Pukekohe Town Square

With the rapid growth of Pukekohe over the past fifty years and its projected population of 50,000 by 2040, it was felt by city planners that the town needed a central civic plaza. They hoped that this space would provide a venue for social activations including seasonal events, children’s activities, and public outdoor eating and sitting areas.

The final result, opened in 2016, saw the northern end of Roulston Street converted into a pedestrian mall with large trees providing shade, benches and tables for eating and socialising, a playground for children, and water features. The space also includes a fence with PUKEKOHE emblazoned along its thin pipes. Eke Panuku has now begun an expansion of the project that will see further development of the remainder of Roulston Street, as well as at the adjacent Market Hall and along Graham Street.

At its southern entrance, the town centre features a sign discussing Ngaati Te Ata’s relationship to the town of Pukekohe. The sign explains the Māori history of the area, early relations with Pākehā settlers, and Ngaati Te Ata’s continued claims over the land now occupied by Pukekohe.

Walk to the southern end of the Pukekohe Town Centre and look at the building across Roulston Street.