Why Choose Swings & Things?
NZ Made
Designed and manufactured in New Zealand.
35+ Years' Experience
Specialising in swings and outdoor equipment for Early Childhood Centres.
Custom Made
Many products can be made to suit your existing swing frame.
NZS 5828:2015
Our swings are designed and built in accordance with the relevant playground standard.
Repair & Re-Roping
We can re-rope worn or frayed swings and supply replacement fittings.
Expert Advice
We can help with swing selection, fittings, dimensions and installation considerations.
About Us
Swings and Things is a family-run New Zealand business specialising in high-quality outdoor play equipment for early childhood centres.
For over 35 years, we have combined skilled craftsmanship with early childhood experience to design and manufacture equipment that encourages active, challenging and enjoyable outdoor play.
Our Story: 35+ Years of Play
Swings and Things was born in 1986 out of a simple passion for early childhood play. It all began in Devonport, where Jaye Stewart was working as a kindergarten teacher. When her school needed a hand creating "junk play" equipment, her husband, Rob, stepped up to help. He crafted a few custom playground swings—and they were an instant hit.
As word quickly spread across the community, demand grew. Around the same time, Rob and Jaye welcomed their first child. Embracing his role as a stay-at-home dad, Rob balanced raising their children with building a budding workshop. As their family grew, so did the business.
Setting the Gold Standard
Over the decades, Rob became a trusted authority on playground safety and craftsmanship. His expertise was so highly regarded that he was invited to help draft the official New Zealand Safety Standards (NZS5828:2004).
Passing the Torch
After 35 incredible years of keeping Kiwi kids smiling, with their own children grown up and raising families of their own, Rob and Jaye decided it was time for a well-deserved retirement. They packed up their camper van and headed into the sunset.
When the business faced closure in late 2020, Rob and Tui (yes, another Rob!) couldn't bear to see such a beloved piece of New Zealand’s early childhood history disappear.
In 2021, they officially took the reins. Following extensive hands-on training from the original founder, Rob and Tui absorbed decades of specialized knowledge. Today, they are proud to carry on the legacy—crafting safe, high-quality, and well-loved swings for the next 35 years and beyond.
See below photo of Robs swings from the Standards (NZS5828:2004)
