Matamata and the wider district can look forward to a new playground and community gathering space. Following years of lobbying for a bigger and better playground for our community, Matamata Futures has agreed with Matamata Piako District Council (MPDC) to co-design a new playground at the Matamata Domain and lead consultation with our community and stakeholders.
MPDC have confirmed a generous allocation of $1.5 million towards the project, with funds becoming available from July 2024.
With a total project cost of $3 million, Matamata Futures is now looking to raise additional donations from the Matamata Piako community to bolster the budget. While $1.5 million may seem like a lot of money, playground equipment, construction costs, safety surfacing and so on are expensive and increasingly so in today’s terms.
We’re inviting contributions from you to get involved and join us in delivering this amazing new community space. Whether you are an individual, family or local business, anyone can contribute. Join us in creating a legacy for our future generations by donating here.
Boffa Miskell, a leading New Zealand environmental planning and design consultancy, has been selected as the Landscape Architects to lead the project and develop the concept. Boffa Miskell have been involved in creating several award winning playground projects, including Anderson Park in Napier and Te Āhuru Mōwai Playground in Marton , which is of a similar scale to the Matamata Domain project in terms of size and budget.
Senior Zone Tower Concept
🎉 We’re SO CLOSE! 🎉
We’re only $30,000 away from being able to place the order for our incredible new playground equipment for Project Play at Matamata Domain! 💫
But here’s the catch:
We need to raise this amount by 31 May to lock in our order and ensure the playground can be installed in time for summer! ☀️
👉 To be clear – this isn’t the full project cost. This milestone covers the equipment itself, which is a major step forward. We’ll continue fundraising for surfacing, landscaping, street furniture, and other important features – but ordering the equipment gets the ball rolling!
This is the final push to bring a vibrant, inclusive community space to life – a place for our entire community to enjoy together.
Every dollar counts. Whether it’s a personal donation, a fundraiser, or a business sponsorship – your support right now is crucial.
💛 Head to matamatafutures.co.nz/donate/ to contribute or get in touch to talk sponsorship.
Let’s do this, Matamata – together we can make it happen!
#ProjectPlayMatamata #MatamataFutures #PlayForAll #CommunityHub #CountdownToSummer ... See MoreSee Less
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Many thanks to Millar Mathieson for his Boardwalk Plank donation!! ... See MoreSee Less
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Many thanks to Steve & Rachel Shelley for their family wall donation!! ... See MoreSee Less
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Inspired by: Ōmokoroa Domain Playground
We love seeing other communities come together to create spaces that reflect who they are — and Ōmokoroa Domain Playground is a perfect example.
This beautiful Bay of Plenty playground was designed with the community — including local tamariki, schools, and hapū — to reflect the natural and cultural identity of their place. It features inclusive, imaginative play elements like a timber play boat, mega swings, musical instruments, and a wheelchair-accessible carousel.
Just like Project Play here in Matamata, their community placed huge value on:
• Local input and co-design
• Inclusive play for all ages and abilities
• Play elements that reflect their identity and environment
Ōmokoroa showed what’s possible for a small town with big heart — and it’s exactly the kind of inspiration we’re drawing on as we work to create a new community hub in the Matamata Domain.
We’re proud to be on a similar journey. Let’s build something special, together.
#ProjectPlayMatamata #InspiredBy #InclusivePlay #CommunityLed #PlaygroundsWithPurpose ... See MoreSee Less
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Many thanks to the Baxendine Family for their Boardwalk Plank donation!! ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank You, Gardner Air Ltd!
A heartfelt thank you to Gardner Air for their Emerald Sponsorship of Project Play!
As a small, family-run business, David, Carolyn, and their children are passionate about supporting local initiatives that make a real difference. Their donation will help create a space where families across our community can come together to play, connect, and thrive.
In Carolyn’s words:
“It’s a great cause, and our kids – and many others – will benefit from the use of an awesome facility for our busy town.”
Gardner Air Ltd is more than just a heat pump and ventilation service provider – they’re a proud local family business deeply rooted in Matamata. With 20 years of experience, they’ve built a reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable solutions to homes and businesses across Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
Thank you, Gardner Air – your support is helping build something truly special for generations to come. ... See MoreSee Less
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Swing Zone – Freedom, Fun, and Flight for All
Swings are a childhood favourite — offering far more than fun. They help develop balance, rhythm, spatial awareness, and a deep sense of joy. That’s why at Project Play, we’ve created a dedicated Swing Zone that ensures children and adults of all ages and abilities can experience the magic of swinging.
Here’s what you’ll find in the Matamata Domain Swing Zone:
Regular Swings
For tamariki ready to pump their legs and soar high — the classic swing experience, great for coordination, independence, and endless fun.
Toddler Swing
A secure, enclosed seat offering back and front support — perfect for our youngest tamariki to swing safely with confidence.
You & Me Swing
This unique face-to-face swing allows a caregiver or older sibling to sit opposite a younger tamariki or one who needs support. It encourages bonding through eye contact, shared rhythm, and reassurance — creating a beautiful moment of connection and joy in motion.
Duo Swing
With two seats facing each other, this swing is perfect for friends to swing together in sync. It encourages social interaction, laughter, and connection — all while building rhythm and balance.
Inclusive Back Support Swing with Strap Support
Designed with a high back, full support, and secure harness, this swing is ideal for children with limited upper body strength or mobility needs.
Inclusive Open Back Support Swing
This option offers sturdy support while allowing more freedom of movement — perfect for children building strength or coordination.
Basket Net Swing
Spacious and versatile — tamariki can sit, lie down, or ride together. Ideal for gentle movement, group play, or calming sensory input.
Double Rope Swing
Designed for two people to enjoy together, this swing invites teamwork and coordination. As they work to get in sync, they build rhythm, balance, and shared laughter — turning swinging into a fun and social challenge. ... See MoreSee Less
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Many thanks to Lockie & Max Scott for their Boardwalk Plank donation!! ... See MoreSee Less
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💥 Small Steps ELC – Monkey Bar Sponsor 💥
A heartfelt thank you to Small Steps ELC, proud sponsors of our Monkey Bars at Project Play!
Locally owned and operated by Shenaye and Cameron Green, Small Steps provides a nurturing early childhood environment grounded in manākitanga (kindness), aroha (love), and whanaungatanga. Their philosophy supports each child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development, while fostering open play that allows tamariki to explore, imagine, and thrive at their own pace.
At Small Steps, collaboration with families and the wider community is deeply valued, recognising the fundamental role they play in every child’s learning journey. This belief in working together to create strong, connected communities is beautifully reflected in their sponsorship of Project Play!!
Thank you, Small Steps, for supporting a playground where all tamariki can grow, explore, play, and belong. ... See MoreSee Less
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