Marton Playground

Equipment

Te Ahuru Mowai is a destination playground opened in April 2021 on Wellington Road in Marton, adjacent to the Marton Memorial Hall. Key equipment includes a three-sided climbing tower with slide, what was at opening the longest swing set in New Zealand (with swings for different ages), a sandpit with water play, and plentiful seating. New public toilet facilities were built as part of the development. Designed by award-winning landscape architects Boffa Miskell, the space replaced a playground dating from 1951.

Access and Inclusion

Located at 397 Wellington Road, Marton, next to the Memorial Hall and Marton Historic Village. Free public toilets are on site. Swings suit multiple age groups. Flat and open, the site is accessible for prams and mobility aids. Well-positioned for travellers stopping along State Highway 1 through Marton.

History and Cultural

The playground was initiated in 2018 by two local mothers, Lucy Skou and Brenna O'Neill, completing a $1.3 million project over four years. The full name, Te Ahuru Mowai o Tutaeporoporo, was gifted by local mana whenua Te Runanga o Nga Wairiki Ngati Apa and translates as "the safe haven of Tutaeporoporo." Tutaeporoporo is a mokai (spiritual guardian) significant in local iwi tradition. Artwork throughout the playground tells this story. Funding came from Dudding's Trust, Whanganui Community Foundation, Four Regions Trust, community fundraising, and Rangitikei District Council. The grand opening on 17 April 2021 drew the community together with music, food carts, and face-painting.

Practical Info

Free entry, open daily. On-site public toilets. Located on Wellington Road (SH1 corridor), a convenient rest-stop for travellers through Marton. Managed by Rangitikei District Council.