The Nature Play at Pukekawa / Auckland Domain project is led by a partnership between Auckland Foundation, Auckland Council, community champions and in consultation with mana whenua and the community of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland.

Auckland Council is responsible for the research, consultation and concept design of the project, and will manage detailed design, resource consenting, procurement and construction. Auckland Council will own the completed nature play facilities, and be responsible for future investment in site infrastructure, ongoing operation and maintenance. Auckland Council owns and manages Pukekawa / Auckland Domain for use by all visitors.

Auckland Foundation provides the philanthropic structure for Nature Play at Pukekawa / Auckland Domain and is responsible for all compliance and regulation regarding the donations and distributions to this project. Auckland Foundation is the community foundation for the Auckland region. Community foundations are a proven global philanthropic model that have been providing donors with a bespoke service to support their legacy and living giving since 1914. Donors are supported with efficient charitable structures and expert community knowledge and insight to achieve their philanthropic goals in perpetuity.

Consultation with mana whenua and the community began in late 2016 and ran over 2017 / 2018 leading up to approval of the concept plan by the Auckland Domain Committee in May 2018. In developing the Nature Play at Pukekawa / Auckland Domain concept plan the Auckland Council project team worked with mana whenua and conducted community consultation (online and near the proposed location). Community feedback showed strong support for the development of the nature play area in Pukekawa / Auckland Domain. The community overwhelmingly agreed with the use of natural materials and supported incorporating elements of the locations natural and cultural history into the play space. Partnering with mana whenua on all aspects of the design and construction of the nature play area is key to the project, and Nature Play at Pukekawa / Auckland Domain also has the support of the other listed partners and supporters.

With Stage One funding secured, Auckland Council is commencing further consultation with mana whenua and the community.

The Auckland Council project team are working with mana whenua throughout the project. The design principles are:
• MANA – Rangatiratanga, Authority
• WHAKAPAPA – Names and Naming
• TOHU – The Wider Cultural Landscape
• TAIAO – The Natural Environment
• MAURI TU – Environmental Health
• MAHI TOI – Creative Expression
• AHI KA – The Living Presence

Ko Pukekawa me Pukekaroa (Pukekaroro) nga Maunga
Ko Te Waitematā te Moana
Ko Te Ako o te Tui me Waipapa nga puna wai Māori
Ko Waikohanga, Ko Pukekawa, Ko Pukekaroa nga pā

Pukekawa and Pukekaroa (Pukekaroro) are the mountains
Waitematā is the sea
Te Ako o te Tui and Waipapa are the freshwater springs
Waikohanga, Pukekawa and Pukekaroa (Pukekaroro) are the forts

Stage One is funded and in [TBC] work will commence on detailed design and resource consenting. This stage also includes ongoing mana whenua engagement, and Auckland Council tendering and contracting (which will occur as Stage Two funding approaches the target). Stage Two will commence as soon as possible once the funding target is reached, with the aim of starting construction in late 2025, followed by installation of new play equipment and furniture. Our goal is to have Nature Play at Pukekawa / Auckland Domain open in mid-2026.

The Auckland Council Parks and Community Facilities team completed the design concept in collaboration with mana whenua and community stakeholders.

Nature play is a concept that encourages children to spend time playing outdoors using their imaginations in a natural setting and inspires children to explore with and engage in open-ended play with elements of nature. The rise in nature play has gathered momentum in response to the growing body of research about the positive impacts of nature play on the social, emotional intellectual and physical wellbeing of children, and has developed as antidote to the increasing disconnect between children and nature.

The benefits of nature play are far-reaching, and some of the key physical, cognitive, social and emotional benefits include:
• Regular play in natural settings results in less childhood sickness, exposure to mud, sand, water etc can help strengthen children’s immune systems
• It enables the formation of strong connections to the natural environment and the development of life-long conservation values
• It improves language skills and collaboration
• Children who play in natural settings are more resilient to stress and have a lower incidence of behavioural disorders, anxiety and depression and have higher self-esteem
• Challenging, natural and irregular play spaces help children learn to recognise and assess risk and build confidence
• It supports positive social development, research shows that bullying behaviour is reduced where children have access to diverse nature-based environments
• It enhances balance, agility and has general health and wellbeing benefits
• It encourages and improves creativity and imagination, children who play in natural settings play in more diverse and imaginative ways

Nature Play at Pukekawa / Auckland Domain will create an inclusive, natural experience in our oldest park (and one of the largest), contributing to community education and wellbeing across our region as well as becoming a renowned visitor attraction. By virtue of the ambition of its scale, nature, and site, Nature Play at Pukekawa / Auckland Domain will be transformational for our community.

Nature Play at Pukekawa / Auckland Domain is planned to be built to the south-west of the Duck Ponds, integrating sympathetically into the existing environment with existing trees retained and incorporated into the play space.

The play experiences include:
• Water play
• Sand play
• Climbing
• Balancing
• Sliding
• Natural play
• Planting as play
• Imaginative play
• Unprogrammed play

Play is essential for people of all ages and abilities. Accessibility and inclusivity considerations have been considered and incorporated across the design elements including:
• Accessibility of the space for wheelchair users and children with physical disabilities.
• Various hard and non-slip surfaces.
• Accessible and inclusive play components and play opportunities.
• A rich cultural story of the local area and hapū.

Auckland Council expect limited disruption to existing walkways and car parking. Temporary closures to allow for the movement of construction vehicles, equipment and materials will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so. More details will be available following the detailed design and construction planning steps.

The proposed location has good walking, cycling, public transport and vehicle access. Regular bus services operate along Park Road and Parnell Road, and sealed paths from Parnell train station lead to the area. Parking in the immediate vicinity, includes car parks located along the Crescent, the southern side of Kiosk Road and at the junction of Kiosk Road and Domain Drive. Bus parking is provided on Kiosk Road outside the entrance to the Wintergardens.

Auckland Council will maintain the playground as it does with all other community playgrounds. Auckland Council will own the completed nature play facilities, and also be responsible for future investment in site infrastructure and ongoing operation.

The Stage One budget of $150,000 is fully funded by public donations and allows work to commence on detailed design and resource consenting, ongoing mana whenua engagement, tendering and contracting. The Stage Two budget of $2 million is currently being raised through charitable donations from organisations and individuals. This includes our community fundraising campaign where anyone from the community can contribute to the project at any level. You can donate by Credit / Debit Card (at the top of this page) or online banking (info also above).

You can donate by Credit / Debit Card (donate widget at the top of this page) or online banking (information also above).

If you represent an organisation or business that wishes to make a difference in this ambitious community legacy project then please contact Auckland Foundation on natureplay.pukekawa@aucklandfoundation.org.nz

All contributions of $1,000 and greater will, at the donor’s option, be recognised in the Confirmed Project Donors [link] section of the webpage.

Donations of $50,000 or more will be recognised on site and in certain play areas, in a manner in keeping with the nature play concept. The contribution levels are:
• Pukekawa Donors ($200K+ financial / in-kind)
• Products & Services Donors (50K-$200K in-kind)
• Donors ($50K-$200K financial)

If you, or the organisation or business you represent, would like to discuss how your contribution will be recognised and / or options to donate over $50K, please contact Auckland Foundation on natureplay.pukekawa@aucklandfoundation.org.nz

While the Auckland Domain Committee approved the Nature Play at Pukekawa / Auckland Domain concept plan in May 2018, there is no current Auckland Council budget allocated for the construction of the playground. Auckland Council budget constraints associated with events over recent years are likely to mean that Nature Play at Pukekawa / Auckland Domain will not be realised for some time unless other funding ideas are explored.

This community fundraising initiative is intended to see this amazing Nature Play at Pukekawa / Auckland Domain experience delivered for the community within 2 years. We’re giving people the opportunity to make a lasting contribution – small or large – to their community and play a part in making our city an incredible place to live, work and play.

While Stage One funding is secure, we hope to fund Stage Two as soon as practical.

The project delivery has a staged approach based on the confirmed funding available. Stage One is funded and provides for detailed design and resource consenting, and tendering / contracting. Stage Two will commence once the funding target is reached, and fundraising will remain ongoing until that time. Donations in excess of the funding target will be used toward additional Nature Play at Pukekawa / Auckland Domain play equipment and amenities.

Yes. Not only will your gift help bring this community project fully to life, but your donation will also qualify for a tax rebate of 33.3% up to the limit of your taxable income. See more about tax credits for donations on the Inland Revenue website. Auckland Foundation will email a charitable donation receipt to donors.