Petition request

That the House of Representatives makes shade sails (or equivalent shade coverings) mandatory for all playgrounds in New Zealand.

Petition reason

There are around 100,000 cases of skin cancer annually in New Zealand, and treatment costs over $400 million. Childhood sun exposure is one of the key risk factors in people developing skin cancer, and is easily preventable. Playgrounds are constantly being upgraded across NZ, yet there is no requirement for councils to include shade coverings in these upgrades. We believe it should be a mandatory requirement for all new playgrounds across New Zealand to have shade sails (or equivalent).

Petition progress

  • Open for signatures
  • Closed for signatures
  • Select Committee
  • Reported
  • Referred to Minister
Number of signatures: 8407
Closing date: 31 Jan 2026