Read And Enjoy Nature At The Same Time—Hīkoi Kōrero
The first Hīkoi Kōrero StoryWalk® in Tairāwhiti starts today along the banks of the Taruheru River.
The Hīkoi Kōrero is a series of storyboards that tell the story of ‘Taniwha’, a children’s book written and illustrated by Robyn Kahukiwa – NZ artist and award-winning children’s book author. It is part of Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival.
Hīkoi Kōrero StoryWalk® starts from the town side of the Peel Street bridge. From there storyboards are dotted along the riverbank.
It is on until Sunday 17 October to help keep little people entertained over the school holidays.
Council Cultural Activities Manager Pene Walsh says it takes the joy of reading and literacy, combines it with nature and brings it to the people.
“We hope this is the first of many stories that will pop up in parks for whanau to read and enjoy the pictures as they stroll.
“With our first story we wanted to tautoko (support) our place, our recreational reserves, rivers and Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival. Taniwha speaks to children of Tairāwhiti.”
The te reo on the storyboards was translated by the late Keri Kaa – whom Ms Walsh describes as an educator, innovator, dear friend of the arts and staunch about the excellence of te reo Māori.
“This activity is also part of what we are trying to develop here – a library without walls.
“We’re taking the activities out to the people, doing more things online and that means we are reducing barriers for people to access library resources.”
A free activity bag for the children can be picked up either before or after the Hīkoi Kōrero from the library.
Hīkoi Kōrero is brought to Taiārwhiti by the HB Williams Memorial Library.
Photos or videos of the kids enjoying the activities can be uploaded online at https://gpl.govt.nz/whats-on/news/kura-koanga-spring-school-holiday-programme/.
Storywalk ® is an idea that originated in America as a fun way for children – and adults – to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time.
To see a full list of other activities at the library, or online, over the school holidays visit our website www.gpl.nz
Gordon Campbell: On How US Courts Are Helping Donald Trump Steal The Mid-Terms
NZ National Party: Judith Collins’ Valedictory Speech
Forest And Bird: Government Biodiversity Credit Scheme Welcomed As Opportunity For Restoration
Office of the Ombudsman: Ombudsman Publishes Findings On Ministry Of Education Sensitive Claims Scheme
Nelson City Council: Mayor Welcomes Auditor-General Decision Not To Prosecute Councillor
Johnnie Freeland: Ko Tātou Tātou - Climate Action In Aotearoa Begins With Relationship
Zero Waste Network Aotearoa: Container Return Scheme Bill Would Double Recycling Rates And Put Money Back In Households

