Our Peter Rabbit seat

Garston’s Peter Rabbit™ thinking seat was officially opened by Mayor Rob Scott and Northern Community Board member Pam Naylor this week.

The children of Garston School put on a special performance for the guests, who included district councillors, members of the community board and Te Ao Marama kaupapa taiao manager Dean Whaanga.

Conceived and created by Southland District Council graphic designer Donna Hawkins, the seat connects the township’s world-famous Peter Rabbit™ village with the Garston Cemetery as a special feature where people can sit, relax and reflect on loved ones past and present.

Permission was granted by British publishing house Frederick Warne & Co, which owns the Beatrix Potter books catalogue, for the use of the Peter Rabbit™ images, while Donna added some local touches in the form of lavender and hops, which flourish in Garston’s climate.

The seat was constructed, graphic wrapped and installed in November by Creation Signs, of Invercargill.