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