Following several incidents of vandalism and graffiti at several playgrounds across the area, including Hayman Park / Manu-kau noa Iho, Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board and Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina are calling for the community to report instances of vandalism and stop more incidents occurring.
L: in tip top shape. R: Sections of the rubber safety mat surrounding the playground, flying fox, high swing, and main structure have come apart due in part to vandalism. Repair work was completed at the end of September.
The board and councillor are asking those responsible for the damage and vandalism to stop. And secondly, calling on the community - near and far, to help them keep the fun alive by caring for their playgrounds, and reporting incidents should they see them.
In addition to several incidents of vandalism and graffiti at Hayman Park / Manu-kau noa Iho playground, 15 other playgrounds have been damaged across the board area, including Waenganui/Allenby Park in Papatoetoe, Otamariki park in Ōtara, Sikkim Park in Clover Park, and East Tamaki Reserve.
No longer in tune. This xylophone equipment had its keys removed and stolen and has now been temporarily removed until a more durable replacement is sourced.
Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia is saddened to see the recent vandalism that has defaced the boards efforts to beautify the area’s spaces with the creativity of talented artists, and all those who helped bring the epic adventure hub to life.
“Hayman Park I Manu-kau Iho Noa playground is the first destination playground in South Auckland,” explains Apulu.
“Before, families told us they had to travel to other parts of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland to enjoy good quality playgrounds. Now they can stay local. It costs a lot of money to keep repairing damaged and defaced equipment. Let's keep our playgrounds clean and safe. We want our families to continue to stay local.”
Flushed away: The park toilets are facing a persistent issue with graffiti, as the toilets are frequently being tagged. Options are being explored to address this problem.
“As we head into summer, the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board is proud to have upgraded several playgrounds across our community so our kids can enjoy quality facilities. We as a community need to look out for each other and look after our playgrounds so everyone can enjoy playing outside these coming summer days,” adds Apulu.
“Playgrounds are essential spaces for fun, adventure, and community connection, especially for our tamariki,” says Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina.
“It’s disheartening to see them tarnished by thoughtless actions. We must come together to protect our playgrounds, ensuring they remain welcoming and enjoyable for everyone. There’s absolutely no justification for stealing/destroying equipment or vandalising spaces built for everyone. True transformation is owned and delivered by us all.”
To report damage or vandalism to a playground or park, call 09 301 0101 or use the report a problem tool.
Our Playgrounds, Our Pride
Here are more playgrounds that this board have made better in the past year and a half, because of community feedback:
Stay connected
Want to stay up to date with all the latest news from your area?
Sign up for our Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board e-newsletter and get it delivered to your inbox each month.
