Nau mai haere mai

Welcome to the 2026 International Play Association Conference

Ōtautahi, Aotearoa | Christchurch, New Zealand

2-5 November 2026

Join us in one of the world's greatest natural playgrounds, for the first-ever IPA World Conference held in the Southern Hemisphere. Bringing together practitioners, educators, researchers, policy-makers and businesses to connect, collaborate and help shape the future of play.

The theme of the conference is mahi auaha - innovating for play - and will explore bold, inclusive and culturally rich ways to create a world where all tamariki (children) have the right to play, their own way.

We’ll also dive into topics around kotahitanga - inclusion in play, and tākaro Māori - indigenous play - highlighting diverse voices, traditions and approaches that shape play across communities and cultures.

Register your interest today and stay up to date as we prepare for an unforgettable gathering of playful minds.