South Auckland’s New Playgrounds Are Bringing Communities Together

In a time when digital devices dominate children’s lives, revamped parks across South Auckland are proving that outdoor play is far from a thing of the past. Several long-neglected community spaces have been transformed into vibrant gathering places, drawing families out of their homes and strengthening neighbourhood ties.

Parks That Have Been Upgraded:

• Papatoetoe Recreation Grounds – Improved sports fields with better drainage and lighting, making them usable year-round.
• Aorere Park – A brand-new playground and outdoor fitness zone for all ages.
• Puhinui Domain – Newly planted fruit trees and revitalised green spaces to encourage community gatherings.
• Pearl Baker Reserve – State-of-the-art play equipment, upgraded basketball courts, and new volleyball courts.
• Toetoe-roa / Cooper Park – A fully modernised space featuring a new playground, learn-to-ride cycleway, and fitness equipment.

One of the biggest success stories has been Pearl Baker Reserve in Ōtara, a once-barren park that locals had long abandoned. Before the upgrade, the space was little more than an empty field, where nothing good really happened. 

"Before, there was nothing here. Just bark and one swing.  Nobody wanted to come here because there was nothing to do, and it didn’t feel safe," says Tasi Leupepe, a father of three. "Now, every afternoon, this place is packed with families, and my kids would rather be out here than stuck on their devices at home."

The impact has been felt across all generations. Parents who once struggled to get their children to engage in outdoor activities now find them racing out the door.

"My kids used to spend hours glued to their tablets and the TV. Now, they’re begging to come to the park after school," says Jas Seuili , a local mother. "My girl is 8 she’s really shy but she’s made lots of friends at the park. It’s like they all know each other now which is cool"

The addition of volleyball sand court has been particularly popular, drawing people of all ages together. Antrim Cres local Destiny Momoiseā says “I always see the auntys on the street, and their daughters walking to the park in their ie lavalava’s for volleyball. I love that they have their own community/village to play with now.”

The transformation of Toetoe-roa / Cooper Park is another standout example, made possible by the determination of local residents. After years of advocacy, the Cooper Crescent community saw their long-awaited vision come to life.

"We are glad to have delivered another playground for our community," said Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia. "The board would like to commend the local community for their engagement, perseverance, and participation in the project – right from starting the petition, to community consultation into design and development."

The park’s grand reopening was a particularly emotional moment for Cooper Crescent resident Lee Naniseni, who had been instrumental in rallying the neighbourhood to push for the upgrade.

"I have grown up playing in this park like many others from my generation. It is so exciting to see this playground upgraded – a project that has been very close to our entire neighbourhood – which now our kids and families will enjoy for many years to come," she said.

"The old playground was worn out and no longer enough for our growing families. This playground is much more inviting for the families and elderly who don’t have a car or find it challenging to travel far to access such spaces. This is a place we all can call home."

For Yvonne Matson, who was part of the original playground’s planning 40 years ago, the reopening felt like a full-circle moment.

"All I wanted back then was to give our kids a decent area to play at. A lot of those kids like Lee are still living in this community and it’s heart-warming to see them now doing the same for their kids and the next generation," she said. "The new space is a lot more vibrant and colourful, and much more accessible for people our age with new walkways through the park. The community spirit in this neighbourhood is really strong and it can be seen in the way the playground has taken shape."

The upgrades, which totalled nearly $600,000, include a larger playground with the latest fixtures, upgraded basketball and volleyball courts, fitness equipment, a mini pump track, a learn-to-ride cycleway, seating, shade, and picnic areas.

The project also marked a special milestone with the park officially receiving its Māori name, Toetoe-roa, gifted by mana whenua. It is the second park in the local board area to receive a Māori name, following Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board’s endorsement of the Te Kete Rukuruku programme, which supports naming in partnership with mana whenua.

The recent upgrades across South Auckland aren’t just about modernising play areas—they’re about revitalising communities. Once-empty spaces are now full of life, laughter, and a renewed sense of belonging.

"Looking at the excitement of the kids and families today, we know this space is going to be well-utilised by our community," said Autagavaia.