Christchurch, New Zealand, will host the International
Play Association (IPA) World Conference 2026, the first time it has been held
in the Southern Hemisphere.
The IPA is focused on 'creating a world where all children have the right to play in their own way.' The association’s membership is formed of play practitioners, researchers, educators, and businesses.
A triennial event, the four-day conference at Te Pae
Christchurch Convention Centre is expected to attract 1,000 delegates.
Toni Talijancich, general manager at Play Aotearoa,
presented to winning bid during the 2023 International Play Conference in
Glasgow.
"This is a huge opportunity to put Christchurch and New
Zealand on the map for the play sector, and to introduce our unique approach to
bi-culturalism, diversity, and inclusion to this global audience," Talijancich said.
Megan Crum, head of business events at ChristchurchNZ, added, "We have a reputation as a city in balance – a place to work and play. The IPA
delegates will be able to experience our wonderful natural South Island
playground, and our purpose-built, environment first-hand," she says.
A short distance from Te Pae Christchurch, the Margaret Mahy
Playground can be found. It is an award-winning all-ages, all-abilities
playground which can also be used to hold outdoor events. At more than 16,000
sqm, it has capacity for up to 1,000 people.
"Hosting IPA delegates from all over the world to our city
will be a thrilling experience for everyone involved, and this event will leave
a lasting legacy for our city," Crum added.
Tourism New Zealand general manager NZ and business events,
Bjoern Spreitzer, said that the conference win is a fantastic opportunity for
experts from around the world to share their knowledge with our play
specialists.
"We hope in the spirit of the conference that visitors also
take the time to seek out, explore and enjoy all New Zealand can offer."
Play Aotearoa is the New Zealand branch of IPA World
(International Play Association) an international nongovernmental organisation,
founded in 1961 to provide a forum to promote and improve opportunities for play,
and the development of play environments, leisure time facilities and
programmes for all children and youth in all countries, in accordance with the
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
IPA member groups initiate a wide variety of projects that
promote the child's right to play. These include seminars, conferences, study
tours, research, publications, playground design, playwork training and the
organisation of play programmes and Play Days.
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
