Nature playground plan for Akaroa’s Garden of Tāne

A concept plan for a new nature play area in Akaroa’s Garden of Tāne includes balancing logs, bamboo musical chimes, a woven timber walkway and a ‘folly’ hut made of local macrocarpa and kanuka.

Consultation on the concept plan opens today and will run through until 28 March.

A public domain since 1874, the Garden of Tāne features an extensive collection of mature specimen trees planted in its early years and is home to an expanding number of native species.

Under the proposal an existing play area near the main entrance to the reserve would be extended to include the new additions and surface mulch added to allow for the balancing and climbing activities.

Drawings and carvings of insects with their Te Reo Māori names will be included along with illustrations and kowhaiwhai patterns on the hut.

The plan has been developed by the Garden of Tāne Management Committee in conjunction with Ōnuku Rūnanga and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū/Banks Peninsula Community Board.

Committee Chair Suky Thompson says the committee also plans to fundraise for the installation of a pou whenua – a carving of Tāne Mahuta – to be set a little further into the reserve beyond the play space.

“We have been working since 2012 to care for and improve the Garden of Tāne without changing its essential character as a place of peace and shade, birdsong and mystery.

“We are so delighted that many more people are using the garden as a result of the track improvements, welcoming signage and heritage benches. Installing the new nature play area and the amazing carving of Tāne are a wonderful way to complete this work.”

Construction work is expected to start on the play area in the spring. 

Have Your Say on the nature play space in the Garden of Tāne