Waiau Playcentre

15/05/2026

06/05/2026

is here!

As well as being our 85th Anniversary, this year also marks a significant milestone for NZSL: 20 years since NZSL was recognised as an official language of Aotearoa New Zealand!

New Zealand Sign Language Week is not just a celebration; it’s a moment for the Deaf community to stand tall, embracing their identity and heritage. It’s a time to showcase the richness of NZSL and the diverse culture it represents.

There are heaps of online resources to learn from, including the Let's Talk booklets where you and your whānau can learn basic signs for everyday sitations: https://nzsignlanguage.nz/resources/lets-talk-booklets/

Every sign counts!

Image description: Playcentre and NZSL Week branded tile with NZ Sign Language illustrations spelling out Playcentre.

23/02/2026

Creating memories that last a lifetime - what will you discover today?

19/02/2026

Messy play provides new sensory experiences. Through open-ended exploration, children learn about different materials and their properties, and investigate how substances can be mixed, manipulated and changed.

16/02/2026

Messy play supports positive interactions. When children share their sensory experience with others, they’re encouraged to tell stories, take turns, negotiate, explain ideas and bond over their shared fun. These interactions support language development and social skills.

15/02/2026

As children explore with their hands and try out new tools and instruments, they develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Through practising and mastering new skills, they gain confidence in and control of their bodies.

11/02/2026

Messy play stimulates children’s curiosity, fuels their imaginations and offers new outlets for self-expression. Different materials and tools present new challenges and ideas, and through exploration and experimentation, children develop confidence and self-esteem.

10/02/2026

Save the Date: Playcentre Messy Play Week 2-6 March - Promises fun!
For children, messy play is liberating, fun and fully absorbing. Naturally curious, children show high levels of concentration and engagement as they explore with their senses, which heightens their learning experience. From a child’s perspective, messy play is magical – full of excitement and pure joy. Pop it in your planner and see you there!