Matua Community Playground
Welcome to the award winning Matua Community Playground!
We’re thrilled to share that Matua Community Playground in Tauranga has taken out the Recreation Aotearoa 2025 Play Space of the Year Award (under $500K category)!
This beautiful upgrade was truly a community effort—designed by Tauranga City Council landscape architect Vanessa Davis, with input from Ngāi Tamarāwaho, who helped honour the area’s history as a māra kai by incorporating a kūmara vine pattern into the retaining walls. Local tamariki from the Matua Scout Group also played a big part, sharing creative ideas that helped shape the final design.
Set among established trees with natural shade, the playground includes accessible picnic tables, park benches, bike racks, and open grass areas perfect for running around or relaxing.
The play space is packed with fun features, including:
A customised Palisade rope structure made right here in Aotearoa—ideal for climbing, exploring and hanging out.
- The Eagle Claw Basket Swing, offering high-flying, cooperative play.
- The Kompan TIPI Carousel, an inclusive spinning experience for tamariki of all abilities.
- Plus, a junior slide, Forest Swing, hammock, and more!
Big thanks to local contractor Garden HQ for bringing it all to life. This is a playground built by and for the community—a space to explore, connect and celebrate together.
