Toy library up and running at Gisborne’s Wainui Beach School

Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz and teacher Terri Hokianga with Wainui Beach School Room 2 students, who built and painted a community toy library. The kids are Harper Squire (left), Shelby Akbar, John-Michael David, Thomas McCarthy, Sarita Flor Castaño Melville and Nina Crichton.

Toys are often on the list when families head to the beach for the day.

But those going to Wainui Beach over the next couple of months can leave them at home, thanks to the creative skills of local primary school students.

Room 2 children at Wainui Beach School have set up a free and transportable community toy library.

The 2025 Enviroschools project was designed, built and decorated by the students, with support from parents, teacher Terri Hokianga and Gisborne District Council’s liveable spaces team.

“The library will be available for families to use free of charge for the rest of the summer season,” a council media release said.

“Wainui Beach School will act as kaitiaki (caretakers), keeping it stocked and maintained until it is packed away at the end of April.”

Mayor Rehette Stoltz visited the school last week to talk with the tamariki about leadership and was given a viewing of the finished toy library before it is moved to its final location at the beach.

“These tamariki have taken real ownership of something that will bring joy and fun to so many whānau this summer,” Stoltz said.

“Seeing rangatahi step up as kaitiaki for their community is truly leadership in action.”

Hokianga said the project was all about creating something practical that supported community connection and caring for the environment.

The toy library will be located at Wainui Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

People are welcome to visit and are encouraged to donate clean, beach-appropriate toys such as buckets, spades and body boards to help keep the library stocked for everyone.