From June 9–11, a passionate rōpū of play champions from across the motu gathered at Bruce Pulman Arena for the National Tākaro Hui - an energetic wānanga that, for the first time, brought together the full spectrum of Aotearoa’s play system: Regional Play System Leads, Local Play Advocates, and the Tākaro Māori workforce united in one national space.

This hui set out to unite the diversity within the Aotearoa Play System, centering on whanaungatanga, knowledge sharing, learning, and a collective effort to amplify our collective impact.

Day 1

The rōpū was welcomed with a whakatau by Ngāti Tamaoho and Aktive, setting the tone for a kaupapa grounded in manaakitanga and connection. As one of the authors of Kia Hīanga — Sport NZ Ihi Aotearoa Play Plan 2022–2025, Dr Nikki Penetito-Hemara shared insights into the creation of Kia Hīanga and the journey that led to the formation of a national tākaro workforce. The evening closed with a fireside kōrero at the Pulman Lodge, providing an opportunity to deepen the collective understanding of the Tākaro Māori workforce’s purpose and unique mahi within regions across Aotearoa.

Day 2

Led by Sport NZ Ihi Aotearoa, the current funding landscape was explored, including the challenges ahead and the mahi required to secure a sustainable future for play across Aotearoa. 

✔ Current funding is secured until December 2026 — a critical window to demonstrate the power of tākaro through real, on-the-ground impact for tamariki and rangatahi.

✔ Future funding is not guaranteed. There is a key focus on proving return on investment, backing up kaupapa with stories, data, and visible outcomes — especially in communities with the greatest need.

✔ Evidence-led and action-oriented is the way forward. It is time to move beyond plans and frameworks — mahia te mahi is the call.

The mirror was also turned on the workforce, reflecting on how each stream weaves together. The threads are there, but could benefit from tightening. The wero was laid to lean into each other’s strengths, amplify collective impact, and tell a unified story of change within the regions.

It was clear that Tākaro Māori holds a distinct and powerful role, not just in play outcomes, but in addressing broader community aspirations like re-engaging rangatahi with education, reducing harm, and strengthening whānau wellbeing.

Looking beyond Kia Hīanga, the rōpū was challenged to ask:

"Now that we know what we know — what is the pae tawhiti tākaro?"

Next steps moving forward:

- Collect and share impact stories now.
- Work smarter together, across streams and kaupapa.
- Start shaping long-term vision for sustainable, meaningful investment beyond 2026.

This hui affirmed that the time is now. The road ahead calls for bold action, but it also reveals the strength, heart, and potential of the tākaro movement.

“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini - My strength is not that of a single warrior, but that of many”

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