LGOIMA Request Details: LG2476
Date received: 30/06/2026
Requested information: Playground Timber Concerns - Request for information on the condition, inspection history, and safety of playground timber, including concerns about borer, rot, and structural integrity. It also seeks details on the council's awareness of the issues, supplier disclosure, and any inspections or independent assessments undertaken.
Status: Complete
Date responded: 13/07/2026
Response:
Official Information Request – Request for information on the condition, inspection history, and safety of the playground timber, including concerns about borer, rot and structural integrity.
I refer to your official information request dated 30 June 2026.
Council has undertaken reasonable searches of its records to respond to your request. The Kowhai Park play tower was supplied and installed by Playground Centre Ltd in 2021. Some staff involved in the original procurement and installation are no longer employed by Council and, where information is not recorded in Council’s records, it cannot now be confirmed. Where Council states that no information is held or that a matter cannot be confirmed, this reflects the outcome of searches of Council’s records.
1. When did Manawatū District Council first become aware that the Kowhai Park playground timber contained visible borer holes or evidence of insect damage?
Council has identified no records confirming when this was first observed. The current Community Parks and Property Officer became aware of visible borer holes shortly after commencing employment in 2023.
2. Was this issue disclosed by Playground Centre before the timber was installed, or was it discovered later by Council staff, Council’s inspection contractor, or a member of the public?
Council holds no records indicating whether this was disclosed before installation or identified after installation.
3. If Playground Centre knew the borer holes were present when the timber was imported, when was that information first disclosed to Manawatū District Council?
Council holds no recorded information confirming this.
4. Was Council advised at the time of supply or installation that the imported timber contained visible borer holes?
Council holds no recorded information confirming this.
5. What evidence has Council received from the supplier regarding the condition of the timber?
Council has received emails and technical information from Playground Centre dated 21 March 2025 and 1 May 2025 regarding the condition of the timber. These documents are included with this response.
6. Has Council received a written timber condition report from someone independent of the supplier?
No.
7. Has any intrusive or below-surface inspection been undertaken where the affected structural posts enter the safety surfacing, or is Council relying only on visual inspection above finished surface level?
Council’s Open Space Contractor undertakes fortnightly visual inspections, including basic below-surface inspections, and is aware of the visible borer holes and timber appearance. No intrusive inspection has been undertaken. Council has continued its routine inspection programme and has taken into account information provided by the supplier following its inspection on 21 March 2025.
8. What QA documentation was provided for the imported timber before it was installed?
Council’s records include documentation provided by Playground Centre comprising: a Compliance Certificate, warranty information, a Maintenance and Inspection Manual, final production plans, and email correspondence dated 30 October 2020.
9. Given that some timber handrails have already required replacement after the outer timber layer failed, has Council sought a wider review of the timber components across the whole playground?
Playground Centre undertook a site inspection on 21 March 2025 following concerns raised by Council. That inspection recommended replacement of the affected handrails, which were subsequently addressed. Council’s Open Space Contractor continues to undertake fortnightly inspections of the playground and reports any maintenance issues identified.
Manawatū District Council may publish this response, together with a summary of your request, on its website. Requests and responses may be paraphrased. To protect your privacy, Council will not generally publish personal information that identifies you.
If you wish to discuss this response, please contact the LGOIMA Response Team on 06 323 0000 or by replying to this email.
Yours sincerely,