Award recognises Invercargill’s ambitious Play Strategy
Invercargill’s innovative approach to incorporating play into urban design has been recognised on the national stage.
Invercargill City Council’s Play Strategy received the award for Outstanding Research, Policy and Planning at the Recreation Aotearoa 2025 Recreation Awards in Christchurch on Thursday night.
Invercargill City Council Manager Parks and Recreation Caroline Rain said the award was a welcome acknowledgment of the significant work that went into shaping the strategy.
“The strategy is guided by an ambition to make Invercargill a city where play excites and connects everyone,” she said.
“It’s a first-of-its-kind, city-wide commitment to elevating play as essential for community wellbeing, urban design and local identity.”
Work to develop the Play Strategy began in 2024, and it was formally adopted by Council earlier this year.
The strategy aims to embed play into urban planning and community life, providing a comprehensive policy framework with a focus on inclusivity, innovation, cost-effective solutions and strong community partnerships.
Rain said Council’s Local Play Advocate Dr Damien Puddle spearheaded the project, which took many months of research and development.
“This award recognises the robust, evidence-informed approach that went into developing the strategy.
“The result of Damien’s efforts is New Zealand’s first play-specific strategy, demonstrating how play is fundamental for community wellbeing.”
The award submission highlighted the strategy’s practical applicability across all areas of local government work, its value for money and potential to deliver future savings.
Rain said the strategy also offered a practical template that other councils could adapt to their own local contexts.
“We’re proud to be leading nationally in this space with our Play Strategy,” she said.
“This award further affirms that Invercargill is a great place to live, work and play.”
More information about the Play Strategy is available on Council’s website.
