He Kākano Play

The play and learn section of our He Kākano collection. Borrow games and have fun while developing language, strategic thinking skills and learning reo Māori. These games are suitable for children and adults.

These items are free to borrow for 2 weeks.
They can only be collected from and returned to Whangārei Central Library.
Holds cannot be placed on these items.
Terms and Conditions apply.

Play games

Bananagrams

Bananagrams is a fast and frantic word game where players aim to use all of their letters to build a word grid in a race to the finish.

Chess, Checkers and Tic-Tac-Toe

Enjoy 3 classic board games that are easy to learn:
Chess - one of the oldest board games, Checkers - a simple game of strategy and Tic-Tac-Toe - the noughts and crosses game.

Kiwi Quiz

Kiwi Quiz is a uniquely New Zealand game with 1,600 questions all about New Zealand. These questions are good general knowledge questions from a range of areas. The questions are set at four different levels so that anyone from primary school age to adult can play.

Play and learn te reo Māori

Getting Lost

Find hidden gems off the beaten track, while exploring their backyard. The 26 misdirection cards give you random directions (e.g. turn left, follow a blue car, head in the direction the wind is blowing) in te reo Māori on one side and English on the other side. All you need to explore untravelled paths while improving your te reo Māori.

Kaupapa Board Game

Kaupapa is a word description board game that can be played at kākano (beginner) level or tohunga (expert) level.

The goal is simple: describe as many words as possible to your teammates in a minute. The more kupu (words) you describe, the faster your team advances in this fluent, fast-paced game of fun!

This game is recommended for ages 8 years + (if you can read in English or te reo, you can play.)

My First Words in Māori

Set of 50 illustrated flashcards to assist children and adults with their te reo journey. Designed by Maori language champion Stacey Morrison, the cards have the Māori word on one side and the English on the other. Topics include: whanau - family, kare ā-roto - emotions, kākahu - clothing, mōkai - pets, kai,inu - food and drink.

There are also te reo phrases to ask and answer while using the flashcards along with Stacey’s tips and ideas for different activities and games with the cards.

Tākaro! Original

The Tākaro! sets of memory card games are designed to be fun for everyone, regardless of where they are in their te reo journey.

Each card features a number of symbols which have a direct Maori translation that players memorise and learn. By the end of the game, they will have expanded their te reo vocabulary.

Suitable for ages 4+.

Tākaro! Bits and Bobs

Memory card game focusing on learning everyday household objects to make it even easier to start using te reo in your whare.

Tākaro! Feelings and Emotions

Memory card game for learning to express how you are feeling in te reo.

Tākaro! Into the Wild

Memory card game for learning more te reo as you explore the outdoors so you can korero about our beautiful ngāi kīrehe (fauna) and ngāi tipu (flora).

Tākaro! Numbers, Shapes and Colours

Memory card game for learning the basics - numbers, shapes and colours in te reo.

Terms and Conditions for borrowing He Kākano items

When you borrow from the He Kākano collection:

You are responsible for all items borrowed on your library card, including items borrowed by other people using your card.
Please ensure you read and follow any instructions included with the item.
Please use the item in a safe and responsible manner and only for the purposes for which it is intended and/or as set out in the instructions.
Return all items borrowed on your card by the due date in the same condition they were in when borrowed (except for fair wear and tear).

Agree to pay on demand all damages, fines, administration charges and replacement costs that are incurred as a result of failure to meet these conditions, i.e. any loss or damage occurs while an item is on loan to you.