Current filter:
Published: 17 December 2021
Last Updated: 19 December 2021
Napier is set to be the next city to adopt the world-renowned StoryWalk® initiative this summer: a unique, interactive activity that will get people out and about and entertained for free.
Napier’s libraries are introducing StoryWalk®, an innovative way for whānau and friends to read, get active and take in the beauty of Napier all at the same time, in a Covid-smart way.
StoryWalk® will be available from Saturday, 18 December to Saturday, 29 January 2022. Each pathway will feature books based on New Zealand native birds.
Kate Powis, Napier Libraries Children’s Librarian, says StoryWalk® leads people on a fun and entertaining journey and she is thrilled to bring the initiative to the Napier community.
“StoryWalk® inspires reading in a creative way – building youngsters’ literacy skills without them even knowing! It also encourages time with friends and whānau in a free space, where everyone is welcome,” Powis says.
The initiative will see pages from favourite New Zealand children’s books displayed on posts along three Napier pathways; Marine Parade, Taradale Park and Maraenui/Marewa Recreational Reserve. As people meander along, they can read the pages and be directed to the next page of the story further down the path. The full walk takes in the complete story from the front cover to the last page.
Spot prizes will be available to win, including family passes to local attractions, books and book vouchers. Participants will need to scan the QR code on the story board to enter. There will also be word finds, colouring-in and spot-the-difference activity sheets for children, available from the Napier and Taradale libraries.
StoryWalk® can be found at the following pathways:
Marine Parade: Along the Rotary Path behind Par2 Mini Golf to the Tom Parker Fountain. Featured books: ‘Kaewa the Kororā’ and ‘Little Hoiho/Hoiho Paku’.
See the Napier Libraries website https://www.napierlibrary.co.nz/ for more information.
About StoryWalk®
StoryWalk® was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, in 2007. Ferguson, a chronic disease prevention specialist at the time, wanted to create something different, fun and interesting to promote early literacy, physical activity, and family time together in nature.
StoryWalk® was subsequently developed by Rachel Senechal, formerly of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. It has since been adopted in all 50 states of America and a further 12 countries around the world.
Disclaimers and Copyright
While every endeavour has been taken by the Napier City Council to ensure that the information on this website is
accurate and up to date, Napier City Council shall not be liable for any loss suffered through the use, directly or indirectly, of information on this website. Information contained has been assembled in good faith.
Some of the information available in this site is from the New Zealand Public domain and supplied by relevant
government agencies. Napier City Council cannot accept any liability for its accuracy or content.
Portions of the information and material on this site, including data, pages, documents, online
graphics and images are protected by copyright, unless specifically notified to the contrary. Externally sourced
information or material is copyright to the respective provider.
© Napier City Council - www.napier.govt.nz / +64 6 835 7579 / info@napier.govt.nz