Story Walks around the district.

The Te Aroha Domain and Matamata Centennial Drive 'Kuwi the Kiwi' Story Walks are still up, but the 'There's a Weta on my Sweater' Story Walk in Morrinsville at Lockerbie Park has been taken down.

Need to know:

• Te Aroha's Story Walk starts at the Mokena Geyser (behind the spas complex) and follows the Domain Lower Walk. Good footwear is recommended as the gravel surface can be slippery.
• Matamata's Story Walk starts by the Scout & Guide Hall on Broadway, and follows Centennial Drive.

The stories provide great motivation for little legs to keep moving on to the next exciting instalment, while plenty of clever visual detail and word-play should keep the adults amused. As an extra-special wrinkle, the panels show the story in both English and te reo versions, making it a great way for the family to practise (or show off) their bilingual skills.

Story Walks originated in the United States and have now been installed in 13 countries including New Zealand, Russia, Pakistan and South Korea. During Parks Week, hundreds of organisations across New Zealand and Australia are holding events to celebrate the vital role parks play in improving everyone's quality of life.