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A petition to have playground equipment at Point Wells reinstalled has gathered more than 360 signatures.
Auckland Council staff removed the playground equipment without consultation in December, citing health and safety reasons.
Point Wells Community and Ratepayers Association member Peter Young started the petition, placing copies at the Point Wells General Store, library and the Point Wells Club.
It calls on Council to reinstall the swings based on their heritage status, safety record and the lack of consultation.
“The Lullaby Swing is not owned by Auckland Council; it is owned by the Point Wells Ratepayers Association,” the petition states. “There was no public consultation prior to removal and no opportunity to rectify any of the factors considered as a risk to children’s safety.”
Mr Young is a documentary maker and is considering making the fiasco the topic of his next work. His latest documentary, The Art of Recovery, on the Christchurch rebuild, recently screened on TV1.
“The swing is a great example of how health and safety regulations affect a local community,” Mr Young says. “It’s smothering us culturally.”
Mr Young’s partner Tracy Roe presented the petition to the Rodney Local Board on March 14 with a cameraman in tow.
She said the Government’s playground safety guidelines recommended a common sense approach.
“The guidelines give the ability to make intelligent decisions based on merit of each situation,” Ms Roe said.
Council staff concerns about the risk of people being crushed between the swing and the supporting frame were unfounded, she said.
“That has never happened in practice – 70 years without accident speaks louder and clearer than any accident report. It was a wonderful connection to the past and a much-loved part of our village.
“The playground was a space where parents, children, teenagers and grandparents came together. It cut through generations and managed to resonate with young and old.”
The equipment was installed in 1938 for £137 and was still in good condition when Council removed it, she said. The swing is in storage at Ms Roe’s house.
Cr Penny Webster said she had a similar piece of equipment installed in her backyard 40 years ago and said Council’s actions were “PC nonsense”.
Board member Thomas Grace concurred.
“It’s stark raving bonkers,” Mr Grace said. “They also took one away at Parakai. There was no possibility of someone getting crushed. Common sense is absolutely gone.”
Board member Beth Houlbrooke said the Board needed to fight to get the playground equipment back.
“My children loved that playground. I really think this board has to find a way to get around these regulations. Community spirit should come first.”
Board chair Brenda Steele said the Board would have “robust discussions with parks staff”.
“We will make contact in a couple of weeks for how this is going to unfold going forward.”
