Wooly Riot bomb Esplanade
Early morning commuters, strollers and runners have been treated to a colourful surprise in Palmerston North’s Esplanade gardens.
About 10 people worked during the cover of darkness overnight on Monday to hang woollen creations, including birds, cars and dinosaurs, between the trees at the Park Rd entrance to the Esplanade.
The group responsible for the colourful splash is Wooly Riot, street-art enthusiasts comprised of knitters, stitchers and crocheters. Their aim is to make Palmerston North more colourful through stealth.
The group has been preparing for this particular project since March and six people were involved in making the woollen creations.
Wooly Riot member Gunhild Litwin said that the group aimed to bring colourful and cuddly street art to Palmerston North.
‘‘Yarn bombing is about surprising the city with unexpected colour … We want to share fun with the city.’’
‘‘Yarn bombing is about surprising the city with unexpected colour.’’ Gunhild Litwin
The group has been active for more than six years and have completed about 20 projects. A frequent target is the statue of Charles Monro, who introduced rugby to New Zealand, outside Te Manawa.
One of their most memorable projects involved yarn bombing the concrete boulders at the city entrances.
Anyone can take a creation or two for themselves from the Esplanade, or to gift to someone else.