Tokomaru Bay tamariki have been without a playground since massive floods swept through the Bay last year, destroying the public playground and leaving the flood damaged school playground in need of refurbishment.

The site of the public playground was not suitable to rehabilitate as the sea had reclaimed the site so Hatea-a-Rangi School’s new playground has now become available for all the community.

Gisborne Regional Council and Ernslaw One funded the project with engineers, Civil Assist responsible for overseeing the planning and installation.  The school children also had a say in what they wanted for their new playground, feeding back suggestions to Gisborne Regional Council.

Hatea-a-Rangi principal, Karla Kohatu says being able to re-open the school with a new relocated playground was a positive step forward for the kura, whanau and community.

“Using our school grounds for this community playground has provided a safe place for our tamariki to meet and keep active.  The playground will be available to all residents outside of school hours and we look forward to seeing everyone there,” says Ms Kohatu.

The playground was officially opened by Mayor Rehette Stolz and Councillors Pay Seymour and Bill Burdette.

Ernslaw One’s Gisborne Regional Manager, Bill Wheeler says the company was delighted to be able to help.

“Ernslaw One has a significant role in the community with what we do and the number of people we employ so we feel very connected. On a personal level I have a strong link to Hatea-a-Rangi School with my children having attended many years ago so it is wonderful to see the tamariki get a brand-new playground.”

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