Showcase
- NZILA Award of Excellence Play Spaces — 2026
Nomination statement
Old Papatoetoe Stadium Reserve is a transformative civic landscape project located within the heart of Old Papatoetoe, Auckland. Delivered as a cornerstone project within Auckland Urban Development Office’s wider “Unlock Old Papatoetoe” regeneration programme, the redevelopment repositions a previously fragmented and underutilised reserve into a vibrant, connected and highly activated recreational destination for one of Auckland’s most diverse and rapidly growing communities. Grounded in the geological and cultural narratives of Kohuora (Mists of Life), the design was developed in genuine partnership with Mana Whenua, embedding Te Ao Māori values through landform, ecological systems, planting and experiential play rather than applied ornamentation. The project establishes a strong landscape identity while strengthening pedestrian and cycle connectivity between the town centre, public transport infrastructure, surrounding residential developments and adjoining regeneration projects. A clear north–south active transport spine organises the reserve and connects a series of inclusive activity spaces including a destination playspace, youth basketball hub, civic gathering areas and flexible event lawns. The design carefully responds to complex topography, floodplain conditions and mature tree protection requirements while balancing significant technical and budgetary constraints. Environmental stewardship is embedded throughout the project through water-sensitive design, flood-responsive landscapes, low-impact material selection and the preservation and enhancement of the existing urban ngahere. The result is a resilient, culturally grounded and socially inclusive public landscape that delivers lasting environmental, recreational and civic value while establishing a renewed sense of identity and pride for Old Papatoetoe.
Judges' citation
More than a playground, the destination playspace at Old Papatoetoe Stadium Reserve anchors a significant piece of urban regeneration that transforms a constrained and underutilised site into a vibrant community destination. The project successfully delivers on an ambitious brief, creating a welcoming and inclusive space at a pivotal stage in the wider urban development. It balances cultural identity, recreation, social gathering, connectivity and environmental performance through play.
Within the wider reserve upgrade, the standout feature is the investment in play: a landmark destination playground inspired by the cultural and geological narratives of Kohuora. Despite substantial value-engineering constraints, the project achieves a highly distinctive and memorable outcome that strengthens Papatoetoe’s identity and sense of place. Meaningful engagement with mana whenua is evident through the integration of cultural values into landscape, ecology and play experiences that offer adventure, delight and education.
The reserve demonstrates strong environmental stewardship through low-carbon and permeable concrete, on-site contamination remediation, urban canopy protection and innovative stormwater solutions. Thoughtfully resolving complex connectivity, topographical and flooding challenges, the project delivers lasting social, cultural and ecological benefits. This is a well-executed and worthy example of contemporary play underpinned by a strong landscape architecture framework, putting kids and families at the heart of urban regeneration.
Bespoke Landscape Architects
Client: Auckland Urban Development Office (AUDO), in partnership with Te Ākitai Waiohua, Ngāti Te Ata and Ngāti Tamaoho
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