The Wairoa Destination Playground has blossomed into a cornerstone of community life, drawing both local families and visitors to enjoy its vibrant, inclusive environment.
The Wairoa Young Achievers Trust (WYAT) helped turn the community’s vision into a reality with the opening of Wairoa’s very own Destination Playground in 2017. WYAT championed the project, recognising its potential to benefit not only the town’s youth but also their whānau, the wider community, and visitors. The stunning result stands as a lasting visual legacy of the Trust’s dedication to its community and its ability to ‘get the job done.’
Nearly six years on, the Destination Playground has become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. It has hosted countless playdates, lunches, travel stop-offs, and birthday parties, bringing people from all corners of the community together. On a sunny day, the playground becomes a vibrant hub where new connections are made, and friendships are forged in a fun, safe environment—completely free for everyone to enjoy.
While WYAT led the charge in raising nearly $500,000 for the project, the trustees ensured the community was actively involved at every stage. It was vital to uphold a shared vision for the playground, fostering a strong sense of ownership and pride. Every school-aged child in the district had the chance to submit a ‘wish list’ during the planning phase, with the top suggestions—especially the most popular choice, a flying fox—incorporated into the final design. The playground reflects the district’s unique heritage and environment, featuring covered and uncovered picnic areas, toilets, and drinking fountains.
The playground’s significance to the community became especially clear in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle in early 2023. Flooding left the beloved space buried in silt and out of action for several months, a devastating blow during a time of immense hardship. The absence of this vibrant, joyful space was keenly felt by rangatahi and their families. However, thanks to the strong spirit of the community, the playground was restored and reopened within just a few months, once again providing a much-needed space for fun and connection.
WYAT and the Wairoa community remain deeply grateful for the generous support of numerous individuals and organisations, including Wairoa District Council, Eastland Group, The NZ Lotteries Grants Board, Pam Torbett Charitable Trust, AFFCO, First Light, HB Williams, Eastern and Central Community Trust, and G Single. Their contributions made this remarkable project possible and continue to benefit the Wairoa community to this day.