City - Margaret Mahy

Margaret Mahy (1936–2012) is New Zealand's most celebrated children's writer. As the author of more than 120 titles - which have since been translated into 15 different languages. Mahy's readership is vast. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a librarian for over 10 years.

1. A Lion in the Meadow

A Lion in the Meadow is the first children's book written by the New Zealand author Margaret Mahy.

2. How much did the playground cost to build?

The total project cost exceeded NZ$40m, with NZ$19.6m for land purchase, NZ$1.3m for the demolition of buildings, and NZ$20m for land development, including NZ$3m for the playground itself. NZ$43.9m total.

3. Why was the Playground was named after her?

The playground is named for Margaret Mahy, New Zealand's famous children's author. After it was reported in January 2016 that the slide got so hot during sunny summer days that it blistered fingers, shade sails were installed.

The Park was once part of the Elsie Locke Playground, while the newly expanded area was named after Margaret Mahy, one of Canterbury's most-loved authors. Part of the Government's Recovery Plan following the earthquakes of 2010/11, the playpark is the largest playground in the Southern Hemisphere.

4. Where is Magaret Mahy from?

She is from Whakatāne. Whakatāne is a town in the eastern Bay of Plenty region in the North Island of New Zealand, 90 kilometres east of Tauranga and 89 kilometres north-east of Rotorua, at the mouth of the Whakatāne River.

5. When did Magaret Mahy start writing stories? 

She wrote her first story when she was seven years old. She used to make up stories and tell them aloud when she was even younger. Her mother saved the first story that she had written.

6. How many books has margaret Mahy Published?

She at least wrote 100 picture books, 40 novels, and 20 short story collections.

7. Does Magaret Mahy like reading poetry?