Outdoor Sensory Space

Vegetables growing in a raised garden plot in the community garden outside Te Ara Ātea.Te Ara Ātea is alive with spaces to explore and play – both inside and out.

The sensory garden is a great place catch up with family and friends, entertain busy children, or simply relax in a shady spot with a good book.

The sensory space and community garden engages all the senses – sight, touch, sound, smell and taste. It features raised garden beds with edible plants, outdoor instruments, water and colour features.

Hundreds of enthusiastic and creative tamariki from nine schools throughout the district designed and painted the beautiful feature poles and decorative mosaic tiles for the space. The brightly decorated poles signify each school’s unique character and our district’s landscape, flora, birdlife and environment.

Decorative photo

The schools involved were:

  • Te Ahi Kaikōmako Rolleston School
  • West Rolleston Primary School
  • Waitaha School
  • Southbridge School
  • Lemonwood Grove School
  • Rolleston Christian School
  • Glentunnel School
  • Clearview School
  • Windwhistle School