The importance of being active

Mum playing cricket with daughter.

Regular physical activity is essential for brain development. The more a child moves, the more they stimulate their brain. Children are born wanting to move, to explore their world and to make sense of it. And it’s up to us to make sure they have plenty of opportunity to be active.

Moving to music

Children performing in Kapa Haka.

Turn up the music and get moving!

Team sport – using a ball

Children gather together as a team with coach.

When your child takes up a new sport, it’s the beginning of new relationships for them and for you if you decide to get involved.

Team sport – using a bat

Kids playing cricket.

Much and all as you might dream of having a future sports star in the family, don’t be in too much of a hurry to sign them up for a team, say the experts.

Being water safe

Kids learning surf life saving skills with teacher at beach.

As Kiwis, we love the water – playing or swimming in it, boating or sailing on it, or simply enjoying our stunning coastline, beaches, lakes and rivers. But sadly, every year, a large number of New Zealanders lose their lives to drowning. So how do we keep our children safe in and around water?

Learning to ride a bike

Child learning to ride bike.

Riding a bike is a fundamental skill that is recognised the world over with providing children with a sense of achievement and independence. So what are you waiting for?!

Fundamental movement skills

Boy swinging baseball bat learning fundamental movement skills

While children develop the fundamental movement skills of stability (balance), locomotion (moving your body from one place to another) and manipulation (the ability to handle a piece of equipment to achieve a specific outcome) at differing rates depending on experiences, it’s important they master these skills before they’re 7 or 8.