Waitara Community Board fund supports greenspace in the heart of Lepperton

Lepperton’s new greenspace is set to come alive this Saturday when residents come together to plant Manutahi Park with some help from the Waitara Community Board Discretionary Fund.

The park, on the site of the old community hall on Richmond Road, is also in line for new children’s play area after the community board approved funding for new play equipment last month.

The previous Waitara Community Board approved funding of $63,000 for the new plants as well as picnic tables, bench seats and a bike stand, and last month the current community board approved an additional $40,000 for playground equipment, which is yet to be installed.

Manutahi Park was created at the request of residents on the site of the old community hall, which was removed in 2022 after the construction of a combined school and community hall at Lepperton School in 2019.

Angie Benn, of the Lepperton Residents Association, said the community had a growing sense of interest  in the new park and people were keen to get involved in its development.

“We’re seeing a lot of enthusiasm for Manutahi Park and people are already planning events, such as a community picnic combined with trick-or-treating on 31 October and a Christmas Market in early December. We’ve longed for a green space in the heart of Lepperton where people can gather or even just sit and enjoy their surroundings,” said Mrs Benn.

Waitara Community Board Chair Dale Michielsen said the creation of Manutahi Park had been a long-time coming for the people of Lepperton and the addition of a children’s play area would really make it a focus for people of all ages.

“We’re looking forward to the community joining us on Saturday to help plant native trees, enhance our local environment, and create something future generations can enjoy. Whether you can spare 30 minutes or a few hours, everyone is welcome. Bring your gloves, sturdy footwear, and community spirit,” said Mr Michielsen.

“This marks an important step in the completion of this community greenspace and enhances Lepperton as a great place to live and raise a family.    The final stage, to be completed as part of NPDC’s 2024-34 Long-Term Plan, will see the construction of a toilet block and the completion of the park for the enjoyment of generations to come.”

The park is named after Manutahi Pā, suggested by Puketapu hapū and endorsed by Pukerangiora hapū, and confirmed by the Mayor and Councillors in June 2025.   The name pays homage to the rich Māori and colonial history, featuring a carved Matariki stone and the original anvil from the old Lepperton Blacksmith’s shop mounted on a new stone plinth.

The Community Planting Day the park is Saturday 18 July from 9.45am. Wear covered shoes or gumboots and bring gardening gloves.  Spades provided or bring your own .

At a glance:​

• NPDC has five community boards to give our smaller communities a voice on issues that matter to them.  They are:​
  • Clifton Community Board ​
  • Inglewood Community Board ​
  • Kaitake Community Board ​
  • Puketapu-Bell Block Community Board ​
  • Waitara Community Board.
    
    
• Each board has four members and receives $150,000 each year to fund projects in their community.  ​
• Every three years each board creates a Community Board Plan that sets out their issues and aspirations and identifies where resources are needed.​
• Find out how to contact your local community board on NPDC’s website

Caption: Angie Benn, of the Lepperton Residents Association, Waitara Community Board Chair Dale Michielsen and Lepperton School kids are looking forward to planting Manutahi Park on Saturday.