Article By: Will Johnston, The Post • December 18, 2024
An idea envisioned by New Plymouth philanthropist Bryce Barnett four years ago became a reality on Wednesday (18 December 2024) with the official opening of the first stage of Destination Kāwaroa.
Despite strong winds, over 300 people attended the opening ceremony, while eager children waited for the speeches to conclude so they could explore the new playground.
Now among the largest playgrounds in the southern hemisphere, this multi-million-dollar facility features water play areas, slides, swings, a sensory zone, and social spaces designed for people of all ages and abilities.
Barnett, who proposed the concept to New Plymouth Mayor Neil Holdom in 2020 and contributed significantly to its funding, expressed his satisfaction with the project being completed on schedule and within budget.
Image: Dan Nganeko, Taranaki Daily News
“It’s an emotional day,” he said.
“Today is a dream come true. This is a place where memories will be made for years to come, and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together as a community.”
He called the area a destination with a playground within it that was for all the people of Taranaki and New Zealand.
During the opening ceremony, Julie Healey of Ngāti Te Whiti hapū, said Kāwaroa translated to long reef and the area held significant connections to the people, land and sea.
“Destination Kāwaroa will celebrate and bring to the forefront elements of our rich Ngāti Te Whiti history,” she said.
To mark the occasion, Healey and Barnett’s wife, Delwyn, were the first to go down the two slides which offer views out over the Tasman Sea.
“It’s exciting to see it get to this stage,” Healey said. “It’s going to be a good thing.”
Taranaki Foundation chief executive Josh Hickford facilitated the initiative along with the council, New Plymouth Partners and Ngāti Te Whiti.
He said a project of its nature would transform a community.
Destination Kāwaroa – a place that gathers our community and celebrates our region’s rich culture, heritage and ecology. See the full Project description here.