Harrison stepped up to address the board during its public forum on Wednesday night, supported by his mother Anita Dawe, voicing his concerns over the disappointing result of a seesaw "upgrade" at Roseneath Playground.
"I was excited during lockdown to hear the playground would be upgraded, but afterwards was disappointed that the seesaw was too small and low to the ground," he told the board.
In answer to questions, Harrison and Mrs Dawe told board members that the seesaw now only moves "a few inches" and that he and his friends weren’t using the park so much any more.
Harrison asked the board to look into the matter on his behalf and asked that other equipment in Roseneath Playground also be upgraded.
Board members congratulated Harrison on his well-thought-out presentation and undertook to progress his complaint through council channels.
Board chairwoman Francisca Griffin said council staff had responded positively and was going to "fix the problem".
"It’s a win for Harrison," she said.
On Friday, The Star caught up with Harrison and friends Liam (7) and Isaac (5) Roberts, and Harri Buckingham (7) who demonstrated just how low and lacking in excitement the seesaw is.
Boxed in and surrounded by bark chips, the see-saw bounces only 20 to 30cm, so low that the boys’ legs never come close to leaving the ground.
"It’s not much of a seesaw," Harrison said.
However, the youngsters were happy to hear the good news that their concerns had been heard by council staff and that the disappointing seesaw would be replaced entirely.
"That will be much better," Harrison said.
Ms Griffin said Harrison was the youngest person she had see at the public forum in her time with the board.
"We think it's wonderful he came to let us know the seesaw was no fun anymore — he was articulate, and engaging ... I hope we see more youngsters at our meetings.
"They are, after all, the future," she said.
