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Home Council News and information News and stories 2026 January Paraparaumu Library Play Space upgrade

Paraparaumu Library Play Space upgrade

26 Jan 2026

The long-awaited upgrade of the children’s area at Paraparaumu Library is finally complete –and it was well worth the wait. This project has been in development since last year and included relocating the children’s literature collection to the western end of the building and creating a fully fenced rainbow play space with shade sails, slides, real grass, flowers, swan plants, and caterpillars! 

The Paraparaumu Library Play Space outdoor play area was made possible by the efforts of Library Staff and the Property and Parks teams. The project has transformed an uninviting balcony and unused patch of grass into a vibrant and laughter-filled attraction ideal for preschoolers and families. The space draws active play into the outdoors and makes the children's collection a place where whanau can stay longer enjoying the books and activities offered in their Library Hub.

The outdoor garden boxes, currently festooned with Monarch butterfly cocoons, were built by the local Shed Project, an organisation which provides training and employment opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged people in our community.

A living plant teepee reading nook built by our Parks team will soon become a natural magical reading spot for tamariki to enjoy.

With the work now complete, we celebrated the opening with a joyful Kiwicorn-themed event where we were joined by tamariki from Ngahina Kindergarten. Storytime and a bubble artist delighted tamariki, and our regular whānau joined in the fun. The day was made extra special with visits from the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Chief Executive, and even a giant kiwi! 

A colourful LED Kiwicorn light (custom made by our talented team in the Paraparaumu Library Makerspace) points the way to the outdoor breakout space. Special thanks to author Kat Quin, creator of Kiwicorn, for gifting a Kiwicorn book and toy set to be gifted at the opening, which now are homed and treasured by the tamariki of Ngahina Kindergarten. 

It was so special to celebrate our new play space, and we can't wait to see more tamariki enjoying the extended space. Come and check it out!