Dear Ministry of Education,

Request for Information under the Official Information Act 1982

I am writing to request specific information under the Official Information Act 1982 regarding a complaint received by the Ministry of Education in 2018 concerning Kids Count Pukekohe, located in Pukekohe, New Zealand.

My request pertains to the details of the complaint, specifically whether it referenced deficiencies in the playground(s) at the facility, and related matters concerning compliance with the New Zealand Standard NZS5828:2015 for playground equipment and surfacing.

Please provide the following information:
1. Details of the 2018 Complaint Regarding Playground Deficiencies
• Confirmation of whether the complaint received by the Ministry of Education in 2018 specifically referenced deficiencies in the playground(s) at Kids Count Pukekohe.
• If the complaint did reference playground deficiencies, please provide a detailed description of the specific areas or issues notified in the complaint, including but not limited to equipment, surfacing, or other playground-related matters.

2. Compliance of the Permanent Playground Surface with NZS5828:2015
• Documentation or evidence held by the Ministry confirming whether the permanent playground surface at Kids Count Pukekohe met the requirements of NZS5828:2015 at the time of the complaint or following any subsequent inspection or assessment in 2018.

3. Playground Area Compliance with NZS5828:2015
• Confirmation and any relevant documentation demonstrating that the area covered by the playground at Kids Count Pukekohe met the requirements set out in NZS5828:2015 for the specific equipment installed at the time of the 2018 complaint.

4. Use of Gym Mats as Playground Surface
• Information regarding whether gym mats were used as a playground surface at Kids Count Pukekohe in 2018.
• Any evidence or documentation provided to the Ministry (e.g., certificate of compliance or test results) demonstrating that the gym mats met the requirements of NZS5828:2015 for playground surfacing, including critical fall height and impact attenuation specifications.

5. Compliance of Swings with NZS5828:2015
• Documentation or evidence confirming that the swings installed at Kids Count Pukekohe in 2018 met the requirements of NZS5828:2015, including details of any certificates of compliance, manufacturer specifications, or inspection reports.

6. Lower Playground Compliance with NZS5828:2015
• Specific information regarding the lower playground at Kids Count Pukekohe, including:
• Evidence that the playground surface in the lower playground complied with NZS5828:2015 requirements, including critical fall height and impact attenuation.
• Details of any hard obstacles within the lower playground that required a playground surface under NZS5828:2015, and evidence of compliance for both the surface and obstacles.

7. Requirement for Inspection by a Qualified Playground Inspector
• Confirmation of whether an inspection by a qualified playground inspector (e.g., a certified Level 3 inspector accredited by the Register of Playground Inspectors International or equivalent) was required by the Ministry of Education as a result of the 2018 complaint or as part of the licensing assessment process for Kids Count Pukekohe.
• If such an inspection was required, please provide details of the inspection, including the date, the qualifications of the inspector, and the findings or recommendations made.

I request that the information be provided in electronic format (e.g., PDF or Word document) where possible.

If any part of this request is likely to be refused under the provisions of the Official Information Act 1982, please provide a clear explanation of the reasons for withholding the information under section 19 of the Act.

If clarification is needed regarding any part of this request, please contact me

I would appreciate a response within the statutory timeframe of 20 working days as outlined in the Official Information Act 1982.

Thank you for your assistance in providing this information.

Ngā mihi maioha,

Adriana van Altvorst

Ngati Kahu ki Whangaroa