Supporting Inclusive Play in Northland
Inclusive Play Projects
Accessible Play in Northland
Children with Disability NZ is proud to have helped support two important inclusive play projects in Northland: the wheelchair-accessible swing at Waihoihoi River Park in Waipu and the wheelchair-accessible seesaw at Raumanga Park in Whangārei.
These projects matter because inclusive play is not just about equipment. It is about disabled children, wheelchair users, siblings, parents, carers and whānau being able to arrive at a public park and take part together.
Wheelchair Swing at Waihoihoi River Park, Waipu
In 2023, Children with Disability NZ helped part fund Northland’s first wheelchair-accessible swing at Waihoihoi River Park in Waipu. This was an important step forward for accessible play in Northland.
A wheelchair-accessible swing gives wheelchair users the chance to enjoy movement, freedom, excitement and connection in a public playground setting. For many families, this type of equipment means a child is no longer left watching from the sidelines while siblings and other children play.
The Waipu wheelchair swing helped show that inclusive playground equipment is needed, valued and used. It also helped start a wider conversation about what true accessibility in public play spaces should look like.
Wheelchair Accessible Seesaw at Raumanga Park, Whangārei
Children with Disability NZ also helped part fund the wheelchair-accessible seesaw at Raumanga Park in Whangārei. This project created another meaningful inclusive play opportunity for local disabled children and families.
A wheelchair-accessible seesaw is important because it allows wheelchair users and non-disabled children to play together on the same piece of equipment. Inclusion should not separate disabled children from the main play experience. It should create shared opportunities where children can interact, laugh, learn and build friendships together.
When children play together, they also learn acceptance. Inclusive playground equipment helps normalise disability and shows the wider community that public spaces should be designed with everybody in mind.
Why These Projects Matter
Across New Zealand, many playgrounds still contain barriers that prevent disabled children from fully taking part. Loose-fill bark, poor access routes, narrow entry points, unsuitable surfacing and limited inclusive equipment can all stop children and families from using public play spaces.
The Waipu swing and Raumanga seesaw are practical examples of what can happen when community support, lived experience, good design and local partnerships come together. These projects are more than playground equipment. They are visible signs that disabled children and families belong in our communities.
Children with Disability NZ is proud to have played a part in both projects. We hope they encourage more councils, funders, schools and communities across New Zealand to think seriously about accessible and inclusive playground design.
Help Us Create More Inclusive Play Spaces
Our charity wants to see more welcoming, accessible and inclusive playgrounds across New Zealand. Every donation, partnership and act of support helps us continue advocating, educating and working towards public spaces where every child has the opportunity to play.
