What is happening with the new skatepark and playground in Hikurangi?

Whangārei District Council is planning a brand-new skatepark and playground beside the Hikurangi Rugby Clubrooms on Park Street. The project aims to create a modern, safe, and central space for local tamariki and whānau.

Why is a new skatepark being built in Hikurangi?

The original skatepark at Lake Waro has aged and requires significant upgrades. A temporary pump track at Park Street has proven popular, leading Council to plan a new, permanent skatepark and playground in a more central and accessible location.

Where will the new skatepark and playground be located?

The new facilities will be located on Park Street in Hikurangi, between the bowling club and the rugby clubrooms.

When is the community consultation event?

The consultation event will be held on Thursday 19 March from 3.00pm to 5.30pm on Park Street, Hikurangi.

Who is the consultation event for?

The event is aimed at kids, families, and the wider Hikurangi community. It includes design activities, a sausage sizzle, and input opportunities for tamariki to help shape the new skatepark and playground.

Will the temporary pump track stay in Hikurangi?

Yes. The temporary pump track beside the rugby clubrooms will remain in place while planning for the new skatepark and playground progresses.

A New Skatepark and Playground for Hikurangi: Community Consultation Coming Up

Rimu Reporter
4 days ago
2 min read

For years, the skatepark at Lake Waro has been a familiar spot for local skaters, scooter riders, and families. Sitting just beyond the limestone lake, the park has served generations of tamariki—but time has taken its toll. Earlier redevelopment plans for the site included removing ageing timber features and replacing older concrete elements, highlighting how overdue the upgrade has become.

While the future of the Waro Lake facility has been under review, a temporary pop‑up pump track was installed at Hikurangi Sports Park on Park Street, beside the rugby clubrooms. The modular track—designed for scooters, skateboards, and bikes, has quickly become a favourite after‑school and weekend spot for local kids and whānau. Council has confirmed the pump track will remain in Hikurangi until October 2026.

Its popularity has helped shape the next step: having a skatepark closer to the heart of the village.

A Proposed New Park in Park Street

Whangārei District Council is now proposing to build a new skatepark and playground at the Park Street site, creating a combined youth and family hub that includes:

A modern, permanent skatepark
A new playground
Safer visibility and access for tamariki
Stronger links with the sports hub and village centre

This reflects the community feedback to create a park in a more central, accessible location, and Council aims to build a space that supports riders, families, and community events all in one place.

Community Consultation Event

Council is inviting the Hikurangi community, especially kids and families, to help shape the design of the new skatepark and playground.

This hands‑on consultation event will include:

Sausage sizzle
Playground and skatepark design activities
Road Safety crew on site
A chance for tamariki to directly influence the look and feel of their future space

When: Thursday 19 March, 3.00–5.30pm

Where: Park Street, Hikurangi — between the bowling club and the rugby club

This is a chance for locals to share what matters most: safety, accessibility, features, flow, and the character that makes Hikurangi unique.

Skate Park Consultation Event Info

Looking Ahead

The temporary pump track has shown just how much energy and enthusiasm there is for youth spaces in Hikurangi. Creating a skatepark beside the rugby club opens the door for a true community hub, sport, play, riding, and whānau all in one place.

This consultation is an important moment for the community to help shape a space that will serve Hikurangi for decades to come.