Play 501 Cohort 1 with Sport NZ Regional Play Systems Consultant Chris McLean (left) standing next to Te Hau Kori Co-Director Lara Andrews

Thanks to the Te Hau Kori partnership between Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa and Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University, Aotearoa now has its first formal postgraduate qualification in “play”, as part of the Master of Physical Activity and Hauora programme.

This new offering, including the PLAY 501 course, is an important step in addressing a growing recognition of the value play holds. Globally, the benefits of sport and active recreation for tamariki and rangatahi are well understood. However, there has been less emphasis on the critical role that play - which could be described as free, unstructured activity - has in the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. Unlike some elements of sport, play is not bound by specific rules or environments. It can happen anywhere, at any time, allowing for a more organic and inclusive form of physical activity.

Sport NZ recognises the importance of play and over the last five years has invested in play roles and projects across the country. Despite this growth, until now, there has been no formal academic pathway to support or legitimise the work of the play workforce.

The introduction of the postgraduate programme in play aims to address this gap, providing both current professionals and future participants with an opportunity to develop academic experts in this emerging field.

A first for Aotearoa

The Masters of Physical Activity and Hauora, with the option to major in play, is the first of its kind in Aotearoa. It incorporates both mātauranga Māori and Western perspectives, offering a holistic view of physical activity. Te Hau Kori is a Te Tiriti-based partnership, ensuring equal representation of tangata whenua and tangata tiriti across governance, teaching, and research. This commitment to Te Tiriti is reflected in the programme's structure, which begins with a mihi whakatau to introduce the block course kanohi ki te kanohi  (face-to-face), hosted at Sport NZ offices in Wellington.

Co-Directors of Te Hau Kori, Dr Lara Andrews and Dr Justin Richards, have been instrumental in shaping this Tiriti-based initiative. The result is an environment where participants not only learn but also feel connected and supported.

Both Justin and Lara reflected on the fact that some of the participants in the first cohort may have never been in the tertiary education setting, so the programme has been designed for those working in the sector who are interested in professional development opportunities.

“We believe it is important to bring our students together to build whakawhanaungatanga and confidence for those who have not been in a higher education setting. It is a priority to ensure we create a safe and welcoming space for our participants to grow and learn.”

Participants have found this inclusive, accessible approach a refreshing way to step into higher education. Taylor Kamuhemu, a PLAY 501 student, said, “[The block course] was a great opportunity for whakawhanaungatanga and to share the excitement of being in the first cohort for this qualification with others. We don’t often get opportunities to come together as a play workforce, so that was an added bonus.”

Creating opportunities for play professionals

The introduction of formal qualifications in play through PLAY 501 is not just about legitimising the existing workforce. It also opens doors for future play professionals to bring an academic background to their roles.

Pia Bradshaw, another PLAY 501 student, shares her enthusiasm for the programme:

“I'm excited and grateful for the opportunity to study the Promotion of Active Play and to work alongside key play advocates from across the motu. I like that this course is based on play for tamariki of Aotearoa New Zealand and includes a te ao Māori perspective. This study will support the play mahi that is happening in Hawke's Bay for our tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau.”

As Pia reflects, the programme allows for a deeper understanding of the diverse benefits of play, from physical and mental health to community connection. By offering a clear academic pathway, PLAY 501 is helping to build a stronger, more knowledgeable play workforce across the country.

Looking ahead

With the new qualification in play, Aotearoa is taking a major step towards recognising and enhancing the role of play in health and wellbeing. Participants like Taylor and Pia have already shared their excitement about being part of the first cohort, with both expressing interest in pursuing further education through either the Master programme or a Mātauranga Māori paper.

The future looks bright for those passionate about advocating for play and through Te Hau Kori it seems this emerging field will only continue to grow and thrive.

If you are interested in hearing more about the Postgraduate Programme in Play or Physical Activity and Hauora contact: tehaukori@vuw.ac.nz

Find out more about the Master of Physical Activity and Hauora.