Creo has been appointed as ‘end to end’ project lead to bring Playspace Whakatū to life, in partnership with Isthmus Group as design lead and supported by Kūmānu as the local build experts.

The design process formally began in Whakatū on Friday following a robust procurement process to engage a suitable design and build partner for the project.

The new playspace, which will be built in Rutherford Park, is being led by Ngā Iwi o Te Tauihu in partnership with Nelson City Council.

Te Ātiawa o te Waka-a-Māui chief executive Justin Carter said a high calibre of expressions of interest were made by design and build partners, with a shortlist of five bids considered in the final stage.

“Creo, Isthmus and Kūmānu were chosen because of their collective experience and expertise in bringing accessible, inclusive and inspiring playgrounds to life, all non-negotiable aspects of our vision,” he said.

The ultimate goal of the playspace is to create an iconic, inclusive and place-inspired destination that is appealing to all ages and will attract families to the city centre.

Creo is a reputable and integrated playspace design and build partner with extensive experience and an award-winning portfolio with particular strengths in the design of accessible and inclusive playgrounds, including the Lorna Irene Reserve Playground in Paraparaumu. They also offer manufacturing within the South Island.

Isthmus is one of the country’s leading landscape architecture and urban design firms with an award winning portfolio of playful and playable public destinations that reflect their kaupapa of ‘regenerating Aotearoa by connecting land, people and culture’.

Their localised design approach tells a unique story of place through collaboration with Iwi and communities.

Kūmānu is a strong and reliable local partner with a significant depth of experience and expertise in delivering playgrounds across Te Tauihu, including the Rutherford Park site.

Together, the Creo-led consortium formed a tight ship with extremely well suited strengths and the ability to offer an integrated end to end solution that minimised risk and maximised value for money for the project.

"The proposed solution from Creo, Isthmus and Kūmānu offered the strongest possible outcome for the project - experienced delivery partners, local knowledge, and specialist design skills. We feel incredibly fortunate to have such a strong team and excited by what they can deliver in collaboration with iwi and council,” Justin said.

Creo team lead Ben Witty said the consortium was thrilled to have been trusted with the task.

“There is an opportunity here to create something truly amazing for the people of Whakatū, that tells the story of the region and is inclusive for all ages, stages and abilities. We are very excited to be working with both local iwi and Nelson City Council to bring this space to life.”

The new playspace is expected to open during the summer of 2026/27.

More than 700 people made submissions about what they’d like to see in the playspace, which will now be used by the consortium in collaboration with iwi and Nelson City Council to form the concept and final designs.

To keep up to date with progress on the playspace, head to www.playspacewhakatū.nz to sign up for email updates.

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