The Ground
Located in a small rural farming community on the Hauraki Plains, Waitakaruru School is more than a place of learning. Positioned beside a well-known local dairy, it has long been a popular stop for travelling families stretching their legs and in summer, locals use the grounds, gathering around the deck and playground. As the hub of the community, the kura’s outdoor spaces are well used beyond school hours.

Well-loved, but exhibiting wear and tear from its 20+ years in use, the community playground was presenting some safety concerns, such as loose nails and worn timber, and iconic features, such as the fireman’s pole and rope climb had been removed.

“Our playground is falling apart… we don’t got no cool stuff anymore,” - Reihana (12)

“Our playground gives us splinters… and we don’t have a playground for us older kids.” - Ashton (11)

The time had come to recreate the magic of play.

The Creation
The brief for the school’s new playground combined practicality and nostalgia. A tower structure was to be reinstated, echoing the much-loved feature of the past, and swings were non-negotiable. But both the school and its Tamariki wanted some new equipment to play on as well.

At the centre of the new play space stands the TT003 Tower Structure, bringing height, a climbing challenge and imaginative play to the grounds. A Double Bay Log Swing was installed with two strap seats and a basket swing, catering to a wide range of ages and abilities. And to meet the call for movement and momentum, a Spinning Rotonet was installed.

Alongside these additions, repairs and enhancements were completed on the existing playground, bringing new life to a long-standing community asset while lifting the overall safety and play value of the space.

The Play
Today, the playground once again reflects the energy of the school and community it serves. The reinstated tower structure has brought back the sense of adventure that older students remembered, while creating new experiences for younger tamariki.

For this small rural school on the Hauraki Plains, the playground is more than equipment; it’s a gathering place, where the magic of play can be created and enjoyed. Most importantly, it is once again a safe, vibrant environment where tamariki can play with purpose and pride.