NZ Party Party – Policies for Kids (Backed by Science & Love)

“This isn’t a joke. This is the future we’d want to grow up in—if we weren’t already traumatised by traffic, tests, and taxes.”

PLAY & LEARNING

Mandatory Daily Toy Breaks

Play is essential for brain growth, empathy, and resilience.
Evidence: Dr Stuart Brown, MD; Finland = 15 mins of play every 45 mins learning.
Policy:
→ Every school gets a bouncy castle or flow-toy station.
→ Play breaks of at least 20 minutes, indoors or outdoors.
→ Students can teach adults a trick if they skip play.

Rain Is Not an Excuse to Stay Inside

Nature play improves focus, reduces anxiety, and strengthens resilience.
Evidence: UK ADHD & Nature Study, Richard Louv.
Policy:
→ Schools equipped with gumboots, raincoats, and at least one named puddle.
→ Muddy clothes = badges of honour.
→ Teachers encouraged to join puddle jumping.

FOOD & HEALTH

Snacks Are a Human Right

Kids cannot learn when hungry. Nutrition = focus + happiness.
Evidence: UNICEF, WHO, NZ Children’s Commissioner.
Policy:
→ Free fruit and lunches for every kid.
→ Snack trading allowed (but capitalism banned in lunchboxes).

Classroom Pets or Magical Plants

Caring for small living things builds empathy and responsibility.
Evidence: American Humane Education Study (2013).
Policy:
→ Grants for classroom pets or sentient ferns.
→ Frogs get capes.
→ Break time to talk or interact with the pet once a day.

NATURE & OUTDOOR SPACES

Access to Outdoor Play, All Weather

Movement outdoors = better mood, creativity, and social skills.
Policy:
→ Every school gets a “nature play corner.”
→ Outdoor play mandatory every day.
→ Parks, streets, and community spaces receive free play kits (bubbles, chalk, mini obstacle courses).

Community Play & Festivals

Kids learn teamwork, problem-solving, and civic joy by participating in shared public events.
Policy:
→ Regular neighbourhood or school festivals with music, bubbles, and circus arts.
→ PLAE-style workshops brought to schools and local parks.
→ Magic zones in town centres for kids to explore wonder safely.

JOY & CREATIVITY

National Holiday: Because We Can Day

Joy boosts immunity, reduces stress, and strengthens communities.
Policy:
→ One day off school and work per year.
→ Glitter, forts, and dance battles mandatory.

Ban the Phrase: “Grow Up”

Curiosity is more important than compliance. Shame kills creativity.
Policy:
→ Say “grow up”? Water balloon attack.
→ Repeat offenders: Slime pit sentencing.
→ Bonus: Teachers encouraged to join in.

Kids’ Councils & Play Ambassadors

Kids get a voice in their environment, education, and local communities.
Policy:
→ Schools establish student councils to vote on play, outdoor spaces, and creative projects.
→ Selected kids become “Play Ambassadors” with small budgets for community magic.
→ Encourage leadership through joy, not fear.

REAL JOY. REAL POLICIES. REAL FUTURE.

We’re not promising flying cars.
We’re promising flying kites.
We’re not optimising trauma.
We’re rewriting what government even means.

This is joy-based governance.
Built for the kids.
Backed by love.
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