The dream of developing the Te Kopuru Domain as a park for local tamariki and their whānau is finally coming to fruition. This first stage has a multipurpose outdoor gym and a basketball half court in place as well as barbeque tables and plantings.

With over 300 locals attending to celebrate the first stage of their project, the day started with an opening powhiri from local Te Kopuru School tamariki, followed by a blessing from local Kaumatua Barry Tana for the opening of the new outdoor gym followed by a fun afternoon of games, tug o war, health checks, mitimiti, kite making, face painting and horse rides as well as fire engine rides from the local Fire Brigade.

The event was supported by Te Ha Oranga, Circus Kumarani, Kaipara District Council, Jolene Morris and Sport Northland who are all part of a new support group called Kaipara Tamariki Collective, making it a truly collaborative celebration with the newly formed Te Kopuru Community Development Group leading the way.

The day also gave the local residents the opportunity to give their feedback to the TKCDG (Te Kopuru Community Development Group) regarding what they would like to see at the park. This feedback will give them guidance in what is wanted at the park that they may not have already thought of.

The Domain has been a barren area for a long time. It previously had a Bowling Club at the entrance and when the club closed, and the buildings were removed it became an eyesore with broken concrete and overgrown shrubbery. The locals had a vision to turn the area into a family friendly place with plantings, picnic tables, a playground, basketball hoop and bike track to name a few. With some plantings having been done and the playground and Basketball hoop in place they are focused on listening to the community feedback and working through the list.

Violet Hutchinson, a founding member of the Domain Committee, now TKCDG, was thrilled at the support the event attracted quoting “thanks everyone for your support, this has been a long time coming and now look at how you have all pulled this together for our TK whānau”.

Check out the video here