News

Dawn Blessing

29 January 2026

Dawn Blessing Playspace

Construction has commenced on our city's new playspace, marked by a deeply meaningful dawn ceremony.

Yesterday morning at Rutherford Park in Whakatū, mana whenua, Council, and community gathered as the sun rose to witness the placing of the mauri and receive karakia for the site.

This significant milestone marks the beginning of a community vision years in the making – creating a destination playspace for our city.

In the months ahead, this space will be brought to life through the expertise and cultural guidance of Te Tauihu iwi and Te Ātiawa o Te Waka a Māui, working alongside Isthmus, O'D&Co, Extended Whānau, Kūmānu, and numerous other dedicated partners.

Together, we are building something extraordinary for our tamariki and whānau.