New health resources explain importance of active play

The Ministry of Health has launched a package of free Active Play(external link) resources on its website. These resources support key messages outlined in the Sit Less, Move More, Sleep Well: Active play guidelines for under-fives, which were released in 2017.

One of the many great things about the Active Play resources is their uniqueness. Designed in Aotearoa New Zealand for Kiwi children and their whānau, the posters have bright, vibrant, contemporary designs which are at home in any play area or early learning environment. 

Printed copies of the resources have been sent to all early learning services in New Zealand. The Ministry of Health encourages services to display these resources prominently.

The Active Play resources were launched by Hon. Jenny Salesa, Associate Minister of Health and Education, in Auckland on 11 May 2018. Read Minister Salesa’s media release(external link)

The resources use kaupapa Māori to explain the importance of regular active play, limited sitting and screen time, and good quality sleep for tamariki. The Ministry of Health worked closely with Toi Tangata to develop the resources. Toi Tangata is a lead Māori nutrition and physical activity provider focused on developing and delivering kaupapa approaches to health.

There are four posters that outline the importance of limiting sitting time, encouraging regular movement during the day through play, and ensuring tamariki get the appropriate amount of sleep for their age. Three other posters contain the lyrics to an oriori (sleep lullaby), waiata and karakia.

The oriori was written to nurture and support good quality sleep, whilst the waiata acknowledges the importance of movement and play for tamariki. The karakia is designed to help talk to the children about their future aspirations and adventures.

In addition to the posters, there are mp3 audio files of the oriori and waiata which can be downloaded from the Ministry of Health’s website(external link) 

There are also two video downloads based on the traditional movements of pūngāwerewere (spiders) and mokomoko (lizards) to inspire tamariki to be active. Mokomoko and pūngāwerewere movements can be used for games such as Simon says, races, and obstacle courses.

For more information about the Active Play resources, or to download further copies, visit the Ministry of Health’s website(external link)