Seats have started to arrive in Tamahere Park, including some with the distinctive sculptural style of renowned local artist Marti Wong.

So far, in and around the playground on Wiremu Tamehana Dr and adjacent piazza, are five of Wong’s unique seats, three benches and two oversize wooden seats, reports a delighted Tamahere councillor Aksel Bech.

Also in construction are three water fountains, including one with a dog bowl, which are supported by Newstead Vets.

Anyone up for cricket?

Tamahere Lions Club members are keen to see if there is interest from locals in the occasional game of cricket at the new Tamahere Park.

“We envisage it being sociable rather than serious and possibly mixed gender,” said proposer Peter Simcock.

Tamahere Lions have tested the new Tamahere Park public barbecue and given it their seal of approval.

Lions members along with representatives of supporters of the project gave the twin barbecue plates a test run yesterday at a social event.

“Lots of hard work has gone into fundraising to bring this wonderful amenity to the Tamahere Community,” said Tamahere Lions member Susan McHugh.

The NZ Transport Agency is to fund a pedestrian and cycle underpass of Airport Rd/SH21 – one of several safety black spots in Tamahere.

The action comes after unprecedented protests in Tamahere, including a packed public meeting, and a call to the agency by Associate Transport Minister for safer connectivity for the area.

Tamahere Community Committee chair Sue Robertson welcomed confirmation of the funding for the underpass but said it was just a start.

Thieves have twice stolen the hammocks swinging at Tamahere’s new playground and also hit a nearby private property.

Since it opened in June, four hammocks have been stolen from Tamahere Park – two in mid July and two on the weekend of September 7-8.

Musical mallets for the playground’s xylophone were stolen in the July theft and three panels around the skate park were poached in the latest incident.

Tamahere’s central playground and skatepark shone under blue skies and bright sunshine as it was officially opened today.

In a ceremony led by Ngati Haua kaumatua Sonny Karena the park on Wiremu Tamihana Dr was blessed, ribbons were cut and then the area circumnavigated by a happy crowd of children, adults and community leaders.

The group then gathered in front of an assembly of Tamahere School students whose kapa haka roopu impressed.

Tamahere Park’s new skatepark and playground will be officially opened at 1pm on Friday, June 28.

The ceremonial opening of the park, already drawing huge crowds at weekends, is a way to mark a real milestone for the Tamahere community, says Tamahere councillor Aksel Bech.

Tamahere School’s 70-member Kapa Haka Roopu will be part of the haka powhiri, performing its own haka for the first time.

Tamahere Lions are appealing for community support for barbecue facilities it is developing in the Tamahere Park.

The ground work and floor slab have been completed and the Lions are now raising funds for the rest of the project in the central Tamahere recreation area.

The plan is for a double electric barbecue and two sets of seating under an attractive weatherproof shelter.