Destination Kāwaroa

Developed in partnership with Ngāti Te Whiti, New Plymouth District Council, Taranaki Foundation and NP Partners, Destination Kāwaroa is a family-friendly, intergenerational play and gathering space.

Now officially complete after nearly five years of collaboration, this flagship NP Partners project has turned a bold vision into a magnificent reality. It stands as a celebration of what can be achieved when a community dreams big and works together, bringing together the efforts of over 350 donors to create a lasting legacy.

The principle of community collaboration was at the heart of the project. From initial ideas to the final features, community input helped shape every part of Destination Kāwaroa.

The space deeply honours its cultural foundations. As Julie Healey from Ngāti Te Whiti Kūao shares:

“Destination Kāwaroa celebrates and brings to the forefront elements of our rich Ngāti Te Whiti history. Through interactive play features, it facilitates kōrero and appreciation of the whenua (land), moana (sea), and te taiao (the environment). We are proud of this.”

Julie Healey, Ngāti Te Whiti Kūao

This is more than just a new facility; it’s a place where laughter, play, and connection will be felt for generations to come.

To ensure this legacy continues to flourish, the Destination Kāwaroa Legacy Fund has been established. Managed by the Taranaki Foundation, this fund enables individuals, families, and trusts to support the future enhancement of the facility through donations or bequests.

“Destination Kāwaroa is an example of the New Plymouth coming together to create something amazing for our people. It will celebrate the child in all of us.”

Neil Holdom, Mayor of New Plymouth