Playground Development Project

Have Your Say!

Playground Progress

We’re excited to be starting the journey to reimagine the main public playground at Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve. After nearly 20 years of play, the existing playground is ready for its next chapter.

Over the coming months, we’ll be in discovery mode — listening, learning, and gathering ideas from our community to help shape an inclusive and adventurous new play space that reflects the stories and spirit of Kaiteriteri. On this page, you’ll find information and inspiration to help you understand some of the opportunities we’ve discovered so far.

We’d really appreciate you taking the time to explore these ideas and share your thoughts through the feedback form. Your ideas will help steer the direction of the next rocket, waka or ...? (fill in the blank) to land in Kaiteriteri.

Look out for summer drop-in events where you can share ideas in person and help shape the future of play at Kaiteriteri. The journey has just begun!

Have your say by filling out the survey form HERE!

Where will the playground be?

There are three locations up for consideration. The first is to reuse the current location. The second location is the village green, beside the flying fox, just behind the current playground. The third is to use some parking space on the waterfront where the lagoon feeds into the sea.

How will you decide on a theme?

Kaiteriteri has a rich, deep and long history. We are working alongside mana whenua to develop a theme that reflects the people, natural environments and places that together make Kaiteriteri such a special and significant place. The theme will help tell the story of our taonga and weave the different elements together.

What type of equipment will be on the playground?

That’s what we need your help to decide! We’d like the playground to reflect the needs of the communities who use it – our locals and our visitors. We’d like it to be inclusive, accessible and fun – we need your help to work out what our community priorities are. If you need inspiration, take a look these examples – there are plenty more!

Margaret Mahy Playground – Christchurch
https://christchurchattractions.nz/margaret-mahy-playground/

Tauranga Waterfront Playground – Tauranga
https://www.mytauranga.co.nz/explore/waterfront-playground

Te Amo Pūtoro Māra Hūpara Playground – Kerikeri
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/575816/pretty-cool-northland-playground-tells-stories-of-ngati-rehia

Kāwaroa Destination Playground - Taranaki

https://www.playgroundcentre.com/project/kawaroa-destination-playground-stage-one/

Caroline Bay Playground - Timaru

https://creospace.co.nz/portfolio/cplay-timaru/

View more playground examples here:

Paragraph locked by Nettie Harrison-Stow

Who will the playground cater for?

Over time, we will improve opportunities for play and recreation across the reserve with the aim of all age groups and abilities being catered for through different opportunities. This could include wooden play structures around the estuary, a basketball hoop or volleyball net, walking tracks and more. The playground could be a space for families to play together – an intergenerational space, with a focus on equipment for ages 2-12. We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this.

When will the playground be built?

Our aspiration is to begin building the playground in winter 2027, subject to funding and public consultation with the community.

How do I give feedback?

Click on THIS LINK that takes you to the feedback form. If what you have to say is not covered on the form, please contact our Playground Development Manager [email protected]. We’ll also have events over the summer where you can bring the whole whānau along and tell us your brilliant ideas, kanohi ki te kanohi. We’d love to hear from special interest groups so please get in touch if that sounds like you!