Students at the primary school opt in to help with the multi-year project. Pupils from years 4 to 6 literally do the handiwork and mentor each other, overseen by a qualified builder.

At the start, students consulted the community about their idea of an “ultimate playground”, made a presentation to the Christchurch City Council, and got agreement from Land Information NZ (who managed the land at the time).

Every Friday during the term, you might see students out here with tools and enthusiasm. They started off by building tree huts, climbing ladders and a bridge. In 2025, they hope to add a slide.

Perhaps the students were inspired by this whakatauki about communal activity: He rā whatiwhati kō. (A day of hard work). 

The project requires dedication and physical work, which the students have contributed – and continue to – in spades! So, too, did the Student Volunteer Army, tertiary students who wheelbarrowed in 10 truckloads of shingle to create a bike track with bumps and jumps. All for you to enjoy, peeps!

The project is on-going, involving successive students at the school.