Collaboration and partnership are the cornerstones behind the creation of Gordonton’s new playground which was officially opened just in time before Christmas.

The community came together to celebrate Hukanui Playground’s opening on Saturday, marking the completion of a project shaped by strong community leadership and supported by Waikato District Council. 

The project was driven by the Gordonton community, with strong advocacy, planning, funding and support from the Gordonton District Committee, Ngaati Wairere, Gordonton School and other community groups.

It was delivered with support from Waikato District Council and extra funding from key project partners, including WEL Energy Trust. 

Chairperson of Gordonton District Committee, Michael Grayson, said this project had been years in the making, but that it’s all been worth it.

“I think the importance of having a community-led project means Council resources were complementary to what we did and what we have, and that way it truly is a partnership between Council and the other groups,” he said.

“If a community has vision, things get done, even if it takes time. This is a classic example of that - it's having vision, which is more than what Council can do on its own, it's more than what a community can do on its own. 

It's what we can do together, and with mana whenua, Ngaati Wairere, who have had input into this as well.”

Representative for Ngaati Wairere on the Gordonton District Committee, Carol Henry, said it was really good for mana whenua to have the opportunity to have a voice in the direction and the growth within the village.

“There's going to be four posts at the playground that will represent the four marae sites here in the original Hukanui. Also, we've got a puzzle that talks about the history of Hukanui, and it's really important to have that record of our presence in this community,” she said.

“It's inevitable that there’s growth happening in this village, and it's important to have a mana whenua voice across any decisions made. 

“This village is full of nods to its colonial past, and it's not to dismiss that, but it's about integrating. If you want real biculturalism or merging of cultures, then both parties need to be part of the conversation. 

“It's not to dismiss anything, it's just to put our heritage as part of the narrative for the wider village.

“Huge acknowledgement of Waikato District Council and the councilors in their support in getting us to this point.”

The children at Gordonton School were involved with the planning of the playground and contributed towards what sort of equipment it contains.

One of them Olive Baxter, 11, said it was great to have input into the playground.

“It felt good for us kids to be listened to, because we're going to be the ones using it,” she said.

“The flying fox was the main thing we wanted, it’s going to be pretty fun to play on.  We looked at other playgrounds and added in the things we liked. 

“It’s cool to see our ideas come to life and how it's actually a real playground now.”

Waikato District Mayor Aksel Bech acknowledged the substantial role the community played in bringing this project to life.

“This playground reflects what can be achieved when communities lead and Council supports,” he said.

“It’s been shaped by local voices and will be enjoyed by generations of Gordonton families for many years to come. Huge congratulations to all involved.”

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