Plenty on offer for school holiday fun
No reason for kids to be bored
Despite the chilly winter weather, children and their families will be glad to be able to spend the July school holidays out of their home bubbles.
And there is plenty on offer. Joanna Thomas, manager Libraries, said they were excited to be celebrating Matariki these school holidays with a range of free activities covering the theme of Matariki: Nga¯ kura huna.
“This is about discovering and sharing knowledge around Matariki and te ao Ma¯ ori.
“We’ll be crafting manu tukutuku [traditional kites], taniko weaving, cultivating kumara, and getting messy with weather science experiments, alongside stories and games.
“We’ll also be getting ‘techy’ by creating motorised double-hulled waka. These activities must be booked in advance.”
See the library website for information about how to book and session times.
She said this year the libraries would also have a limited number of “grab bags” available with craft supplies and instructions for families to pick up and take home, plus a greenscreen travelling between all four libraries so people could have their photo taken with the Seven Sisters of Matariki.
These activities are free and do not need to be booked in advance.
“We are really looking forward to running activities in the libraries again. We have missed interacting with children and families, and the life and vibrancy it brings to our spaces.
“Some of the initiatives we began in lockdown have carried across to the July holidays and the celebration of Matariki.”
Thomas said during lockdown they established a mini-site, called Bubble Life, with activities and information to continue to connect with the community.
“We’re doing the same during Matariki to complement the ‘in-person’ activities. Packed full of crafts, activities, and information, you can find the most current link to our mini-site Matariki: Nga¯ kura huna on the Tauranga City Libraries Facebook page.”
For all Matariki events and workshops go to mytauranga.co.nz.
She said not only was it fun to get out of the house and explore the community, it was a great opportunity to engage in activities families might not do in their own home.
“We clean up the mess, and you get to take home your creations. Plus, it’s free, and everybody is welcome.
“Libraries belong to the community so it’s always wonderful to see people enjoying them.”
Bayactive programme manager Shane Gillum said the Bayactive team at the Trustpower Arena were excited to have their sporty, action-based holiday programme back without any restrictions after Covid-19.
“We know it’s been a tough time for everyone, including children, and our programmes are a great way to reward them with some active fun.”
He said these programmes were perfect for children taking up sport for the first time or for children who already played a sport and wanted to develop their skills.
“Due to the active nature of these programmes they are a great way of increasing your child’s physical activity, they promote healthy living and are a great break from technology.”
He said there was a great range of programmes to suit children aged 5-13 years.
“All programmes are facilitated by trained, enthusiastic and energetic staff.”
These July school holidays the sports available were basketball, football, Funky Fun Day (variety of up to five sports, bouncy castle and climbing equipment), hip hop dancing, drift trikes and laser tag, and gymnastics.
All programmes are $37 per child, run from 9am to 3pm, except for Drift Trikes and Laser Tag, which is a half-day programme. Bookings are made online through bayactive.co.nz.
From a Harry Potter day and Mad Hatter Tea Party, to a Playground Hop and Baking Bonanza, there is a heap of fun to be had at the Community Centre Holiday Programmes.
Online safety tips:
■ Install software on your computer which either blocks restricted content so your children cannot access certain sites, or monitors activity so you can review online behaviour
■ Know who your children are making contact with online. If they are not your children’s actual friends then question their cyber friendship
■ Netsafe has more information, www.netsafe.org.nz
Play Time co-owner Thurla Solomon said the programmes were open from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Fridays, and were days full of activities.
The days include a variety of activities, such as games, crafts, science experiments and baking. It costs $48 a day.
There are sometimes zones for ages 9 and over if the older kids may not be that interested in the activities.
There are also school-based programmes at Golden Sands School, Fairhaven School and Otumoetai School.
“All of our staff are pumped and ready to go. We’re excited to get going again for another holiday.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for children to have. We are proud of what we present to the children and we put a lot of effort into our programme.”
Play Time is a local, family-owned business and all staff are police vetted with a lot of training. The programme is Winz-approved.
To book go to play-time.co.nz and click