Junk Journeys and Urban Play: Unearthing Auckland’s DIY Adventures Through the Eyes of Street Play Makers

Abstract

This paper embarks on an exploration into the vibrant world of do-it-yourself (DIY) play practices within the urban milieu of Tāmaki Makaurau previously known as Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. Here, enthusiasts traverse the city streets, collecting discarded materials and ingeniously transform them into imaginative play experiences. This study acknowledges the multifaceted challenges of quantifying and accessing play, shedding light on the unconventional yet immensely enriching ways in which people can engage in the act of play. Beyond mere recreation, these non-traditional approaches to play hold profound significance within the broader discourse on play theory and cultural practices.

In the spirit of contributing to Hautaka Tākaro, A Play Aotearoa Journal, this paper is dedicated to a comprehensive examination of the concept of "frugal making" as it pertains to the study of play and sense-making. Our research serves as a reflection on DIY play projects facilitated and performed in Bunnings (a prominent hardware store chain) and Shaoxing (a vibrant and culturally significant city in Zhejiang Province). Through an interdisciplinary lens that draws from anthropology, sociology, and play theory, this paper unravels the intricate tapestry of DIY play practices, illuminating their cultural, social, and cognitive dimensions. By delving into the phenomenon of frugal making within these unique contexts, we seek to uncover the hidden intricacies that underlie the play experiences of participants and, in doing so, contribute to a deeper understanding of the diverse ways in which play enriches our daily lives.