Local fairy wall delights young and old2 min read

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For the last five years, residents of Rockfield Road in Te Papapa have had an unusual set of neighbours. A wall near Marei Reserve is lined with dollhouses, toy figures, and miniature cars. Known as the Rockfield Fairy Wall, it has become a colourful and much-loved feature, delighting passers-by of all ages.

Created by local resident, Bronwen, the wall started out as a Covid project. She used to look after the garden for the Home and Families Charity in Mt Eden, where she started placing recycled toys and dolls in the garden to entertain visiting children. When the charity moved to their new premises without a garden, she brought the toys home. When the lockdown struck, she decided to display them and create her own fairy village.

Since then, Bronwen has gradually expanded the village, and even added a Santa trail in December, complete with Santa’s mailbox.

The wall has become a local landmark, and Bronwen says she loves seeing cars slow down as they drive past, with many people stopping to take photos. “It’s just so nice to have something in the community that brings people together.”

She also enjoys listening from the other side of her home, to families as the children beg to stay and play, while parents try to coax them back to the car.

The wall has now also taken on a life of its own. Bronwen often finds new figures and even tiny buildings have ‘magically’ appeared overnight, as locals add their own contributions.

Occasionally, some of the figures will disappear, and Bronwen says that the children take them home to play with. Along with families, a local day care centre visits regularly so children can explore the fairy village. Bronwen says there are now plenty of children who are convinced that real fairies live in the village.

Those wanting to follow the fairies, can go to @rockfieldfairies on Instagram.