Te Āhuru Mōwai Playground
Ko Te Āhuru Mōwai o Tutaeporoporo
Opened in 2022, this park includes new modern playground equipment.
Featuring a three-sided tower and new toilet facilities. The playground also boasts the longest swing set in New Zealand (at the time of its opening).
It is a hit with locals and those living in neighbouring towns and settlements and draws families travelling through Rangitīkei off the State Highway into Marton for a travel break.
Make sure to visit Te Āhuru Mōwai at 397 Wellington Road, Marton.
Gifting of the name
The name Te Āhuru Mōwai was gifted by local mana whenua Te Rūnanga o Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa and means a safe, comfortable and enjoyable space for families and community. The full bi-line - Ko Te Āhuru Mōwai o Tutaeporoporo - means ‘the safe haven of Tutaeporoporo’.
Tutaeporoporo is a mokai (pet/guardian) to local iwi that is seen as a friend and guardian of southern Rangitīkei land, waterways and people.
Te Rūnanga o Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa also worked closely with the playground designers to develop art work which tells the tale of Tutaeporoporo and is woven throughout the play space.
Thank you Te Rūnanga o Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa for this special gift.
Playground History
In 2018, local mums Lucy Skou and Brenna O'Neill approached the Rangitīkei District Council to see whether an upgrade to the current park could be a possibility. The response was a resounding yes, so the wheels were set in motion.
Lucy and Brenna started an ambitious fund-raising campaign. They were successful in receiving grants from Dudding's Trust, Whanganui Community Foundation, and Four Regions Trust, with a further $60,000 being raised through a fundraiser and online auction.
Council contributed $250,000 towards the project as well as providing Project Management assistance.
Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa contributed designs and support, and have also blessed the site.
With the help of sponsors, the Rangitīkei District Council, local iwi and the wider community the development group raised $1.3 million dollars for the project, designing it to be a destination playground to attract families and businesses to the area.
Te Āhuru Mōwai Playground was officially opened after four years of hard work and dedication sparked by two mothers who wanted a better community playground for their rural town.