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Messy Play

At Heretaunga Park, we believe that messy play is meaningful play. Whether it’s squishing playdough, finger-painting, mixing mud potions, or experimenting with shaving foam, messy play gives children the freedom to explore, create, and express themselves in a way that’s joyful, unstructured, and full of learning.It might look like a bit of chaos to grown-up eyes, but in those splatters and smudges, important brain development is happening.What is Messy Play?Messy play refers to any activity ...

Water Play

Water play is one of the most-loved activities at Heretaunga Park — and it’s easy to see why. Buckets, spray bottles, scoops, sponges, and puddles can keep tamariki entertained for hours. But beyond the giggles and splashes, water play is packed with developmental benefits that support children’s learning in powerful ways.From babies experimenting with pouring to preschoolers building rivers and dams, water play invites curiosity, creativity, and connection — all while keeping kids cool ...

Sand Play

At first glance, sand play might just look like a bit of outdoor fun. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover that this simple, sensory-rich activity offers a world of learning opportunities for young children. At Heretaunga Park Early Childhood Centre, we embrace sand play as a daily part of our early learning environment — because we know it supports everything from fine motor skills to social development.Whether your child is scooping, digging, pouring, or just running their hands th...