Making Auckland our playground

At Eke Panuku, we believe that well-designed play spaces are vital to the creation of thriving town centres and connected communities. They benefit our tamariki, physically, socially and cognitively. Play helps children grow their confidence by teaching about risk-taking within a safe environment, enabling emotions to be worked through, and creating friendships.  

This belief is reflected in our urban regeneration projects across Tāmaki Makaurau, including the award-winning Wynyard Quarter playground and more recently Hayman Park playground in Manukau. In addition to purposefully designed playgrounds, playable elements are incorporated in many of our projects to activate spaces and draw people in. 

Our strategic approach to urban regeneration supports the creation of town centres where play is naturally integrated into everyday life. By designing inclusive, vibrant spaces, we encourage communities to connect and interact in ways that promote joy and wellbeing. Play is a key element in building thriving town centres, and one of the core values that guides our placemaking team. For example, projects like Waiwharariki Anzac Square in Takapuna and Te Ara Awataha in Northcote are designed to engage people of all ages, making interactions with public spaces more enjoyable and enriching.

Roxie Haines, Principal Strategic Placemaker at Eke Panuku, and a member of the Play advocacy network, works across Council to promote the benefits of play. She highlights how play enhances both social and physical wellbeing, contributing to the overall liveability of our city. Whether in kindergartens, schools, playgrounds, or public spaces, play is beneficial for both brain and body health.

Placemaking is about sparking moments of civic participation through joy, using public spaces as platforms for connection. As Roxie notes, our goal is to inspire moments of happiness by creating opportunities for everyone—both young and old—to play.

This year Play Week activities are taking place in two of our neighbourhoods: 
 
-    Play In the Square – Te Komititanga: Sun 27 Oct – 10am – 3pm 
-    Street Game Design Workshop – Silo Park: Tues 29 Oct – 6 – 9pm 

For the full Play Week calendar, click here: Play Week in the City Centre 2024 - OurAuckland