Playground Development Project

Have Your Say!

Playground Progress

We're excited to share that work is underway to reimagine the main public playground at Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve. The existing playground has served the wider community and many visitors for nearly 20 years, and now we're ready for a fresh chapter. Over the coming months, we'll be developing plans for a new, inclusive, and adventurous play space that reflects the stories and spirit of Kaiteriteri.

Right now, we’re in the early stages of planning and community engagement. A playground company will help refine possible locations and early ideas. We’ll also be creating opportunities for whānau, visitors, and locals to share their thoughts on a new playground at Kaiteriteri.

Keep an eye out this summer for our online feedback form and details about summer events where you can drop by, have your say, and help shape the future of play at Kaiteriteri. Exciting things are coming - in the meantime, we hope you enjoy the many and varied opportunities for play and recreation on offer at Kaiteriteri.

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/

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

The playground will most likely be built during the winter of 2027. Before the main playground is built, you can expect to see smaller play structures appear among other enhancements to ensure you can still have fun when you visit Kaiteriteri.

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!