A new playground at Hayman Park in Manukau that features the tallest tower in New Zealand has been welcomed by Manurewa-Papakura Councillor Angela Dalton.
The playground is part of a transformation turning Hayman Park into an adventure hub as part of the Transform Manukau project led by Eke Panuku.
Councillor Dalton has been a vocal advocate for more investment in the south of the city, something she says continues to be needed to address historic underfunding.
“Auckland's 21 local board get locally driven initiatives funding they can use for their own projects, but much more asset-based services funding. It’s based on covering the running costs of facilities and parks in an area,” Cr Dalton says.
“That means boards with the most assets get the most funding, and ultimately southern boards such as Manurewa, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu and Ōtara-Papatoetoe get a lot less.
“That’s unfair when it should be about treating all ratepayers equally."
But despite her concerns, Dalton says the new facility and what has been achieved by her neighbouring Manukau ward councillors and the Ōtara-Papatoetoe board working with Eke Panuku should be celebrated.
“It’s a magnificent new park anyone can enjoy. No one wants to be the Grinch, it’s just that I’d like to have more reasons to celebrate in the South because more was being done.”
Hayman Park is on 10-hectares of green space and even though its tower is the largest around, safety has been the first consideration. It has rubber mats for the climbing walls, safety mesh and features designed to ensure fingers, toes and limbs are kept safe.
The playground has motion sensor lights, security cameras, a staircase for caregivers, three different climbing walls, two slides, four rope climbing bridges, a see-saw at the top, games on the walls and two flying foxes
Other features include ground level activities for those reliant on caregivers, a basketball half court and a bump track and flow bowl. Details about the project here.
