Keeping minds and bodies active at playgrounds

The talents of Taupō author and illustrator Donovan Bixley are bringing a fun new dimension to playgrounds around the district.

Donovan has created a series of images of colourful characters and activities in his trademark playful style along with their names in English, te reo Māori and NZ sign language for local playgrounds.

The idea came from Taupō District Council team lead of assets and cemeteries Kieran Smith, who wanted to make playgrounds an active place for not just young bodies but minds too.

Kieran gave Donovan a brief to create characters youngsters could search for while exploring play equipment, and Donovan created a range of 20 striking animals, birds and activities. As tamariki find the pictures, they also learn the te reo Māori and New Zealand sign language words and signs for each character.

The first interactive play areas were rolled out in Whakamaru and at Raupo Reserve in Ngā Roto Estate in Taupō this month. More are planned for other locations.