Understanding values and outcomes and promoting a better community where all can belong.
Co-design with the local community is invaluable in creating better playspaces for all. A successful playspace considers the place it is located and cares for the people it serves, and we are all kaitiaki of how this is realised. We want our spaces to be canvases, for the narratives of place to be told, and for people to be reflected in the spaces they occupy, in play and recreation.
When collaborating with a tangata whenua, we can design playspaces that reflect the mana whenua and narratives of the land, tying together past, present and future. By having conversations and connecting with people, we are able to learn from and about the local iwi and community and, accurately incorporate their knowledge, histories, narratives, local landscapes and wildlife into the playspaces. This collaborative approach generates unique designs that reflects the people who play on and interact with the space, connecting them back to the land, surrounding nature and people.
Honouring Place and Identity.
At Māngere Central Primary School, the junior playground celebrates the rich cultural heritage of its Pasifika community. Rooted in the school’s narrative of ancestral voyages, the playground connects tamariki to their identity, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.
A Journey to Revitalisation.
Once an unused court and muddy field, the junior school’s outdoor space needed transformation. Drawing inspiration from two years of learning about Pacific navigation, the school envisioned a playground that would tell the story of their ancestors’ journey to Aotearoa on the Tainui Waka
Connecting Through Symbols.
The story of their journey, led by the stingray, is central to the playground’s design. Each aspect embodies the students’ identity and connection to their community. Tamariki played an active role in developing the ideas, making sure the space reflected their heritage. Exploring other schools and parks inspired creativity, yet the primary goal was to incorporate Māngere Central’s distinctive cultural narrative into the final design.
A Living Representation.
This playground is more than a place to play. It reflects the journey and identity of the Māngere Central community, celebrating their past while providing a space for the future. The children now have a vibrant area where they can play, learn, and connect with their roots all year round.
A Renewed Sense of Belonging.
The impact of the new playground is enormous. It has transformed the look and feel of the school, revitalising the junior area and bringing renewed energy to the community.
creospace.co.nz/mangere
Tunnel.
01 This fun and colourful tunnel invites imaginative play, allowing children to explore and create their own adventures.
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Slide and Mounds.
02 These features provide excitement and physical challenges, encouraging students to be active.
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Custom Wooden Waka.
03 Central to the playground concept, the waka offers the opportunity for climbing, open ended play and group interaction.
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Wooden Obstacle Course.
04 This feature allows students to navigate through a series of challenges, fostering problem-solving and teamwork.
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Balance Balls.
05 These elements are designed to develop coordination and balance, inviting students to engage in dynamic and open-ended play.
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Surface Design.
06 The surface design supports the storytelling, working as part of the space, not just a safety feature.
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M āngere Central Primary School, Auckland.
M āngere Central Primary School, Auckland.
“This playground truly reflects our story. It connects our tamariki to their heritage while giving them a space to play and grow.”
Jacqualene Maindonald Principal
Celebration of Māoritanga.
Matua Hook, the General Manager at the Te Kōhanga Reo o Takitimu envisioned a space deeply rooted in Māoritanga, a place where tamariki could connect with their cultural heritage. The design was to reflect the journey “from mountains to the sea,” weaving together natural elements and local stories to create a meaningful and inspiring playspace.
Building a Cultural Legacy.
The kōhanga aimed to create a playspace nurturing tamariki’s sense of identity and belonging. The challenge was to design a playful and symbolic area, incorporating cultural narratives into features that could be explored and enjoyed daily. Every aspect— from the towering māunga (mountain) to the water feature and sandpit—echo the kōhanga’s values and whakapapa.
A Space That Tells Stories.
The completed playspace is a living story. The māunga and flowing water feature embody the journey of the land, while the sandpit invites imaginative play with the whenua. Eel motifs symbolise the kōhanga’s local whakapapa, encouraging tamariki to engage with stories of their heritage in play.
Strengthening Whakapapa Connections.
This play space is more than a physical space; it’s a taonga (treasure) for the community. It strengthens connections to Māoritanga, offering a place for tamariki to explore, learn, and celebrate their identity. Matua Hook has expressed immense pride in a space that brings their values to life and inspires the next generation to honour their cultural roots.
creospace.co.nz/tkr-takitimu
Slide and Mound.
01 Adding to the story, from mountains to the sea, the mound offers open ended play for all users.
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Waterplay.
02 Representing the sea, Moana, the water play area is a great sensory activity for all children.
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Sensory Sandplay.
03 The sand play is the connection between the land and sea, where children can play the way they want to.
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Tunnel.
04 This fun and colourful tunnel invites imaginative play, allowing children to explore and create their own adventures.
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Surface Design.
05 The surface design make the space as one. From the eels and koru design, to the vibrant colours, it ties the space story together.
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Whare Hokohoko.
06 A central piece, custom made for this space. The Whare Hokohoko helps children have a sense of belonging with their heritage.
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“Creo was really supportive during the design process, especially when it came to incorporating our cultural elements. The eels, the water, the māunga—they all tell a deeply meaningful story for us,” a school representative shared.”
Matua Hook General Manager
Te K ō hanga Reo Takitimu, Hastings.
Te K ō hanga Reo Takitimu, Hastings.
Levin East School, Levin.
Cultural Representation.
The Levin East School playground beautifully reflects the cultural identity of the community. The pātaka, modelled after traditional Māori kai storage huts, stands as a central feature, paying homage to the local iwi. Pasifika trail markings, bird footprints, and eel motifs further enrich the space, celebrating the diverse heritage and natural environment of the area.
Natural and Local Inspiration.
Drawing from its surroundings, the playground incorporates elements inspired by the Tararua Ranges, Lake Horowhenua, and nearby beaches. A large mound represents the transverse sand dunes, unique, and significant to the local area., creating a tangible connection to the local landscape. These natural references foster a sense of belonging and identity for the children.
Interactive and Inclusive Design.
Inclusivity is at the heart of the playground’s design. Sensory boards ensure children with special needs can participate, making the playground accessible and engaging for all. The floor design, with its vibrant natural motifs, encourages exploration and interaction, inviting children to connect the details of their environment.
A Renewed Legacy.
The playground replaces a 30-yearold structure that had become unsafe, bringing a modern, culturally rich, and inclusive space to life. This renewal aligns with the school’s vision of creating an environment that reflects the students’ identities and provides opportunities for learning through play.
Community Collaboration.
The development process involved extensive input from local iwi, school staff, and the community. The school caretaker will also contribute to intricate carvings, adding unique and meaningful details to the playground. Students also engaged in the construction process, observin g how their new space came together, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.
A Beloved Space.
Since its completion, the playground has become a cherished part of the school. The vibrant design and thoughtful features have made it a stand out in the community, sparking joy and connection among the students. From the opening ceremony to everyday play, it stands as a source of pride for Levin East School, embodying the values and heritage of the area.
creospace.co.nz/levin
Pātaka (Storehouse).
01 Carefully designed in conjunction with the local iwi, to increase local heritage immersion.
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Challenging Wooden Equipment.
02 Chosen to keep the playground connected to nature, blending with the surrounding environment.
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Surface Design.
03 The surface design creates a sense of flow and add to the story of this amazing play space.
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Inclusive Wooden Arch Climber.
04 It can be a bridge, a shelter or a tunnel. This arch offers open ended play for all users that want to climb or go under it.
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Platform Structure with Slide.
05 Carefully designed to work with the mound and its surroundings, this modular piece integrates different types of play for all children.
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“We actually had discussions with our local iwi, who actually came and advised us on our designs, on our pataka. One of our buildings is actually modelled off a Māori Kai storage hut.”
Zoe Raue Team Leader
Levin East School, Levin.
Levin East School, Levin.
“We wanted elements of Pasifika and things that were local to our area. So we have things like the eels in here, the different birds and their footprints. We’ve got a Pasifika trail, markings that go along for our children to kind of follow.”
Zoe Raue Team Leader
A Vision of Togetherness.
Sunnyvale Primary School dreamed of a playground that brought their value of family and community to life—a place where children of all abilities could come together, share adventures, and build friendships. They wanted a space that sparked creativity and embodied their commitment to inclusion and connection.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities.
The existing playground, with its outdated structures, didn’t meet the needs of all students. It lacked accessibility and didn’t encourage the kind of shared play the school envisioned. The challenge was clear: create a space that reflects the diverse school community and where every child could feel they belong.
Where Play Meets Possibility.
The new playground transformed the school’s vision into reality. Durable, colourful surfacing replaced wood chips, while imaginative and inclusive play structures invited children of all abilities to explore.
The standout feature? A slide connecting the second-story classroom to the playground excites daily routines.
A Playground That Feels Like Family.
Sunnyvale Primary now has a vibrant, welcoming play space where children laugh, connect, and grow. Subtle pacifica motifs paired with the vibrant surfacing creates a warm and inviting space, working closely with community to choose patterns and features that best represented who they are. It celebrates the school’s values, fostering joy, inclusivity, and a strong sense of community.
creospace.co.nz/sunnyvale
PlayShapes.
01 Half balls: These bright, colourful, and customisable PlayShapes offer open-ended play opportunities. They invite children to explore, interact, and create their own games, fostering creativity and collaboration. Sunnyvale School opted for these items to add creativity for their students and, of course, challenge them.
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Slide.
02 Second-Story Slide: This thinkingoutside-the-box idea, was added to make the second-story classroom more appealing; why not embark on an adventure after class?
At Sunnyvale School, it quickly became a favourite feature, making the upstairs classroom a more attractive destination for students.
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Tunnel.
03 This fun and colourful tunnel invites imaginative play, allowing children to explore and create their own adventures. This is not only for the children to have fun but also for school staff, who have seen how successful this design feature is by watching their students try to fit in as many people as possible.
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Custom Surface Design.
04 The new surface replaced the problematic wood chips, making the area more durable and safer for play. Creo’s surface is free draining, making it safe in all weather. The vibrant, inclusive design reflects the school’s identity and encourages creativity and adventurous play.
You can see it in the small details, games and colours. Every part of it makes a difference and plays a part when students interact with it.
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Playspace Overall Design.
05 The layout enhances flow and engagement, ensuring all age groups enjoy the space. The colours and features were chosen to align with Sunnyvale School’s colours, creating a sense of belonging and pride for the students.
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“We wanted a colourful and inclusive space that reflected our school’s values. Creo designed a playspace that brought our vision to life, catering to all our students.”
Katie Pennicott Principal
Sunnyvale Primary School, Auckland.
“The response from the students has been overwhelmingly positive. The playground is filled with laughter and excitement.”
Katie Pennicott Principal
Collaborative Design Process.
We work closely with your school and community to develop a playspace that reflects your unique identity and values. Our team listens to your ideas, understands your needs, and brings expertise to create a design that aligns with your vision.
Cultural Integration.
By partnering with local iwi, we ensure that cultural elements are authentically and respectfully integrated into the design. This collaboration brings depth and meaning to the playspace, making it a place where tamariki can connect with their identity and heritage.
Inclusive and Accessible Spaces.
Together we can design playspaces that are inclusive of children of all abilities, promoting equality and participation. Our designs encourage interaction and collaboration, ensuring every child feels welcome and engaged.
Quality and Durability.
Using high-quality materials and construction methods, we build playspaces that are safe, durable, and built to last. This commitment to quality ensures that your investment will serve the school community for years to come.
Custom Equipment Design.
Our expertise in custom equipment design allows us to create unique play elements tailored to your school’s needs and vision. From concept to creation, we ensure that each piece is engaging, educational, and aligned with your cultural and aesthetic preferences. Our designs not only provide fun and challenge but also tell stories and represent the values important to your community.
We would love to partner with your school to create a playspace that inspires and delights.
Contact us today to start the journey toward transforming your school’s play environment into a space that celebrates culture, fosters community, and brings joy to tamariki. 0800 000334
