Pukekawa/Auckland Domain holds special significance as Auckland's oldest and one of its largest parks, attracting visitors and tourists from across the region and world.
As Auckland continues to experience urban intensification, green spaces like the Domain have become increasingly vital for residents' wellbeing. Research clearly demonstrates their importance. For example, The Summer Parks Customer Experience Survey (December 2024) highlighted that 78% of park visitors come specifically to improve their mental health, 73% to connect with nature and 69% to stay active and fit. The significance of social connection is also apparent, with 72% visiting to spend time with others – a figure that rises to 84% when a playground is part of their experience.
Despite being Auckland's second most visited park, with 6% of all park visitors choosing it as their destination (second only to Cornwall Park's 9%), the Domain has notably lacked a dedicated playground space. This gap became the catalyst for community action last year when a local resident approached Auckland Council to fundraise for a playground. Unbeknownst to him, plans for a Domain playground, originally drafted in 2018, had been set aside by council due to funding constraints following COVID-19 and the severe storms of 2023.
The importance of a playground in this historic setting extends beyond typical play equipment. The proposed nature play space will feature elements that blend seamlessly with the landscape – natural materials for climbing, balancing and exploring that foster environmental stewardship while respecting the park's character. Such a space provides crucial developmental opportunities for children to build resilience, creativity and form meaningful connections with the natural world.
What makes this initiative particularly remarkable is that it will not rely on ratepayer funding. Instead, it represents a true community-driven effort – for the community by the community. The early response has been extraordinary, with six local families already pledging a combined $150,000 to cover the first stage of the project, which includes detailed design and resource consenting.
The project brings together Auckland Council, Auckland Foundation, mana whenua Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and various community stakeholders in a collaborative partnership. Once completed, the playground will serve not only local families but also patients and staff from nearby Starship Children's Hospital, students from surrounding schools and visitors to Auckland Museum.
Those who contribute to this initiative will be recognised onsite in some way, creating a lasting legacy for supporters who help make this vision a reality. Through the Auckland Foundation, community members can contribute to a project that will serve Auckland families for generations to come.
As urbanisation continues and opportunities for nature connection diminish, this community-led initiative represents a significant investment in Auckland's future – creating a space where children and adults alike can experience the wonder of play in one of the city's most cherished natural settings.
To find out more and show your support for this initiative, have a look at the Auckland Foundation page.
Desley Simpson, Deputy Mayor of Auckland
www.desleysimpson.co.nz
#ponsonbynews #iloveponsonby #loveponsonby #ponsonby #auckland #aucklandshippestrip #onlyponsonby #ponsonbyroad #Greylynn #freemansbay #westmere #ponsonby #hernebay #stmarysbay #archhill #coxsbay @followers #followers @everyone #everyone #waitematalocalboard @highlight
