An iconic piece of playground equipment at Omokoroa Domain, the lullaby swing, has been saved thanks to an outcry from residents.
The future of the 44-year-old swing hung in the balance when the Western Bay District Council decided in 2005 to replace it with a modern version that offered the same experience. But alternatives failed to win the backing of the Omokoroa Community Board and the council met this week to decide the fate of the swing.
Council reserves and facilities assets manager Scott Parker told the meeting that the lullaby had become emotional for some in the community, with a 300-signature petition supporting its retention.
"Many hold the view that the social benefits of the thrill and enjoyment it provides outweigh possible harm or incidents that have long been forgotten," Mr Parker said.
Staff had recently been told a child had broken an arm playing on the lullaby, but there were no data or reports of any injuries or near-misses caused by the swing.