Closed playground, Botanic Gardens, Wellington, when New Zealand was at Covid-19 Alert Level 4

This photograph of the Wellington Botanic Gardens playground was taken during the first Covid-19 pandemic lockdown when New Zealand was in Alert Level 4 (11.59pm on 25 March to 11.59pm on 27 April 2020). It was one of many scenes captured by Te Papa photographers who took their cameras with them when they went on local walks during lockdown.

During lockdown, anyone who was not an essential worker had to stay home in their 'bubble' to prevent community transmission of the virus. Playgrounds across the country were closed, and temporary signage (such as can be seen on the fence in this photograph) directed people to stay away. The official message is tempered with a personalised touch: 'Be safe Wellington and we'll see you again soon!'