The joy of damming creeks feels like a birthright to many New Zealanders, but outdoor play is increasingly considered to be an endangered pastime—with books such as Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv exploring the dangers of what he terms 'nature deficit disorder'. Outdoor play groups are being set up in New Zealand to counter this trend, but have always been a component of the Playcentre experience. Ruby, William and Marnie are among children in the 'big kids' group of four-year-olds at Beachlands-Maraetei Playcentre meet weekly, rain or shine, to explore the natural wonderland of Omana Regional Park.
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