Increased opportunities for Play, Recreation & Youth
admin
29/09/2025
Dan Grant:
Play, Youth & Rec Coordinator for Rodney
Across Rodney, my role is about helping communities create more opportunities to come together through play, recreation, and youth-focused activity. I work alongside local Community Facilitators, community groups, and council teams to identify what people want and need in their towns and villages, and then help turn those ideas into practical programmes, events, and activations.
A big part of my work is developing and coordinating a Rodney-wide mix of recreation and play opportunities for all ages — from tamariki and rangatahi through to adults. This includes supporting youth-specific initiatives, building on the Rodney Youth Project, and helping young people lead and deliver activities themselves. I also focus on removing barriers to participation, so activities are accessible, welcoming, and reflect the diversity of Rodney’s communities.
Play is generally free and non-structured. It is fundamental to tamariki and rangatahi for learning and development. Play can happen in a variety of ways. It goes beyond traditional playgrounds to include nature play and cultural play experiences.
Active recreation is informal physical activity that can take place indoors or outdoors. This type of recreation is increasingly popular with Aucklanders as they lead busier lives.
I act as a recreation, youth, and play specialist for the wider Rodney Community Team, helping embed playful, people-centred approaches into placemaking, events, and community programmes. Alongside this, I manage budgets, support groups to become funding-ready, and gather information to show what’s working and why — all with the goal of creating lively, connected places where people feel proud to belong.
Play is generally free and non-structured. It is fundamental to tamariki and rangatahi for learning and development.
Dan Grant, Play, Recreation & Youth Coordinator for Rodney
Here are some initiatives I’ve been working on:
PLAY! BINGO is on now for its final week, running until 18 April.
Bingo with a playful twist, each square is packed with a fun activity instead of a number. Pick up a Play Bingo card from one of Rodney’s libraries and get ready to explore Rodney’s backyard. Tick off each activity as you go and share your photos via the QR code.
Tākaro Play Trailer: Bring more play to your next community event with Rodney’s Tākaro Play Trailers. These free mobile play resources are designed to support healthy, active living and social connection for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau, with equipment to help create fun, inclusive play at community events, festivals and gatherings. For more information and booking details, visit the Rodney Community website.
Get in touch with me: dan@rodneycommunity.org.nz
