It was just like unwrapping an early Christmas present, but this one was for more than 300 people.
And instead of gift paper, ‘unwrapping’ meant holding a dawn karakia before moving construction fences back to welcome locals along.
So what was the gift? It was the return of a cherished community space, newly restored and upgraded for generations to come. On Friday 13 December, after a year-long closure for significant infrastructure works, Molley Green Reserve was reopened to an awaiting and wishful Waikōwhai.
“It was amazing to see around 300 people from our community come together, thrilled to reclaim their basketball courts and enjoy the evening,” says Claire Hansell, Programme Manager - Placemaking at Kāinga Ora.
Claire was among a cast of [15] local volunteers and teams from Roskill South Hub, Aftermath, Tā Tātou Māra Kai, and locally owned business Serendipity Events, who all worked together to host Picnic in the Park.
The evening event was a chance to celebrate the work that has been completed so far, while officially opening part of the reserve for the community to make the most of summer.
A new pathway, picnic courtyard and barbeque area, toilet block, learn-to-ride cycle track and basketball full- and half-courts were opened for all to enjoy – and many were quick to take that opportunity as dozens of rangatahi rushed to shoot some hoops, hours before the event officially started.
From 6pm, a bouncy castle, face painting, craft workshops and a basketball competition kept people engaged and entertained.
Food and cold drinks were served, and many joined the scavenger hunt in Tā Tātou Māra Kai, the community garden and food forest. When the sun set, whānau could then kick back and enjoy an outdoor movie screening – complete with freshly-served popcorn for all ages.
“It’s events like this that remind me why we do what we do,” says Claire.
“The smiles, the laughter, and the feeling of community on the night were all thanks to the hard work of everyone involved – for the event itself but also from our Roskill Development and LEAD Alliance teams in making sure this space was ready for our community.”
In 2025, the rest of Molley Green Reserve will be opened after additional upgrades are completed. These include access to the newly-daylighted stream, viewing platform and boardwalks, freshly-sown field and upcoming playground – set to include mara hupara (natural play) and mahi toi cultural elements.
The reserve now has more than 26,000 new plants and 119 trees, and the rejuvenated stream has meant native eels are already returning to its waterways.
And as well as again becoming a place for the community to gather, connect and enjoy its new features, the reserve will also provide important infrastructure for the Waikōwhai neighbourhood and up to 1,150 new homes under Roskill Development.
Upgraded roading, water supply, wastewater and stormwater services will mean Molley Green isn’t just a great space to connect, but a place that will protect and provide for the people who have always treasured its significance.
