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 meansCouncil resources were complementary to what we did and what we have, and that way it truly is a partnershipbetweenCouncil and the other groups,” he said.

“If a community hasvision, things get done,even if it takes time. This is a classic example of that-it'shaving vision,which is more than whatCouncilcan do on itsown,it'smore than what a community can do on its own.

It'swhat we can do together, and withmana whenua,NgaatiWairere,who have hadinput into this as well.”

Representative forNgaatiWairereontheGordontonDistrict Committee, Carol Henry, said it was reallygoodformana whenuato have the opportunity to have a voice inthedirection and the growth within the village.

“There'sgoing tobe fourposts at the playgroundthat willrepresent thefourmaraesiteshere in the originalHukanui.Also,we'vegot a puzzle thattalks about the history ofHukanui, andit's really important to have that record of our presencein this community,” she said.

“It'sinevitable thatthere’s growth happening in thisvillage,andit'simportant to have amana whenuavoiceacross any decisions made.

“This village is full of nods to its colonial past, andit'snot to dismiss that, butit'sabout integrating. If you want real biculturalism ormerging ofcultures, then both parties need to be part of the conversation.

“It'snot to dismissanything,it'sjust to putour heritageaspart of the narrative for the wider village.

“Huge acknowledgement of Waikato District Council and thecouncilorsin 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.

“Itfeltgoodforus kidsto belistenedto, becausewe'regoing tobe the ones using it,” she said.

“Theflyingfox was the main thing wewanted,it’sgoing to bepretty funto play on.We looked at other playgrounds andadded inthe things we liked.

“It’scoolto see our ideas come to life and howit'sactuallyarealplayground 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 Councilsupports,” he said.

“It’sbeen shaped by local voices and will be enjoyed by generations ofGordontonfamilies for many years to come. Huge congratulations to all involved.”

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