Franzi Maciej | Founder | Creative Play & Wellbeing Facilitator
Franzi has spent 20 years working with children, educators and communities across Germany, the USA and Aotearoa, using art, play and creative exploration to nurture curiosity, confidence and connection.
Imagine Play Inspire began as a space for children to explore, experiment and make things their own… without step-by-step instructions or pressure to get it right. Since then, the work has grown to include creative wellbeing experiences for adults, community collaborations and creative projects with organisations. Because creativity isn’t just for kids. And neither is play.
Whether she’s facilitating a children’s art programme, bringing a community together through a shared creative project, or helping adults find their way back to making things just for the fun of it, Franzi creates space for people to slow down, follow their curiosity and discover what happens when there’s no right or wrong way to create.
Originally from Germany, Franzi landed in New Zealand in 2015, spent a few years in Queenstown, and eventually followed the ocean to the beautiful coast of Taranaki in 2021. (Best decision, honestly.)
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Culture & Media Education and a New Zealand Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching. But after 20 years in education and creative practice, one thing stands out: when we let go of expectations and give ourselves permission to explore, we make room for much more than art. We make room for connection, confidence, wellbeing and a little more joy.
“I have found this environment has helped my daughter establish friendships which now go beyond the sessions and have helped develop her confidence in getting her ideas into action which is something she has struggled with.”
