After four years of vision, collaboration and community effort, Lakeside in Te Kauwhata is set to celebrate the official opening of its new Matariki-themed playground on Saturday 21 February, from 10am to midday.
Located on the corner of Scott Road and Whites Way, the park has been carefully designed as a place where culture, play and community come together. The project began with early concept work in consultation with mana whenua Ngā Muka, and was further shaped by the voices of rangatahi from Te Kauwhata College, Te Kauwhata Primary School and Waerenga Primary School.
The theme of the park is based around Matariki, the Māori New Year, which symbolises reflection, connection and new beginnings. Each element of the playground draws inspiration from the stars of the Matariki cluster – Ururangi, Matariki, Tupuarangi, Tupuanuku, Pōhutukawa, Waitī, Waitā, Hiwa-i-te-rangi and Waipuna-a-rangi – weaving cultural meaning into the landscape and the play experience.
The result is an impressive and inclusive play space for all ages. The park boasts a wide range of outdoor play options including a basketball court, an inclusive carousel, Eagle Claw basket swing, Cocowave rope swing, Kaebel leisure net climb, timber stepping stilts, double timber seesaw, Vortex tunnel net, quadtramp, one-seat swing, toddler tree castle, toddler rocker, double flying fox, and a series of stepping and balance logs.
Surrounding the play areas are plenty of picnic tables, bench seating and thoughtfully designed planting, creating a welcoming environment for whānau, friends and neighbours to spend time together. It is a space designed not just for play, but for connection – a true community hub where people of all ages can gather, relax and feel a sense of belonging.
Programme Manager for Placemaking at Lakeside, Mareet Carley, says the park reflects what can happen when a community works together with purpose.
“This playground has been shaped by many voices and many hands. From mana whenua to our local schools and young people, this has been a collective journey. It’s a space our community can be proud of, and one that will be enjoyed for generations.”
The official opening will take place on Saturday 21 February, 10am–12pm, and the whole community is invited to attend.
There will be free coffee from the renowned Samaori coffee cart, free vegetable planting station where participants take home their seedlings, a basketball challenge, free ice blocks, an impressive giant bubble display with 2 x interactive bubble stations, food trucks and free face painting.
Whānau are encouraged to come along, explore the new space and celebrate a playground that is quite literally written in the stars.
