New playground opened at Allen Bell Drive

The newly upgraded Allen Bell Park and playground was officially opened on Saturday 2 April with a neighbourhood Whanau Day featuring a sausage sizzle using new public barbeques, a bouncy castle, and other family activities.

The work was a part of the Te Hiku Open Spaces Revitalisation Project, which is funded by Kānoa – the government’s Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit – and follows extensive community consultations on design elements.

Far North Mayor John Carter, Te Hiku Ward Councillor Felicity Foy and Te Hiku Community Board Chair Adele Gardner represented the Council at the opening.

Mayor Carter says the project would not have been possible without the vision and leadership shown by the Kaitāia community.

“This project perfectly demonstrates how the views of our communities can and should be included. This is the way we achieve community buy-in and create a lasting sense of ownership.”

Councillor Foy, who has helped lead the revitalisation project, says she is pleased to see Te Hiku community members enjoying and benefiting from investments in new facilities like those at Allen Bell Park. “The Te Hiku Open Spaces Revitalisation Project has been transformational for Kaitāia, Ahipara and Awanui. It is great to see families and children enjoying the new playground and park.”

The park and playground additions are designed to suit all age groups, with inspiration taken from traditional Māori structures. Playground features include a marae and pā design elements, a basket swing, rolling log, ninja posts, rope challenges, an origin seesaw and waka seesaw. Playground users are protected by a layer of bark cushion fall beneath the structures and shade sails overhead.

Additions to the wider park include gas-fired public barbeques, picnic tables, a full-sized basketball court, seating, swings, and slides. Most components are designed and manufactured in New Zealand and natural materials are used wherever possible.

With Council support, community members have been working in Kaitāia, Awanui and Ahipara creating public artworks and placemaking projects. These include public artworks, parks and facilities celebrating the whenua and local heritage. 

Also attending Saturday’s opening event were representatives from Sport Northland, Shine On Kaitāia and Te Rarawa.