We’ve got this covered

The council’s push to install shade sails at playgrounds around the district has won praise from the Cancer Society.

Cheyenne Akehurst from Cancer Society Northland says shade is one of the critical steps in being sun-smart to reduce the risk of getting skin cancer.

“I would like to congratulate the Far North District Council for being proactive and making sun protection a priority,” Cheyenne says. “Our Northland sun is harsh, and having shade sails over playgrounds will help reduce the impacts of sun exposure to tamariki and whānau.”

The installation of shade sails at playgrounds in the Far North is part of a three-year council project to provide sun protection at 18 locations across the district.

The project has three stages, with six playgrounds included in each stage. The first stage, which is now complete, includes Te Tii Beach Paihia, Nisbet Park Moerewa, Taupō Bay, Memorial Park Kaikohe, Waiotaraire Reserve Karikari, and Coopers Beach. These playgrounds were prioritised because they are high-use areas and after feedback from the community.

Stage two shade sails are planned for Matthews Avenue Park in Kaitāia, Tauranga Bay, Tōtara North, Cable Bay, Pukenui and Church Street in Kawakawa. This stage is due for completion in November.

Playground sites for the next stage are yet to be determined but will be based on need and ongoing park upgrades.

Each community board – Bay of Islands-Whangaroa, Te Hiku and Kaikohe-Hokianga – has selected different colours for shade sails in their area. The budget allocated for each year of the project is $360,000.

Photo: The Cancer Society says shade sails, such as those installed at Nisbet Park, Moerewa, are essential to sun protection.