PlayHQ is back open with a new theme!

PlayHQ, our play space for under 5s, is reimagined with a new play activation each six months. In this kiwi-themed recreation of life on the forest floor, tamariki can sniff, scratch and burrow as they pretend to be a Western Brown Kiwi.

Ngā Tūrua Kiwi, Kiwi Burrows, is designed to help whānau learn about native taonga through play. We were thrilled to welcome the first whānau into PlayHQ on Monday morning, with goodie bags for the first 50 tamariki.

Tamariki can hide inside cosy burrows, climb the treetop canopy and slide back down, or build a burrow with their caregiver using roots and blankets. Leaning into the textures found on the forest floor, surfaces in the space are soft, fluffy, crunchy and bouncy. Delightful costumes of native birds, kowhai flowers, and eggs have been handmade by local costumier Anne De Geus.

This activation has been supported by Capital Kiwi Project, who are restoring a large-scale wild kiwi population in the Wellington region. At different activity stations, whānau can learn about kiwi habitat and behaviours, explore ideas of moving and creating homes, and discuss the importance of conservation.

Learn more about the activation here.

In fitting with the theme of creating and moving homes, this will be our final activation at Queens Wharf, where we have been based for the past 11 years. In early 2026, we will reopen in a custom-built space in Wellington’s new Central Library, Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui. Learn more about our move to Te Matapihi.