Papatoetoe playground gets major facelift

A modern playground has opened in the Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe, marking a major milestone for the town centre's multi-million dollar upgrade.

Papatoetoe has a new road, upgraded public spaces and a modern playground as part of Auckland Council's regeneration plan.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe local board member Apulu Reece Autagavaia said protecting green space was a key priority as Papatoetoe intensifies.

“People thought there would be a loss of green space with the new street and the playground, but we said if we are going to have intensification, then there must be room for families to play and connect,” the former board chair said.

“We are really proud that we were able to open this new playground. It has been years in the works, and it is a big milestone for the Papatoetoe community.”

The Cambridge Terrace extension now links George Street to the Stadium Reserve area, improving access between the Old Papatoetoe Shopping Centre, the train station and surrounding neighbourhoods.

The new Papatoetoe playground includes climbing structures, slides and sheltered spaces, reflecting local design themes. Photo/Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Facebook

Beside it sits the revitalised Stadium Reserve, guided by the mana whenua narrative ‘The Mists of Kohuora’.

The reserve includes a new playground, basketball half-court and renewed green space, with a misting swale that reflects the naturally misty Kohuora volcanic basin.

Local artists Janine and Charles Williams created a mural along the Chambers Laneway walkway between George Street and Stadium Reserve.

“We are supporting our local talent. It is a massive mural and you have to step back to see it,” he said.

New paths, planting and play features form part of the upgraded Stadium Reserve playground, designed to improve access and create a modern recreational hub for local families. Photo/Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Facebook

“For anyone visiting, step back and enjoy the view.”

Auckland Council staff, local board members from the current and previous terms, and mana whenua met at dawn on Monday for a karakia and blessing, with all three projects now open for public use and access.

A major milestone in a decade of regeneration

Council documents show the three upgrades - Chambers Laneway, Cambridge Terrace and Stadium Reserve - sit within a long-term regeneration programme first approved in 2017.

The plan was later refined and adopted by the local board in 2022.

Around $24 million has been invested in improvements to date, with Auckland Council expecting to recoup about $29 million through site sales and optimisation. More than $22 million has already been recovered.

Mana whenua played a central role in shaping the playground’s design.

‘The Mists of Kohuora’ narrative informed the volcanic colour palette, the undulating mounds and the misting swale, anchoring the space in the landscape’s natural history and identity.

Council response and future plans

Richard Davison, Auckland Council’s Priority Location Director South, said the upgrades reflect a significant step forward for the town centre.

“This is a proud moment for Papatoetoe. These completed projects represent more than just upgraded streets, laneways, and parks.

"They reflect Auckland Council’s commitment to creating places where people feel connected, safe, and proud to call home."

Future stages include the development of two council-owned sites beside Cambridge Terrace, a learn-to-ride wheel play space requested by the community, completing the Piko Toetoe housing blocks and progressing plans for a new community hub.

The masterplan also noted the possible redevelopment of the library carpark and the former Post Office site.

Papatoetoe is also in the middle of a multi-year programme to renew neighbourhood play spaces, with the Waenganui Allenby Park upgrade opening this Saturday and redevelopment already underway at Kimpton Park.

Recent projects that opened in the Papatoetoe subdivision from the previous term include Pa o Tahi Hillside Park, Aorere Park and the Manu kau noa iho Hayman Park destination playground.

Apulu said many of the upgrades have been years in the pipeline, and while they take time, “we are glad to finally show something for it”.

Community members gather at dawn to bless Papatoetoe’s renewed play space, a key milestone in the Unlock Papatoetoe regeneration project. Photo/Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Facebook

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.