Hokowhitu Domain Playground

Hokowhitu Domain Playground sits inside Palmerston North City Council's Hokowhitu Park, on Albert Street, beside one of the city's last remnant patches of native bush. The quieter, bush edged setting makes it a calmer stop than Palmerston North's busier destination playgrounds, suiting toddlers through primary school age.

History and Cultural

The reserve traces back to the 5 hectare Hokowhitu Reserve, purchased by the Government from Rangitāne in 1902. Hokowhitu, meaning 140, refers to how Rangitāne organised warriors into companies, and the name later passed to the 28th Māori Battalion, Te Hokowhitu a Tū, which trained in Palmerston North in 1940. The park was known as Bruce Turner Park from 1977 before a community campaign saw it renamed Hokowhitu Park in 1984.

Access and Inclusion

The sportsground beside the bush is used for cricket in summer and football in winter, so the playground shares the site with active sports fields.

Practical Info

The 5.81 hectare reserve is classified for sports use, with play equipment and a pavilion listed on Palmerston North City Council's asset register.