Designed together with the St Albans Primary School community and local kaumātua, Te Arawai is a playground which expresses cultural narrative and ecological learning. Te Arawai is about the ‘moving waters’ and design workshops gathered ideas for playful ways to cross between mounds and a whare tower, as the ‘floor is a swamp’. Silhouettes of indigenous fauna species are scattered in the imaginary swamp, which is nestled within, local, native plantings.

Accessible play is prioritised with play selections and a reshaped, flush edge making it inclusive for all uses. Play progression and open-ended fun make for ever changing adventures - it’s so popular the tamariki have designated days to enjoy it.