StoryWalk® launches at Himatangi Beach

This is the Manawatū District’s third StoryWalk^® and features the award winning Tama and the Taniwha. It’s a story of friendship in a fun and quirky tale.  Written by New Zealand author Melanie Koster, the story seamlessly integrates Māori words and phrases for readers of all ages to become familiar with, alongside the eye-catching and bold illustrations designed by Melanie’s daughter Monica Koster.  The book, appropriately placed at the historical beach settlement, is sure to spark the imagination of readers young and old.

“StoryWalks^® help to reignite the imagination and childlike sense of discovery for readers of all ages”, Marie Willis, Community Hub Programmes Leader says.  “To have our third instillation at the beach and in time for the influx of summer visitors is a special milestone”.

The Manawatū District Council’s StoryWalks^® are reproduced pages on large placards giving readers the opportunity to appreciate the detail of each page while making it a more permanent fixture in the community.

Alongside the StoryWalk^®, Manawatū District Council staff have been working hard over the last year to install a redesigned flying fox, a pump track, a skate park that has been repurposed from a Feilding redevelopment, and a covered BBQ area in addition to the tennis courts, playgrounds, and extensive toilet and shower block that already existed.

The upgrade work at Himatangi Beach was driven by Peter Shore who sadly passed away earlier this year.  Affectionately known as ‘Pistol Pete’, Peter was a MCD employee and worked closely with the Himatangi Community to create the vision for this space.

Himatangi Beach is only a short 20-minute drive from Sanson – a perfect destination to pack a picnic and spend the day.

One of the pages from the Manawatū District’s third Storywalk^®  featuring the award winning Tama and the Taniwha.