Play Week favourites

We’re here to help
Not sure where to start? Tell your local MTA rep what your tamariki enjoy, the age group you’re buying for and the budget you have to work with. They’ll help you find suitable resources and pull everything together, leaving one less job on your list.
Could your school receive Play Week funding?
Some regional sports trusts are offering funding to help eligible schools put on a Play Week activity. Have a look below to see what funding opportunities are available in your region.
Bay of Plenty
Bay of Plenty
Sport Bay of Plenty’s Play Fund offers up to $1,000 to help schools and community organisations provide fun, inclusive play opportunities during Play Week.
Activities must take place from 19–25 October and support tamariki or rangatahi to play. Early learning services and individuals cannot apply. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
Applications are now open and close on 30 September 2026.
Find out more and apply here: https://www.sportbop.co.nz/funding/tu-manawa-active-aotearoa/
Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay
Sport Hawke’s Bay’s Play Fund offers up to $1,000 to help schools, marae and local organisations provide fun, inclusive and creative play experiences during Play Week.
Suggested activities include outdoor games, loose-parts play, nature play and imaginative play.
Applications are now open and close on 30 September 2026. Email tumanawa@sporthb.net.nz to request an application form.
Manawatū
Manawatū
Sport Manawatū’s Quick Release Play Fund offers up to $1,000 for activities taking place during Play Week.
The activity must benefit tamariki over five years old and the application needs to show that it reflects what they want. Schools can apply for resources including loose parts, mud kitchens, outdoor games and other play equipment.
Applications are open now.
Find out more and apply here: https://www.sportmanawatu.org.nz/play-week-2026
Northland
Northland
Sport Northland’s Pop-up Play Fund offers up to $1,500 to support simple, inclusive play activities during Play Week.
Tamariki and rangatahi need to be involved in shaping the activity, with evidence of their input included in the application. Any resources requested must support the activity being proposed.
Applications are now open and close at midnight on 28 September 2026.
Find out more and apply here:
https://www.sportnorthland.co.nz/putea-mo-nga-hapori-community-funding/pop-up-play-fund-1
Tairāwhiti
Tairāwhiti
The Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti Play Week Fund offers up to $500 to support an activity taking place during Play Week.
Schools need to outline the activity they are planning and how it will encourage tamariki to play. Any equipment or resources requested must be connected to that activity.
Applications are now open and close at midnight on 28 September 2026.
Find out more and apply here: https://whitiora.org/play/