Te Pae Mahara Roulston War Memorial Park — commonly known as Roulston Park — sits at the corner of East Street and Stadium Drive in Pukekohe, a short walk from the town centre and directly beside Navigation Homes Stadium. The park has undergone a significant upgrade in recent years, delivered by Auckland Council in partnership with Mana Whenua. The result is a well-equipped community green with a co-designed playground, barbecue, picnic tables, accessible paths with rubber matting, and a drinking fountain — considerably more than the grassed area with a toilet block it used to be. It’s a practical stop for families attending events at the adjacent stadium, or for anyone wanting a quiet outdoor break in the heart of Pukekohe.
Practical Information
| Address | Corner of East Street and Stadium Drive, Pukekohe |
|---|---|
| Adjacent venue | Navigation Homes Stadium, 21 Stadium Drive |
| Facilities | Playground, barbecue, picnic tables, accessible paths (rubber matting), drinking fountain, toilet block |
| Accessibility | Rubber matting on paths to support wheelchair users |
| Cost | Free |
| Nearby | Pioneer Cottage heritage site adjacent to the park |
About the Park
The park is named after William Roulston, who donated land on the eastern side of the Pukekohe railway line for a war memorial following World War One. A war memorial column was unveiled here on 6 November 1921 by Prime Minister William Massey. In April 1980, the memorial column was relocated from the park to the Pukekohe War Memorial Town Hall on Massey Avenue, so that the town’s commemorative ceremonies could be held at a single site. The park retains its memorial name — Te Pae Mahara means “the memorial horizon” or “the place of remembrance” in te reo Maori — though the column itself is now at the Town Hall.
The recent Auckland Council upgrade transformed what was a basic open space into a genuinely usable community park. The playground was co-designed with Mana Whenua to reflect local stories and heritage, incorporating design elements that go beyond standard council play equipment. The rubber matting on the paths makes the park accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs, and the barbecue and picnic tables mean families can make a full afternoon of a visit to the stadium and the park combined.
Pioneer Cottage
Immediately adjacent to Roulston Park stands the Pukekohe Pioneer Cottage, one of the oldest surviving settler buildings in the Franklin district. The cottage dates to the 1860s and is now managed as a heritage site by the Franklin Historical Society. It’s open to visitors on specific days and gives a tangible sense of early colonial life in the Pukekohe area — the proximity to Roulston Park means you can combine both in a single stop. Full details are on the separate Pioneer Cottage page — see the link below.
— Google reviewer, following the park upgrade
audo.co.nz — Roulston War Memorial Park — Auckland Council’s project page covering the recent park upgrade, including the co-design process with Mana Whenua and the new facilities installed.
nzhistory.govt.nz — Pukekohe First World War Memorial — the history of the war memorial that gave the park its name, including the 1921 unveiling by Prime Minister Massey and the 1980 relocation to the Town Hall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Roulston Park in Pukekohe?
Roulston Park — officially Te Pae Mahara Roulston War Memorial Park — is at the corner of East Street and Stadium Drive, Pukekohe, next to Navigation Homes Stadium.
What is the history of Roulston Park?
The park was named after William Roulston, who donated land for a World War One memorial. A memorial column was erected here in 1921 and relocated to the Pukekohe War Memorial Town Hall in 1980. The park retains its memorial name.
What facilities does Roulston Park have now?
Following the recent Auckland Council upgrade, the park has a Mana Whenua co-designed playground, barbecue, picnic tables, accessible rubber-matted paths, a drinking fountain, and a toilet block.
Is Roulston Park accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes — the upgrade included rubber matting on paths specifically to support wheelchair users and pushchairs.
What is near Roulston Park?
Navigation Homes Stadium is immediately adjacent. The Pukekohe Pioneer Cottage heritage site is also next to the park. The town centre is a short walk away.
What does “Te Pae Mahara” mean?
Te Pae Mahara is a te reo Maori name meaning “the memorial horizon” or “place of remembrance,” reflecting the park’s history as a war memorial site.
More of Pukekohe’s parks and reserves are listed at Pukekohe Parks and Reserves. The Pukekohe Pioneer Cottage beside the park is one of the Franklin district’s most significant 19th-century heritage buildings.
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