A revitalised recreation space at Takarunga / Mt Victoria is now welcoming visitors, transforming the former tennis courts into a vibrant place for recreation, connection and community.
Delivered by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority, the project enhances recreation opportunities while improving the visitor experience and strengthening connections to the history, stories and cultural significance of Takarunga. It reflects the vision of the Authority's Integrated Management Plan by creating welcoming public spaces that balance recreation, accessibility, environmental restoration and cultural heritage.
Designed for both active recreation and relaxation, the upgraded space includes a shared tennis and basketball court, accessible seating, informal play opportunities for tamariki (children), a new accessible wharepaku (bathroom), drinking fountain, native planting and rain gardens to improve stormwater management and biodiversity. A dedicated visitor bus drop-off area has also been created, providing safer and easier access to the tihi (summit).
A key feature of the project is Hononga a Takarunga, a cultural narrative developed by artist Arapeta Hākura. Inspired by themes of unity, interconnectedness and the relationship between people and place, the artwork is woven throughout the space through decorative paving inspired by whāriki (welcome mats), patterned court surfaces, furniture inlays and a feature games wall. Together, these elements create a welcoming space that encourages recreation while helping visitors connect with the unique identity and significance of Takarunga.
The project was recently marked with a karakia whakamutunga, bringing together mana whenua, project partners, contractors and stakeholders to acknowledge everyone who helped bring the upgrade to life.
Tūpuna Maunga Authority Co-Chair Paul Majurey says the project demonstrates how the Authority's Integrated Management Plan can be brought to life through practical improvements for visitors and the community.
“This project brings the vision of the Integrated Management Plan to life. It transformed the area into a welcoming public space that supports recreation, improves accessibility and encourages people to connect with the unique history and significance of Takarunga. We're creating places that better serve today's communities while respecting the values of the Maunga for future generations.”
Tūpuna Maunga Authority Co-Chair Marama Royal says the project creates more opportunities for people to enjoy Takarunga while reflecting what makes the Maunga special.
“Takarunga is a place of deep significance, and everyone who visits should be able to experience that. This project has created opportunities for people to spend time on the Maunga, whether they're playing sport, spending time with whānau or simply enjoying the surroundings. The artwork, planting and public spaces help tell the story of this special place in a welcoming and meaningful way.”
During the design process, a range of sporting configurations, including tennis, basketball and pickleball, were explored. Working within the footprint of the existing courts, the final layout was developed to maximise recreation opportunities while retaining tennis as an important part of the space. The basketball hoops have been positioned to allow full games of tennis to be played, and the existing lower tennis courts remain available for public use.
A small number of finishing touches remain, including the feature games wall and final court surfacing, which are scheduled for October and November when warmer temperatures allow the specialist materials to be applied.
Once these works are complete, the Tūpuna Maunga Authority will host a Love Your Maunga community event to celebrate the completed project and welcome the community to enjoy the revitalised space.