The Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board is inviting the community to share ideas for upgrades for three Papatoetoe neighbourhood playgrounds: Rangitoto Park, Maxwell Park, and Motatau Park. The consultation runs from 28 January to 23 February 2026. Your children can also join the fun and take part online.
Much of the current play equipment has aged and is ready to be replaced. The aim is to:
- replace worn-out equipment
- make the playgrounds safer and easier to use
- create spaces that local families will enjoy.
Through this renewal, the board wants each playground to reflect the needs and ideas of the community, which is why your input matters.
All three playgrounds are being consulted on together because of their proximity.
What we want your feedback on
There are three options, and the board would like to know which of the following options you think is best for the community and why.
Option 1: Renew all three playgrounds (Maxwell, Motatau and Rangitoto)
Under this option, all three playgrounds will be renewed. This option would update all three playgrounds by fixing or replacing old equipment with new play features informed by community feedback, and improving safety and accessibility, creating refreshed and modern spaces.
Option 2: Renew Rangitoto playground and upgrade Maxwell playground
Under this option, we will:
- renew Rangitoto playground
- use funding for Motatau playground to upgrade Maxwell playground
- not make any changes to Motatau playground.
Option 3: Renew Rangitoto playground, upgrade Maxwell playground and close Motatau playground
Under this option we will:
- renew Rangitoto playground
- use funding for Motatau playground to upgrade Maxwell playground
- close Motatau playground. The site could become open space.
We also want your feedback on:
- what play equipment and features you would like to see
- how these parks can better reflect your community’s needs.
Rangitoto Reserve
Located on Rangitoto Road, Papatoetoe, this older-style, colourful playground offers swings, a play tower with climbing and swinging equipment, and slides for younger children.
Whenua Makuru / Maxwell Park
Maxwell Park is a tree-covered space. Its name, meaning “fruitful land,” acknowledges the fertile soil and the taonga/treasure plants - like toetoe and harakeke - that Waiohua ancestors harvested here for daily life and trade.
Poro-toetoe / Motatau Park
This small residential park features open grass, established trees, and a playground for younger children. The name Poro-toetoe recalls the traditional harvesting of toetoe, a significant taonga/treasure.
Have your say before 23 February 2026 - these upgrades will be informed by what the community values most.
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