The philosophy behind the different play areas serves as an introduction to the local people and their land.
They include Mokau Awa, the sea and coast in a sandpit and water feature; Huruiki Maunga, the mountain in a mound and "fire" pit; Te Uri o Hikihiki representing the hapu; and Ahika, the "living" hut.
"It is Ngatiwai te iwi, all of our people woven in together," Ms Mitchell said.
"The natural elements are exactly what we wanted to include in the space for our tamariki to explore and create whilst learning about their own whakapapa, turangawaewae, and Ngatiwaitanga."
Already the innovative playground has proved a powerful asset.
Eruini Mita-Wata, 4, is autistic, cannot speak and has other special needs.
Eruini keeps a little distance from the other children and always plays only with a piece of string.
Ms Mitchell said along with the other children on Thursday, Eruini was attracted to the water feature where a tap sends water down a hollowed-out log and lands in the sandpit.
"He joined in the play, he was burying his piece of string in sand and finding it again, and letting the water run over it.
"We saw immediately how this new playground was already doing what we most hoped for. It was speaking to and extending our tamariki."
The community secured a grant of $10,000 from Foundation North to add to local fundraising and donations to build the playground.
Kohanga families provided accommodation and food for the workers and contributed materials for the project, Ms Mitchell said.
The opening offered a chance to thank Meri and Anthony Barber for their contribution to Mokau Kohanga Reo for more than 20 years, she said.
"They stand as pillars in our community and have progressed the kaupapa of te kohanga reo and have touched many lives."
