A new project aimed at fostering early literacy skills is set to be launched in Te Anau.

Southland District Libraries, with funding support from the Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group, will develop a StoryWalk® at the Te Anau Memorial Gardens.

It will feature a picture book story framed page-by-page and mounted on poles along a walkway for families to discover and enjoy as they walk.

Once installed, Fiordland residents are invited to experience StoryWalk at an open day to be held on site on 19 November from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Along with a karakia and official opening ceremony, there will be a variety of family play activities, face painting and free kids’ ice creams.

Natasha Edgar, culture and community co-ordinator for Southland District Libraries, said the aim of the StoryWalk was to support early literacy, physical activity and exploring nature.

“StoryWalk is a wonderful way for libraries to promote the joys of reading and explore the great outdoors. The stories are interchangeable, meaning new picture book stories will be available to read and discover at different times of the year,” she said.

The first book displayed will be Takahe Troubles, a New Zealand story by Sally Sutton with pictures by Jenny Cooper and published by Scholastic.

“Fiordland residents are sure to connect with the story we have chosen and it will delight visitors too so we’re excited to share it at the open day.”

Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group chair Adell Cox said StoryWalk and the associated open day “will be a fantastic opportunity to bring the Fiordland community together and support wellbeing”.

The inaugural StoryWalk® Project was created in the United States by Anne Ferguson, of Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

StoryWalk encompasses all things wellbeing, can be accessed anytime and inspires families to get outside, exercise and read together, along with promoting literacy.