place to live.

She hoped to see most of the community get involved.

“We’ve got a really awesome little community here in East Gore, including a lot of young families. How cool would it be if East Gore became as famous for play as Gore is for the Gold Guitars and giant trout?”

Active Southland tamariki lead Shan Jensen-Loach said play was an important part of growing up, but many children were not able to play the way past generations had.

“It’s no secret play is under threat in New Zealand, and across the globe. Opportunities for tamariki to explore and grow through play are being limited by a range of factors including the use of technology and perceptions around safety.”

This initiative was about more than play on playgrounds, she said.

‘‘We don’t know what the end result will look like because that’s for the community to help us with. But the goal is to ensure play is an everywhere activity for the whole family.”

East Gore was the only community chosen in the South Island.

Gore Mayor Tracy Hicks said the initiative was an ‘‘exciting’’ approach.

“This is a great fit with council’s long-term plan outcomes, especially living in a creative place, having a choice of quality places to go, valuing and respecting our environment and living in a compassionate, caring community.”

 

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