Dear Whangarei District Council,

I am writing to formally request information under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 regarding the Pohe Island Playground. This request is a follow-up to the Council's previous response and seeks additional details and clarifications.

Information Requested:
All communications between Fiona Pratt and Playground Centre prior to February 21st, 2024.

A copy of the annual playground inspections report mentioned by Dean Hawkins in his email to Nigel Jeremy on 21st February 2024. Additionally, please provide any prior and subsequent annual playground inspection reports for the Pohe Island Playground.

Details of all repairs carried out on the playground since the last communication in your response, between Michal Maddox and Dean Hawkins on 15th August 2024.

Questions Requiring Responses:
The rot shown at the foot of the posts in the images on pages 38-41 of your reply appears severe. Louis Ratray states in his email dated 21st February:
“If this was identified at the time of construction, it should be considered a defect and replaced by the supplier. The level of borer activity is now such that they should be replaced with urgency.”

I would like to know:
Have any of the timber poles at Pohe Island Playground been completely replaced due to the rot?
Has any investigation been conducted into the extent of the rot below the rubber matting?

Dean Hawkins' email of 8th April 2024 mentions that he has not yet spoken to an engineer but has consulted WDC building inspectors.

I would like to know:
Has the playground, and specifically the poles in the flying fox area identified with rot, been assessed by an engineer to confirm that they are structurally sound and meet the NZ Building Code?

If not, why not?

Can the Council provide assurances to the public that the equipment with rotten posts meets tge requirements of both the NZ playground safety standards and the NZ Building Code?

Additional Information
To ensure clarity in your response, I would appreciate the following:
Format: Please supply the information in electronic format (PDF or Word).

Response Timeline: As per LGOIMA, I understand that the Council is required to respond within 20 working days. Kindly confirm receipt of this request and provide a timeframe for when I can expect the requested information.

If any part of my request is unclear or requires further clarification, I am happy to assist. In the event that the requested information cannot be provided in full, please supply any available information and explain why certain data may be withheld under the provisions of the Act.

I look forward to your timely response.

Yours faithfully,

David Green