There's something special about a cold morning that warms your heart before the sun even gets a chance. That's exactly what happened at the opening of Kerepēhi's new playground, the kind of morning you don't forget.
Tamariki from Kerepēhi Primary School filled the air with their waiata, voices proud and loud, and just like that, the chill didn't matter anymore.
Mayor Toby Adams joined ELT members, councillors, council staff, tamariki, kāiakō and Principal Moana Te Moananui for the occasion, all there to mark a moment that belonged to the whole community.
We couldn't have done it without you. Our staff worked hard to get this done, but it came down to you. The design is yours, and this space is yours to own. We are very proud. Enjoy it, look after it, honour it, and most importantly, have an enormous amount of fun." Mayor Toby Adams
Once the formalities were done and kai was shared, the tamariki couldn't hold back any longer. One ran up with a grin and the kind of impossible question only a kid can ask: "Where do we even start? Everything looks so fun!"
That joy that wide-eyed, can't-wait-to-try-everything excitement is exactly what this playground was built for.
A place shaped by our tamariki, for our tamariki
The story of this playground begins back in November 2023, when local tamariki and rangatahi took part in a community hikoi through Kerepēhi as part of the placemaking programme. They walked, they looked, they imagined and an upgraded playground rose quickly to the top of their wish list.
But it wasn't just about new equipment. When tamariki were asked about the design, their thinking went deeper than anyone expected. Why a hexagon shape? When asked, they were clear: "We want a space where we can sit in a circle, have a kōrero, share some kai and play games."
The shape of this playground, the very bones of it, came from the minds of the tamariki who will play in it.
In July 2025, residents came together at the Kerepēhi Community Hall to view concept plans and share feedback. Tamariki from Kerepēhi School had their own dedicated session, keeping young voices at the centre of the design right to the end.
From a wish list to reality
Construction began in April 2026. For many in the community, saying goodbye to the old playground was bittersweet. It held years of memories, scraped knees and childhood adventures. But what's been built in its place is something made for the next generation, shaped by the generation that's living it right now.
With a total investment of $321,000, including a generous $200,000 contribution from the Better Off Fund, the upgraded space features new play equipment, a half basketball court, and a space designed to bring the community together.
On opening day, kids were already conquering new tricks, laughing, testing limits and making the space their own. The pride and love on their faces said everything.
Thank you to everyone who shared their ideas, attended a hui and helped shape this project. This playground belongs to you. Kerepēhi, this one's yours.
