About.
THE CREO STORY
We believe that happiness is contagious, and by helping our customers create spaces where children can laugh, play, and grow, we're helping to spread that joy far beyond the playground gates.
The Problem with Traditional Playground Construction
In the early days, playground construction was a complicated and fragmented process. Customers found themselves juggling multiple suppliers, contractors, and designers—each piece of the puzzle dependent on the other. The result was often delays, compromised quality, and a lot of unnecessary stress.
A Vision for Change
Jacob, General Manager of Numat, and James, the company’s Sales Consultant at the time, knew there had to be a better way. As key players in New Zealand’s leading playground surfacing company, they had seen firsthand the frustration their clients faced. They dreamed of a solution that would bring all the necessary elements of playground design and construction under one roof, simplifying the process and delivering world-class playgrounds without the headaches.
The Birth of Creo
And so, Creo (short for Creative Environments) was born—a company dedicated to transforming the playground building experience. From design to equipment supply, through to manufacturing and construction, Creo would handle it all, ensuring a seamless process that delivered beautiful, joyful playgrounds on time and within budget. The vision was simple: to create spaces where children could laugh, play, and grow, and where the process of building those spaces would be as joyful as the end result.
Overcoming Early Challenges
Of course, no journey is without its challenges. For Creo, the first hurdle was finding a landscape architect who could bring their vision to life. But luck was on our side. Larissa Rose, an award-winning landscape architect, joined the team, and with her creative designs combined with Numat’s world-class surfacing expertise, Creo completed six distinctively ‘Creo’ projects in its first year. The company was off to a strong start.
Reaching New Heights
As Creo grew, so did its ambitions. The leap from designing and building playgrounds for early learning centres and schools to taking on large-scale council projects was a significant milestone. Cornwall Park in Hastings was our first major success—a stunning space that quickly became the pride of the local community. But it was the Lorna Irene playground in Kapiti District that truly put Creo on the map. This project was more than just a playground; it was a fully inclusive playspace, designed around a liberty swing gifted by a local child named Cash, who has Cerebral Palsy. Families now travel from all over the Kapiti Coast to enjoy this playground, a testament to the joy and inclusivity that Creo strives to create.
Evolving Our Mission
Throughout this journey, Creo’s mission has evolved. What began as a commitment to making customers’ lives easier has blossomed into a deeper purpose: to inspire joy in local communities. Creo believes that happiness is contagious, and by creating spaces where children can laugh, play, and grow, they are helping to spread that joy far beyond the playground gates.
Looking to the Future
Looking to the future, Creo is embracing its role as an innovator in the New Zealand playground industry. With a focus on using local materials, reducing our carbon footprint, and creating jobs, Creo is committed to making a positive impact on both the environment and the economy. Our team, with experience in multiple award-winning playground projects, is continually pushing the boundaries of what a playground can be. Our vision is clear: to have a Creo playground in every community in New Zealand, giving kids across the country the opportunity to experience the joy and wonder of play. In doing so, we hope to create a brighter and happier future for all.
Signature Projects
Meet our team
Amy Wealleans
Consultant
Andrew Healy
Business Development Manager
Andy Wraight
Regional Project Manager
Ben Kimi
Installer
Ben Witty
Creo Team Lead
Bruce Alderton
Installer
Charis Teal
Junior Designer
Deo Crouse
3D Modeller
Dominique Damour
Playground Carpenter
Gener Tano
Installer
Glenn Smith
Regional Project Manager
Gregor Ratmiroff Finol
Production R&D
Gui Artoff
Marketing Executive
Imay Hormillosa
Finance Support Contractor
Jacob Judd
General Manager
Jenny McGowan
Concept Designer
Jon Coursey
Marketing Team Leader
Julie Kane
Telemarketer
Kelvin Cunningham
Graphic Designer
Kelvin Firman
Installer
KP Holay
Senior Design Engineer
Louise Hussey
Design Team Lead
Maree Sutton
Telemarketer
Matt Wraight
Site Manager
Mike Senior
National Construction Manager
Mislei Wong See
Installer
Ricardo Casama
Installer
Robb Budd
Installer
Sarah Miller
Consultant
Shane Mckenzie
Playground Carpenter
Shannon Vince
National Projects Coordinator
