A practical guide to playground certification, surfacing requirements, and post-installation compliance verification. When specifying a new playground or new play element, most owners focus on play value, aesthetics, and budget. While these are all important considerations, one of the most critical factors is often overlooked: compliance. A playground may look impressive on opening day, but if the equipment or surfacing cannot demonstrate compliance with New Zealand standards

Benefit-Risk Assessment Is Being Misused in Playground Design

Tree climbing is something many of us remember fondly from our own childhoods. It’s active, challenging, confidence-building—and still very much part of free play in many New Zealand schools today. During playground inspections, we regularly observe trees that are clearly being used by students for climbing. In many cases, schools are comfortable with a managed version of this activity and actively support it as part of a balanced play environment. That approach is entirely r

Rethinking Independence, Governance, and Risk in Urban Councils Playground audits play a critical role in managing safety, compliance, and risk across public open spaces. As playground assets age and expectations around child safety, governance, and accountability increase, many councils are reviewing not just how audits are undertaken, but how they are commissioned. In particular, there is growing discussion around the appropriate role of facilities management contractors (F

Embankment slides and man-made mounds are not defined as a separate category within NZS 5828:2015. Accordingly, Playsafe assesses these features using the standard’s general principles relating to falling space, free height of fall (FHF), and hazardous gradients. Mounds are considered part of the surrounding play environment, and their geometry forms part of the fall height and fall path.

Total Cost of Ownership:(NZD) Selecting the right playground surfacing means considering not just the initial installation cost, but the total cost of ownership (TCO) over the lifespan of the surface. TCO includes maintenance, testing, performance, and eventual replacement costs — all critical for budgeting and long-term safety planning. Both loose-fill and synthetic surfaces are compliant under NZS 5828 and EN 1177 when properly installed and maintained. However, they offer

Introducing the New Operational Nature Play Guidelines – A Proud Collaboration Playsafe is incredibly proud to announce the release of the new Operational Nature Play Guidelines, developed in close collaboration with Gisborne District Council (GDC). This landmark document marks a major step forward in supporting councils, landscape professionals, and community stakeholders across Aotearoa in delivering safe, creative, and inclusive nature play environments. Nature Play, which

Is CCA treated Timber Still Suitable for Playgrounds? Understanding the Risks and Safer Alternatives In New Zealand, nearly all playground timber supplied by major NZ manufacturers is treated to H4 or H5 levels using Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA). While this preservative treatment is common locally and effective in preventing timber decay, it does not align with international best practice — particularly regarding health and safety standards for playground environments. Hea

Understanding NZS5828 Compliance for Older Playgrounds The NZS5828 playground standard is not applied retrospectively, provided that the equipment met the applicable standard at the time of its original installation. In such cases, the equipment may continue to be maintained according to its original design—this is often referred to as a "grandfather clause." However, if the equipment is significantly altered, modified, or relocated, it is expected to be brought up to current

Playgrounds are a vital part of childhood. They support physical development, confidence, creativity, social interaction, and healthy risk-taking. But while challenge and adventure are essential to play, serious and preventable injuries are not. This is where NZS 5828:2015 – Playground Equipment and Surfacing plays a critical role. What Is NZS 5828 and Why Does It Matter? NZS 5828 is New Zealand’s recognised playground safety standard. It provides clear, evidence-based requir

A Hidden but Serious Risk Outdoor play areas should encourage curiosity, movement, and confidence. But some of the most serious injuries in children’s environments don’t come from falls or climbing—they come from pinch, crush, and shear points hidden in everyday features such as gates, doors, hatches, and storage lids. A recent incident in Rotorua highlights just how severe these risks can be. NZ Herald: The Rotorua 3-year-old’s fingertip was flattened between two pieces of

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

Playgrounds can pose risks and potential hazards that can lead to injuries. This is why playground supervision is critical in ensuring children's safety while they play. The importance of playground supervision is recognized in the European standard EN1176 and the New Zealand standard NZS5828. Both standards have been developed with full recognition of the need for supervision of young children and of those who may be less able or less competent. By providing proper supervisi

Despite the fact that helmets can greatly reduce the risk of head injury during a fall, it is not advisable for children to wear them when playing on playgrounds or climbing trees. This is because wearing a helmet on playground equipment can pose a hidden danger of strangulation. While playground safety standards aim to minimize the risk of injury, they do not account for the potential risks associated with helmet use, such as children with enlarged heads or hydrocephalus. He

Learn why playground signage is essential for safety and compliance. Discover NZS 5828 / EN 1176 requirements, recommended content, placement tips, and Playsafe’s expert guidance.

Playgrounds are a great place for children to have fun, explore, and build their physical and social skills. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential hazards to ensure that playtime is safe for every child. The following are essential protocols for parents and caregivers to ensure your children Play Safer at your next playground visit! Check the Equipment - Before letting children play, take a moment to inspect the equipment and make sure it’s in good condition. C

When it comes to playgrounds and specificlly pre-school centres, safety should always be the top priority. This includes ensuring that the environment is free from any potential hazards, including harmful plants. While plants can provide a lot of benefits, such as improving air quality and creating a calming atmosphere, some plants can be dangerous, especially to young children who may be more vulnerable. Some plants can cause skin irritation, poisoning, or allergic reactions

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

Understanding playground safety terminology doesn't require being an expert—but it does help you make safer, more informed decisions. Whether you are a school principal, ECE owner, council asset manager, landscape architect, or playground supplier, understanding the terminology used in NZS 5828:2015 can make specification, maintenance, and compliance much easier. This glossary explains 25 of the most commonly used playground safety terms in plain English, with real-world exam