Hundreds turned up to Destination Kāwaroa’s “Big Day of Play.” The event celebrated the launch of Stages 2 and 3 – now open with new towers, slides and a flying fox joining the action. They build on last summer’s water-play zone, slides and pump track, plus this winter’s exercise gear, picnic spots and native gardens.
It’s a big footprint, about 22,000 square metres, but the funding story matters. Around 85% of the $7.3m cost came from philanthropy and grants, not rates.
More than 350 donors pitched in, from local families to major funders like NZCT and Toi Foundation. That spread of support says people believed in the idea and were willing to back it.
Businessman Bryce Barnett championed the project and helped bring partners together. When the final target was hit in April, Taranaki Foundation credited collaboration and a focus on leaving a legacy.
Design hasn’t been an afterthought. Ngāti Te Whiti shaped the kaupapa, weaving Kāwaroa’s reef and stories of Tangaroa into the play spaces. Inclusive inpu, including from Autism Taranaki, has made it easier for all tamariki to join in.
There’s been common-sense spending too. Reusing infrastructure kept costs down and waste low, proving you can respect culture and the ratepayer at the same time.
The payoff showed early. After Stage 1 opened, the park drew up to 2,000 visitors a day, with nearby businesses noticing more foot traffic along the Coastal Walkway.
This is what happens when locals lead, government supports, and the burden on ratepayers stays light. It’s fun for families, good for town, and built to last.
