Te Waituarua Reserve Playground is more than just swings and slides. It’s a place where the legendary guardian taniwha, Kaiwhare, comes to life. The design of the playground incorporates the story of Kaiwhare, the guardian of the Manukau Harbour, who often appears as a stingray (whai). The layout mimics the movement of its fins, and features like the big swing (moari) represent its spine. The playground seamlessly blends these traditional elements with fun play equipment, offering a unique experience for children.

“Fostering a sense of community is a core part of our Fletcher Living purpose. Having a space where families can gather, relax and share some carefree moments encourages this. By collaborating with local iwi, Auckland Council, and the Local Board, we have created a destination playground with a cultural narrative to provide a unique play experience for families,” says Steve Evans, Chief Executive of Fletcher Building’s Residential and Development Division.