These photographs of Potters Park Playground in Auckland, circa 1965, capture a playground that will be instantly familiar to many New Zealanders. Tower slide, swings, seesaws, carousel, and a large expanse of asphalt and concrete. For many people, images like these immediately stir up nostalgia and the familiar comments start to follow: “Back in my day we played on this stuff and survived,” or “Look at all that concrete — kids were tougher then.” We also regularly hear that

Let that sink in. According to Education Review Office findings highlighted by Kelly Seaburg, nearly half of early childhood services are falling short — and more importantly, there are concerns that reviews alone have “no real teeth” to drive improvement. Here’s the uncomfortable truth 👇 When we talk about quality in ECE, the conversation often centres around: Ratios Curriculum Teaching practice But one of the most critical and measurable aspects of quality is often overloo

Metal playground slides can become dangerously hot in direct sunlight, creating a foreseeable risk of contact burns, particularly for toddlers and young children. Reported incidents in New Zealand and overseas include blistering, partial-thickness burns, hospital treatment and skin grafting. Playsafe examines the evidence, explains why shade and orientation matter, and outlines practical steps for safer playground design, inspection and asset management before a serious injur

A Call for National Consistency in New Zealand Playgrounds are purpose-built environments for children. They are designed to support physical development, confidence, social interaction, and imaginative play—often for our most vulnerable age groups. Because of this, playgrounds are rightly held to a higher safety expectation than many other public spaces. One risk that continues to cause confusion, inconsistency, and preventable harm across New Zealand is the presence of dogs

Introduction: The Department for Children, Schools, and Families in the UK commissioned an independent evaluation of the national investment in local play provision. They conducted qualitative research in seven recently improved play areas. The findings, although not fully representative, offer valuable insights into the impact of these enhancements on children, parents, and local authorities. Key Findings: Positive Responses to Improvements: Parents and children expressed po

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur when the head is hit, shaken, or jolted. It can cause temporary loss of consciousness, confusion, headache, dizziness, and other symptoms. Children are especially vulnerable to concussions because their brains are still developing and they may not be able to recognize the symptoms. According (USA CDC), around 283,000 children are treated in emergency departments for sports and recreation-related traumatic brain i

Playgrounds are essential spaces for childhood development. They support physical coordination, problem-solving, risk awareness, confidence, and social interaction. Falls, bumps, and scrapes are a normal part of play—but serious injuries are not. When they occur, one question almost always follows: Who is legally responsible? The Short Answer: The Play Area Owner In New Zealand, the owner or operator of a playground carries a legal duty of care. This applies to councils, scho