2026 Parks Awards presented in Kirikiriroa Hamilton
The Recreation Aotearoa Parks Awards recognise the people and places shaping parks, play, and open spaces across the motu.
Award winners for 2026 were presented on the evening of Thursday 14 May. And the winners were…
Community Park of the Year
Award Winner: Eastview Reserve in East Auckland.
This project was recognised for transforming an underutilised reserve into a community-focused space that reflects local identity, restores Ōmaru Creek, and integrates māra hūpara, nature play, and mahi toi throughout the design.
Playspace of the Year (over $500,000)
Award Winner: Barry Curtis Park in Flat Bush.
Image credits: Recreation Aotearoa
The judges recognised the project for creating a large intergenerational recreation space inspired by the surrounding Wairepo wetland, with strong sustainability outcomes and inclusive recreation opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
A Merit Award went to Destination Kāwaroa (New Plymouth District Council, Ngāti Te Whiti, New Plymouth Partners, Taranaki Foundation)
Playspace of the Year (within $500,000)
Award Winner: Tauranga City Council for Bubbles Play Pod in Tauranga’s city centre. The project was recognised for its creative use of a repurposed shipping container to create an accessible urban play space that encourages tamariki to climb, balance, slide, and explore sensory elements.
In addition the 2026 Parks Leader of the Year award was presented to Cassandra Horton. Cassie serves as a Senior Open Spaces Planner with Invercargill City Council. A dedicated professional in the recreation sector, she is committed to nurturing emerging leaders, actively contributing to the Generate NZ Steering Committee, providing scholarship opportunities and mentoring through Tuakana-Teina for both the Generate Network and Recreation Aotearoa members.