Tākarokaro
Mai
Whakatū!
Let’s Play Whakatū!
A Place to Play, A Place to Connect, A Place to Belong!
What’s Happening?
A brand new, uniquely Whakatū playspace is coming to the heart of Nelson City! This exciting partnership between Ngā Iwi o Te Tauihu and Nelson City Council will create an iconic, inclusive and place-inspired destination for whānau to connect, explore and play.
The new playground, in Rutherford Park, is set to open during the summer of 2026/27. Preparation is underway, but we can’t do this alone - we want your input!
Where & When?
Rutherford Park
A stunning location along the Mahitahi river, near sporting and events facilities and next to the skatepark, with plenty of active transport links and carparking.
Opening Summer 26/27
The planning and design phase is underway, and construction will begin in 2025. It is expected that design and construction will take around 18 months.
Whakatū, you showed up
We want this playspace to celebrate the stories and unique identity of Whakatū Nelson City and we want it to fulfill the playground dreams of all those who call our city home.
Our feedback period has now closed, and we’ve heard from the community — loud and clear. Your thoughts, dreams, and ideas have helped shape the vision for this new playspace.
Food for thought
When submitting your ideas, we asked you to think about…
He aha te hanga papa tākaro whakamīharo?
What makes an amazing playspace?
Ko hea mai nei te painga atu tēnei papa ki a koe?
What would make this a place you love?
He aha tāu e rapu ana i te papa tākaro pai?
What do you look for in a good playground?
He aha ngā ahurei ka hau mai nō Whakatū Nelson?
What would make this space uniquely Whakatū Nelson?
500+
Submissions Received
200+
Tamariki Engaged
Straight to the Experts
Before any plans were drawn, we went straight to the real experts — our tamariki.
Over 200 kids from across Whakatū shared their wildest ideas, boldest dreams, and biggest visions for the future of play in our city. And what they gave us? Pure gold.
What’s the new playspace all about?
The new playspace will be more than just another playground - it will be a destination for locals and visitors that celebrates the stories and unique identity of Whakatū Nelson City.
Our entire community has an opportunity to join a shared movement to create a destination that will:
Attract more people to the city centre
Help revitalise and connect our city to the sea
Create lasting memories for whānau
Showcase our stories, culture and creativity
Be a space where everyone feels welcome
How is it being delivered?
Ngā Iwi o Te Tauihu have stepped up to lead this project in partnership with Nelson City Council and the wider community.
Iwi leadership supports the goals of the project and ensures that tangata whenua design, knowledge, and culture are reflected in the design of the space from the very beginning.
Playspace Whakatū was first included in Nelson City Council plans back in 2008. Following this, it was successful in securing Better Off funding and was then confirmed in the region's Long Term Plan.
What happens next?
Once you’ve submitted your feedback, we’ll get to work on bringing the vision of our community to life. To do this, we're bringing together the best minds, the boldest ideas, and the brightest vision to create something truly special for Whakatū Nelson.
The aim is to open the playspace for summer 2026 and will be working in the following stages:
Planning and design
Working with our community to shape the vision
01
Development
Bringing creative ideas to life
02
Construction
Building with care and quality
03
Opening
Creating a vibrant new heart for our city
04
FAQS
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Rutherford Park
A stunning location along the Mahitahi river, near sporting and events facilities and next to the skatepark, with plenty of active transport links and carparking. -
Summer 26/27
The planning and design phase is underway, and construction will begin in 2025. It is expected that design and construction will take around 18 months. -
Ngā Iwi o Te Tauihu in partnership with Nelson City Council.
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We’d still love to hear your thoughts — while our feedback form is now closed, you’re welcome to get in touch on our Contact page and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. Your message will be confidential, and you can share as much or as little as you’d like.
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Fill in the form on our Contact page and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
In partnership with Nelson City Council
