Whanganui children build maze out of recycled bits

It's recycling in the name of child's play.

A group of Whanganui children spent Saturday building a giant maze out of recycled material as part of the Global Cardboard Challenge and now they've opened their creation up to the public.

One of the organisers Catriona Atkinson said the event was about encouraging kids to play and create with cardboard boxes.

"The kids mostly did it with a bit of support. It has a lot of potential for kids."

She said about 10 children were involved in making the maze and such events helped children develop a positive connection with the recycling centre.

"It would be cool if there was more different things happening in Whanganui for next year."

Lola Fisher (9) and Calexico (6) Fisher took the Chronicle on a tour through the cardboard maze, pointing out the walkie talkie, a stained-glass window, a couch, circus tent and a number of dead ends.

The Global Cardboard Challenge is an annual event organised by the Imagination Foundation.

It was inspired by a short film about a 9-year-old boy who built an elaborate cardboard arcade in Los Angeles.

The Whanganui contingent was the only New Zealand group taking part.

Children can build anything they can dream up using cardboard and recycled materials.

The cardboard maze will be open to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 1pm at the education room at the Whanganui Environment Base on Maria Place.