Rotorua playground at Government Gardens to get bilingual upgrade

The playground in the Government Gardens in Rotorua is due for a makeover and is set to become a bilingual Māori language zone.

The playground in the Government Gardens in Rotorua is due for a $20,000 makeover to make it a bilingual Māori language zone.

The upgrade of the park should be completed by July and will include tunnels, Māori designed posts and improvements to the entrance way.

Rotorua Lakes Council and its partner Te Tatau o Te Arawa are behind the upgrade, near Telly Tubby Hill.

Te Tatau o Te Arawa chairman Te Taru White said it would enhance the area's history.

"The upgrade at the papa tākaro is an opportunity for our district to breathe new life into our past and enable whānau to celebrate te reo Māori while at the same time having fun and learning about the history of Rotorua."

Te Tatau o Te Arawa chairman Te Taru White and Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick. Photo / File

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick said enhancing the playground would align with the district's Rotorua 2030 Vision.

"This playground celebrates what makes our home special and like other parks is a whānau environment where families can enjoy spending time with one another.

"It also gives them a unique opportunity to digest and learn the stories of the Government Gardens playground."

Councillor Charles Sturt, who holds the council's sport and recreation portfolio, said the makeover would feature Te Arawa history and the Māori language.

"It will become a reo Māori friendly playground, where park goers will be encouraged to use te reo Māori."

Bilingual signage and interactive games will be included in the space.

The council is also asking for public feedback about the Government Gardens playground including what they enjoy about it before and after the upgrade.

"We also want to get an understanding about their knowledge about the Māori language," Chadwick said.

White said this would help build a wider district picture for Bilingual Rotorua.

Feedback can be given Here.