Walking bus Pou revealed

EAGER ANTICIPATION: Masterton councillor Doug Bracewell, left, and Mike Kawana, beside him, who performed a karakia, before the unveiling of the pou.PHOTOS/LYNDA FERINGAWTA011113LFPOU05

Brightly painted pou were unveiled on Friday as part of a school project.

Masterton Primary School students watched eagerly as Masterton district councillor Doug Bracewell revealed one of the pou, which they had painted, at the official launch.

The pou are wooden posts used to mark points where children can meet up to walk, cycle, skate or scoot to school.

Mr Bracewell said it was a great initiative and the school should be applauded.

The aim of the project was to encourage active transport and a sense of ownership and observation, through art, of the route to school.

It's about encouraging physical activity, said Sam Winslow, Senior School Travel Plan Coordinator at Greater Wellington Regional Council

"The emphasis is on walking to school and getting to know your neighbourhood."

Room 11 students said the pou acted as a "pick up and drop off zone" and people could meet up at them to walk to school together. Wellington artist Sian Torrington, who led the students on painting the pou, was unable to attend but sent a letter to be read out.

"It was my pleasure to work with such a talented group of budding artists.

"The kaupapa of this project was always that everyone is creative, and we all have the right to express ourselves."

She said near the end of the project she burst into tears when she read a farewell card from a student. It said 'Thank you for coming to my school, you made me realise my art was good.'

Six painted pou have been put up, with three near Masterton School and three near Fernridge School.

The pou near Masterton School can be seen on Short St, Cockburn St and near Vivian St.

The project was a joint initiative of the Wairarapa Road Safety Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council.