Creating New Zealand's most accessible playground at Pohe Island Whangārei
Setting a Goal
Creating New Zealand's most accessible playground at Pohe Island Whangārei, making it a beacon for accessible tourism.
Inspired by photos shared by visitors like Kylee Ostermann, we’ve studied Hamilton’s Magical Bridge Playground considered New Zealand's best accessible playground—and we believe Pohe Island can be even better. With ample space in Area 7, we have the opportunity to create something truly special. Now, we need the support of those who can help turn this vision into reality.
♿ Area 7 – A Perfect Place for Inclusive Play
Area 7 at Pohe Island offers a unique opportunity to further enhance Whangārei’s most celebrated play space. This wide, open, and level area sits adjacent to the existing Pohe Island Destination Playground and is ideally suited for expansion—especially with accessible play equipment that welcomes children of all abilities.
🌿 Why Area 7 Is Perfect
This naturally flat terrain provides an ideal foundation for inclusive infrastructure. Its proximity to the main playground, walking paths, and parking makes it highly accessible for families using wheelchairs, mobility devices, or prams. The area is already cleared and lightly landscaped, reducing preparation costs while allowing for seamless integration with the surrounding green space.
💡 Proposed Accessible Features
To build on our vision of New Zealand’s most inclusive playground, we plan to introduce thoughtfully chosen equipment that ensures every child can play, connect, and thrive. Proposed additions include:
✅ Wheelchair-Accessible Seesaw
Allows children with and without mobility devices to play together in balance and cooperation.
✅ Inclusive Swing with High-Back Support
A secure and comfortable swing option for children who need additional trunk or head support.
✅ Sensory Play Panels
Interactive panels at wheelchair height to engage touch, sight, and sound—supporting neurodiverse children and sensory learning.
✅ Smooth Rubber Safety Surfacing
A continuous, wheelchair-friendly surface ensuring safe and easy movement across the play zone.
✅ Shaded Quiet Zones
Calm areas with seating for rest or regulation, designed for children who may be easily overwhelmed or overstimulated.
✅ All-Access Carousel
A roundabout designed to include children in wheelchairs alongside their peers for shared spinning fun.
🧭 A Natural Extension of the Playground
By expanding into Area 7, we can reduce congestion in the main playground while creating a space that truly reflects universal design principles. It’s about more than equipment—it’s about building a future where every child, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of play.
Area 7 is ready. The need is clear. The opportunity is now.
Let’s build a space where inclusion is not just possible—it’s permanent.
poheislandwhangarei.co.nz...
A reminder this hunting season
As thousands of hunters are making their plans for autumn – the Roar – recreational firearms groups are urging hunters to always be 100% sure of their targets.
Te Tari Pureke - Firearms Safety Authority NZ, which chairs the Recreational Firearms Users Group, has begun a public information campaign reminding hunters everywhere of Rule #4 of the Firearms Safety Code: to identify their target beyond all doubt.
Director Communities and Corporate, Mike McIlraith, says there is an estimated 50,000-60,000 New Zealanders involved in big game animal hunting each year, and the Roar is the key event for many hunters each year.
“The Roar is a fantastic time of year for hunters to get out into the hills after a trophy animal but hunting safely and making sure everyone gets home in one piece, still must be the most important goal of every trip,” says Mike McIlraith.
“The consequences of not fully identifying your target beyond all doubt can be catastrophic. Our message to hunters is a really simple one: If you are not sure, then don’t shoot.”
Mike McIlraith says while hunting fatalities are thankfully rare, research has shown that misidentification of the target is the largest firearms related risk to New Zealand deer hunters, and 80% of the time this involves members of the same hunting group.
The Authority says hunters should not feel pressured to take a shot: “Instead, hunters should take the time to analyse their target, wait and see if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how many points does its antlers have? Identifying your target means never firing at sound, shape, colour or movement alone.”
Mike McIlraith says good hunters will slow down, and run through some simple mental checks:
- Can I see the whole animal, or could this be another hunter?
- Where are my hunting companions – could this be them or someone else?
- How much of the animal can you see, if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how - many points does its antlers have?
“Taking a little extra time to identify your target and check the firing zone is the key to safer hunting. No meat or no trophy is better than no mate,” he says.
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
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76.5% Inside!
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23.5% On top!
Don't overthink this riddle...
I have a silver sole
but no feet,
I make my living by bringing the heat.
What am I?
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