David Hill / LDR
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon, Puke Pukeko and Anna Patterson, Community Connection Coordinator of the Waimakariri District Library, will celebrate the opening of a new storywalk in Rangiora’s North Brook Reserve on Friday. * One-time use *
Residents of Waimakariri are encouraged to read stories on the move.
A new “Story Walk” will begin on Friday in Rangiora’s Northbrook Reserve, and library staff in the Waimakariri district hope it will be the first of many.
Library staff worked with green space staff to create a temporary storyboard strategically placed around the reserve sidewalk.
According to Anna Patterson, community connectivity coordinator for the Waimakariri District Library, the idea came from the blockade of Covid-19 when library staff sought new ways to connect with people.
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Storywalks have been created in other parts of New Zealand, including Gore, Hastings, and the Napier district.
“We thought about Covid and people going out for a walk or enjoying a local park. This was a good way to connect with people.
“We want people to love books and reading. This is the way to do it when the library is closed. And not everyone wants to do it online.”
According to Patterson, each storyboard seems to be a different page, telling the story and linking to the local environment.
Story Nicky Slade Robinson’s Little Kiwi Matariki was chosen as the first story walk to connect with Matariki with the permission of the author.
You can also learn about the history of the place at the birds, plants and storyboards found in the Northbrook Reserve.
Temporary storywalks are set up for a two-month trial, and if successful, library staff hope to be able to develop permanent storywalks in various parks in the district.
“It’s great to see this in every park in Waimakariri,” Patterson said.
“If the board is still OK at the end of the trial, you may be able to take the board to Kaiapoi and share it a little more.
“At the moment, the extraordinary board is a very affordable option, but a more permanent board requires funding from the council.”
Mayor of Waimakariri, Dan Gordon, said he would support the expansion of the initiative and is looking forward to funding suggestions from council staff.
“This is a great initiative from our green space and library team, and at the timing of Matariki, it’s a nice integration.
“It’s great to learn as kids roam the reserve. I’m learning too.”
Rangiora-Ashley Community Board Chairman Jim Gerald joined Gordon to take a walk around Friday’s new storywalk, and the board said Rangiora was “behind the beautification of open spaces.”
The cost of creating, installing, and subsequently removing the storyboard is about $ 1500, covered by the existing green space and library budget.