Quotations from 23 New Zealand writers dot Wellington’s waterfront. This is the Wellington Writers Walk. These aren’t just random scribbles. They are carefully selected tributes to this city by the sea.
The Wellington Writers Walk celebrates Wellington’s place in the lives of these writers. It also marks the writers’ place in Wellington’s life. The Walk gives recognition to some of New Zealand’s most noted writers. It promotes New Zealand literature to a wider audience. Tourists and visitors enjoy it.
Imagine the wind whipping around you as you stroll along the harbor. You spot a concrete plaque. It features a quote from Katherine Mansfield. Further along, you see metal text inlaid into wooden decking. These are the Wellington Writers Walk’s markers. They are more than just decorations.
The Wellington Writers Walk is a project of the Wellington Branch of the New Zealand Society of Authors. It opened during New Zealand Post Writers and Readers Week on March 11 2002. The first series had eleven concrete plaques. Catherine Griffiths designed them. She won the Terry Stringer Award at the BEST Design Awards 2002 for her work.
Stage Two launched on May 8 2004. In 2009, four benchmarks by Fiona Christeller were added. That brought the total to 19 plaques and benchmarks.
New Zealand was the Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2012. The Wellington Writers Walk played a starring role there. Large decals of the quotations appeared along the River Main.
Four more benchmarks by Fiona Christeller were unveiled on March 20 2013. The Walk has been honored to have its plaques and benchmarks launched by Governors-General of New Zealand. These have been its valued patrons.
The Wellington Writers Walk quotations combine bold concrete plaques and more subtle benchmarks. The benchmarks have metal text inlaid into timber. Catherine Griffiths designed the plaques. Fiona Christeller designed the benchmarks. Some benchmarks are seats.
The Wellington Writers Walk committee appreciates Catherine Griffiths and Fiona Christeller. They provided inspiration and work as designers. The committee also acknowledges their production and installation teams. These teams realized the vision for the Walk.
Many sponsors and volunteers have given their time expertise and money. They allowed the Wellington Writers Walk to enhance the picturesque harbor environment.
The Wellington Writers Walk management committee acknowledges its partner organizations. These are The New Zealand Society of Authors and Wellington City Council.
Keep an eye out for these inscriptions. They can be found underwater. They are inscribed on wooden deck boards. Sometimes, they are hidden on the underside of a pier. The Wellington Writers Walk offers a unique way to experience Wellington. It also brings you closer to New Zealand literature. So next time you are strolling along the waterfront take a moment to discover the Wellington Writers Walk.