If a day at the beach wasn’t enough fun, families heading to Wainui Beach will have another reason to smile thanks to the tamariki of Room 2 at Wainui Beach School, who have created a free community toy library for everyone to enjoy.

The transportable toy library was designed, built and decorated by the students as their 2025 Enviroschools project, with support from parents, their teacher Kōkā Terri Hokianga, and Gisborne District Council’s Liveable Spaces team.

The library will be available for families to use free of charge for the rest of the summer season. Wainui Beach School will act as kaitiaki (caretakers), keeping it stocked and maintained until it is packed away at the end of April 2026.

Mayor Rehette Stoltz visited Wainui Beach School on Friday, 20 February, to kōrero with the tamariki about leadership and was taken on a tour of the finished toy library before it is moved to its final location at the beach.

“These tamariki have taken real ownership of something that will bring joy and fun to so many whānau this summer,” Mayor Stoltz said.

During the visit, students also had the chance to ask Mayor Stolz questions. “Seeing rangatahi step up as kaitiaki for their community is truly leadership in action.”

Kōkā Terri Hokianga said the project was all about creating something practical that supports community connection and caring for their environment.

The toy library will be located at the Wainui Beach Surf Club.

The community is welcome to visit and is encouraged to donate clean, beach-appropriate toys such as buckets, spades and boogie boards to help keep the library stocked for everyone.

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