Latest news with #PlayspaceoftheYear
Scoop
23-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Tauranga Parks Take Top National Honours With Community-Led Designs
Press Release – Tauranga City Council Tauranga City Council's commitment to creating inclusive, well-designed community spaces has been recognised on the national stage, with wins at the 2025 Recreation Aotearoa Parks Awards in Auckland this week. Two category wins and two merit awards were received, reflecting efforts by council staff to work more innovatively and collaboratively within the city's parks and recreation sector. Among the winners were Te Papa Tākaro o Matua, which won Playspace of the Year (under $500,000), and Tauranga Waterfront Playground, awarded Playspace of the Year (over $500,000). Two further projects received merit awards: Waitaha Reserve (Playspace of the Year – over $500,000) and the Kōpūrererua Valley restoration (Healthy Parks Award category). The Matua and Waitaha Reserve projects were designed, delivered and project-managed in-house – an approach that ensured value for ratepayers and enabled community involvement from concept to completion. 'These awards recognise our focus on building spaces that are locally led and enjoyed,' says Deputy Mayor Jen Scoular. 'We're committed to working alongside the people who use these spaces to make sure we're creating play and recreation experiences that reflect community needs, values, and aspirations.' The Te Papa Tākaro o Matua project involved the full renewal of an outdated neighbourhood park, drawing on the ideas of local hapū Ngai Tamarawaho, children and scout groups to reimagine the space. The result is a vibrant, inclusive park where all ages and abilities feel welcome. In the city centre, the new Waterfront Playground has become a recreational destination that reflects the city's cultural identity and connection to Te Awanui Tauranga Harbour. Local school children fed into its design and judges praised the project's strong cultural narrative, use of natural materials, and ability to create connection and joy through play. Waitaha Reserve was another in-house project that showcased Council's internal design capability on larger-scale upgrades, working alongside hapū, Ngāti He. The Kōpūrererua Valley project was recognised for its long-term ecological restoration, which is balancing environmental outcomes with recreation access in one of the city's largest natural corridors. 'We've had great feedback from the community that spaces like this are important to them. Having these projects recognised on the national stage reflects our efforts to be innovative and create places that people care about and want to use.' Jen also acknowledges the community's role in shaping the spaces. 'The most successful parks and play spaces are those created with the people who will use them.'
Scoop
23-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Tauranga Parks Take Top National Honours With Community-Led Designs
Press Release – Tauranga City Council The most successful parks and play spaces are those created with the people who will use them. Tauranga City Council's commitment to creating inclusive, well-designed community spaces has been recognised on the national stage, with wins at the 2025 Recreation Aotearoa Parks Awards in Auckland this week. Two category wins and two merit awards were received, reflecting efforts by council staff to work more innovatively and collaboratively within the city's parks and recreation sector. Among the winners were Te Papa Tākaro o Matua, which won Playspace of the Year (under $500,000), and Tauranga Waterfront Playground, awarded Playspace of the Year (over $500,000). Two further projects received merit awards: Waitaha Reserve (Playspace of the Year – over $500,000) and the Kōpūrererua Valley restoration (Healthy Parks Award category). The Matua and Waitaha Reserve projects were designed, delivered and project-managed in-house – an approach that ensured value for ratepayers and enabled community involvement from concept to completion. 'These awards recognise our focus on building spaces that are locally led and enjoyed,' says Deputy Mayor Jen Scoular. 'We're committed to working alongside the people who use these spaces to make sure we're creating play and recreation experiences that reflect community needs, values, and aspirations.' The Te Papa Tākaro o Matua project involved the full renewal of an outdated neighbourhood park, drawing on the ideas of local hapū Ngai Tamarawaho, children and scout groups to reimagine the space. The result is a vibrant, inclusive park where all ages and abilities feel welcome. In the city centre, the new Waterfront Playground has become a recreational destination that reflects the city's cultural identity and connection to Te Awanui Tauranga Harbour. Local school children fed into its design and judges praised the project's strong cultural narrative, use of natural materials, and ability to create connection and joy through play. Waitaha Reserve was another in-house project that showcased Council's internal design capability on larger-scale upgrades, working alongside hapū, Ngāti He. The Kōpūrererua Valley project was recognised for its long-term ecological restoration, which is balancing environmental outcomes with recreation access in one of the city's largest natural corridors. 'We've had great feedback from the community that spaces like this are important to them. Having these projects recognised on the national stage reflects our efforts to be innovative and create places that people care about and want to use.' Jen also acknowledges the community's role in shaping the spaces. 'The most successful parks and play spaces are those created with the people who will use them.'
Scoop
23-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Tauranga Parks Take Top National Honours With Community-Led Designs
Tauranga City Council's commitment to creating inclusive, well-designed community spaces has been recognised on the national stage, with wins at the 2025 Recreation Aotearoa Parks Awards in Auckland this week. Two category wins and two merit awards were received, reflecting efforts by council staff to work more innovatively and collaboratively within the city's parks and recreation sector. Among the winners were Te Papa Tākaro o Matua, which won Playspace of the Year (under $500,000), and Tauranga Waterfront Playground, awarded Playspace of the Year (over $500,000). Two further projects received merit awards: Waitaha Reserve (Playspace of the Year – over $500,000) and the Kōpūrererua Valley restoration (Healthy Parks Award category). The Matua and Waitaha Reserve projects were designed, delivered and project-managed in-house – an approach that ensured value for ratepayers and enabled community involvement from concept to completion. 'These awards recognise our focus on building spaces that are locally led and enjoyed,' says Deputy Mayor Jen Scoular. 'We're committed to working alongside the people who use these spaces to make sure we're creating play and recreation experiences that reflect community needs, values, and aspirations.' The Te Papa Tākaro o Matua project involved the full renewal of an outdated neighbourhood park, drawing on the ideas of local hapū Ngai Tamarawaho, children and scout groups to reimagine the space. The result is a vibrant, inclusive park where all ages and abilities feel welcome. In the city centre, the new Waterfront Playground has become a recreational destination that reflects the city's cultural identity and connection to Te Awanui Tauranga Harbour. Local school children fed into its design and judges praised the project's strong cultural narrative, use of natural materials, and ability to create connection and joy through play. Waitaha Reserve was another in-house project that showcased Council's internal design capability on larger-scale upgrades, working alongside hapū, Ngāti He. The Kōpūrererua Valley project was recognised for its long-term ecological restoration, which is balancing environmental outcomes with recreation access in one of the city's largest natural corridors. 'We've had great feedback from the community that spaces like this are important to them. Having these projects recognised on the national stage reflects our efforts to be innovative and create places that people care about and want to use.' Jen also acknowledges the community's role in shaping the spaces. 'The most successful parks and play spaces are those created with the people who will use them.'
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Tauranga Shines Again At The 2025 Parks Awards
Press Release – Recreation Aotearoa Taurangas Waterfront Playground was awarded Playspace of the Year (Over $500,000). Judges described this project as a standout example of innovative urban renewal, grounded in culture, equity, and environmental care. Tauranga is proving itself a leader in parks and recreation, taking home multiple honours at the Recreation Aotearoa Parks Awards held tonight in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. The Parks Awards celebrate the people, projects, and places that positively contribute to Aotearoa New Zealand's parks, play, and open spaces. Following on from its success in last year's awards, Tauranga City Council claimed two category wins and two merit awards — dominating three of the five awards categories. The Playspace of the Year award, split by project scale, saw both titles awarded to Tauranga City Council. Te Papa Tākaro o Matua Iwi was named Playspace of the Year (under $500,000) for refurbishing an outdated local park in Matua, Tauranga. Upgraded equipment and inclusive design created a space where all locals can play safely. Judges highlighted the project's strength in engaging local tamariki — especially the scout group — whose ideas helped shape a space that's both meaningful and fun. Tauranga's Waterfront Playground was awarded Playspace of the Year (Over $500,000). Judges described this project as a standout example of innovative urban renewal, grounded in culture, equity, and environmental care. The former car park is now a modern recreational destination for Tauranga residents and visitors alike. Tauranga City Council also earned merit awards for Waitaha Reserve in the Playspace of the Year (Over $500,000 category), and for Kōpūrererua Valley in the Healthy Parks Award category. Kieran Smith, Parks, Play and Open Spaces Programme Manager for Recreation Aotearoa said, 'The Parks Awards are a way to recognise those places, spaces and people that help New Zealanders to experience our natural playground.' Smith said the awards also highlight the broad benefits parks and recreation provide. 'As our cities grow, parks aren't just places to play — they're spaces for connection and local pride. They attract visitors and support wellbeing. It's great to see Tauranga projects continuing to set a high benchmark.' Alison Law, Manager Spaces and Places for Tauranga City Council, said,' As Tauranga continues to grow and we welcome more people into our city, it's important we maintain investment. We know these spaces allow people to come together, play, and be active. We're delighted to continue to be recognised nationally for these spaces we're providing for our community.
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
New Zealand's Places, Spaces, And People Honoured At 2025 Parks Awards
Press Release – Recreation Aotearoa A record crowd gathered in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland tonight for the annual Recreation Aotearoa Parks Awards, a celebration of the people, places, and spaces shaping Aotearoa New Zealand's recreation sector. This year's event also welcomed the New Zealand Cemeteries and Crematoria Collective (NZCCC) Ngā Rau Hotu, who joined the celebrations to honour leaders in the cemeteries and crematoria sector with the biennial Cemeteries Awards. The evening kicked off with the 'Active Park / Sportsground of the Year' award, recognising adventure parks and sportsgrounds that support active, healthy lifestyles. The finalists were: McLean Park Skatepark, Kāpiti Coast District Council Motutawa Skatepark, Convic Te Wāhi Tākaro o Motupōhue Adventure Park, Invercargill City Council Convic's Motutawa Skatepark in Lower Hutt took out the top honour, while Invercargill City Council received a Merit Award for Te Wāhi Tākaro o Motupōhue Adventure Park. Next was the 'Healthy Park of the Year' award, which celebrates parks that enhance community wellbeing and social connection. Finalists included: Kaipātiki Reserve, Resilio Studio and Auckland Council Kōpūrererua Valley, Tauranga City Council Te Awahou Riverside, Horowhenua District Council Kaipātiki Reserve, a collaboration between Resilio Studio and Auckland Council, claimed the title, with a Merit Award presented to Tauranga City Council for Kōpūrererua Valley. The 'Playspace of the Year' awards followed, recognising excellence in playgrounds and recreational playspaces, with separate categories for projects under and over $500,000. Seven finalists were named: Kaipātiki Reserve Wāhi Tākaro, Te Poari o Kaipātiki ki Kaipara, Resilio Studio and Auckland Council Rānui Domain Playground, Auckland Council Raumanga Scenic Reserve Playground, Whangārei District Council Papatakohe Park, Waipā District Council Te Papa Tākaro o Matua Iwi, Tauranga City Council Waitaha Reserve, Tauranga City Council Waterfront Playground, Tauranga City Council Tauranga City Council dominated the category, winning both awards. Te Papa Tākaro o Matua Iwi was named 'Playspace of the Year (within $500,000)', while the city's new Waterfront Playground received 'Playspace of the Year (over $500,000)'. Merit Awards in the over $500,000 category went to Tauranga City Council's Waitaha Reserve and Kaipātiki Reserve Wāhi Tākaro, delivered by Te Poari o Kaipātiki ki Kaipara, Resilio Studio and Auckland Council. The final award of the night, 'Parks Person of the Year', honours individuals who show outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to public parks. This year, the accolade was shared by two recipients: Simon Alefosio-Tuck from Rotorua Lakes Council and Howell Davies from Auckland Council. Kieran Smith, Parks, Play and Open Spaces Programme Manager at Recreation Aotearoa, said the awards reflect the growing importance of open spaces in supporting thriving communities. 'Across Aotearoa, parks are more than playgrounds and sports fields — they're places for communities to gather, connect, and recharge. This year's finalists and winners set a powerful example of how these spaces can enhance wellbeing, sustainability, and community pride,' Smith said.
