In August 2021, staff and whānau volunteers had cleared the outdoor area in preparation for the worn out softfall matting to be replaced. Then COVID-19 hit! The Auckland based company contracted to do the work was in lockdown. Finally when lockdown was lifted in December, the company phoned to let us know they’d be there the following weekend.

On Monday, 20th December we arrived to find the old surface had been removed and the play area was completely fenced off. Before long, the workmen arrived and began to bring in the materials for the new surface. The children watched excitedly as the crane lifted materials over the fence. First layer – weed mat was rolled out. Second layer – soft, cushiony underlay was placed – day one complete!

Day two saw the grassy top layer laid down, with just the finishing touches to be done on day three. This was just enough time for our tamariki to have a run on the new surface before the centre closed for the Christmas holidays.

It looks amazing, teachers and tamariki are really enjoying the soft “grass”.