Shearer Reserve

Shearer Reserve in Ōakura, a small coastal settlement south of New Plymouth, has a neighbourhood playground with a skatepark on the same site for older children and youth.

Equipment

Swings with an infant swing, a see saw, a multi play structure with a slide and a supernova spinner make up the medium sized, bark surfaced playground, with picnic tables and seating nearby. A couple of established trees give some shade during the day.

History and Cultural

Ōakura takes its name from Ōkura matapu, a female ancestor of those who arrived on the Kurahaupō waka, translating roughly as belonging to Ākura matapu. Ngāti Tairi hapū holds mana whenua authority in the area and maintains Ōkura Pā marae nearby, with Koru Pā, about three kilometres to the southeast, thought to be one of the earliest Māori settlements in Taranaki, possibly dating to around 1300 AD.

Practical Info

Street parking is available on Tasman Parade, and the reserve is operated by New Plymouth District Council under a district wide smokefree policy.