Playgroups Spread to Northland, Waikato

Wednesday, April 6 2016
Playgroups Spread to Northland, Waikato

New Zealand Rugby League’s successful community playgroups are breaking into new territory.

Created in 2013, the early childhood programme has previously operated out of eight rugby league clubrooms in Counties Manukau.

But that’s about to change, with 10 new playgroups proposed for Akarana, Northland and Upper Central Zones.

The first of those will open their doors next week, when the Takahiwai club in Ruakaka (Monday) and Taniwharau in Huntly (Tuesday) join the family.

“These clubs really fit the bill when it comes to hosting our playgroups,” says NZRL community playgroups manager Marissa Holland.

“They already have lots of children around their facilities, so there’s an opportunity for us to work with them to make it a safer environment for them. They will qualify for funding to achieve that.

“It’s also an opportunity for them to reach out and become a focal point for their local communities, by bringing more families in and possibly boosting their memberships.”

The playgroups have become an integral feature of the NZRL community plan, helping government agencies communicate with people they have struggled to reach previously.

Studies have shown that infants attending early-childhood playgroups learn more effectively when they enter the schools system. NZRL playgroups have helped about 200 children on that accelerated education pathway in South Auckland.

In 2014, Ministry of Education, Accident Compensation Corporation, Health Promotion Agency and NZ Police entered the “More Than Just A Game” partnership with New Zealand Rugby League.

“NZRL has a strong relationship with players, their families and fans numbering 140,000 across the country, many of them in Maori and Pasifika communities,” said education minister Hekia Parata.

“We’ve welcomed the opportunity provided by NZRL’s powerful influence and relationships with communities and whanau to get a more educated, healthier, better-off and safer New Zealand.”

The eight other clubs-in-waiting are currently undergoing MoE certification, before they can begin operation as playgroups.

Ruakaka/Takahiwai will operate each Monday and Wednesday (10am-2pm), while Huntly/Taniwharau run Tuesday and Thursday (4-8pm). Register throughplaygroups@nzrl.co.nz or the NZRL Community Playgroups Facebook page.

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