Library Life is the digital magazine of New Zealand’s Library and Information Association Te Rau Herenga o Aotearoa. Providing a voice for the views and news on issues relating to the GLAMIR sector. You may use material found in this publication in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 CC BY licence for any purpose if the original creator is acknowledged.
FROM THE EDITOR NĀ TE KAITĀTARI
ANGELA CAIRNCROSS
As you read this, I will be somewhere in the Czech Republic or maybe on the Croatian coast, visiting my daughter who now lives in Prague. I promise to at least take photos of the Clementinum, the Czech National Library, once a Jesuit college established in 1781 in a magnificent baroque building.
Meanwhile, you get to read this full and informative issue. We are excited to feature Infofind, Radio New Zealand’s library, a very busy special library.
We meet Dahlia Malaeulu, publisher of Mila’s Books, and Mary Teleiai writes about the importance of making Pasifika stories available. The 2024 New Zealand Children’s Book Awards have just been announced and are featured in this issue.
Marion Read tells us about her library mahi over the past two and a half years delivering on the LGNZ Libraries Advisory project.
Focusing on library builds, Te Rau Ora Library Life highlights two recent rebuilds in South Taranaki and the Manawatū and Kat Cuttriss tells us about the work of the IFLA Library Buildings Committee.
There are many great articles and news items here, ranging from Auckland Libraries' international award-winning marketing campaign to Te Whakakitenga aa Kaimai’s Weekend School, the Upper Hutt Libraries outreach programme, and so much more.
Articles for the next issue close on October 10, we’d love to hear from you.
Ngā mihi nui,
Angie Cairncross
LIANZA Communications Advisor
FROM THE PRESIDENT
N Ā TE TUMUAKI
IVY GUO LIANZA PRESIDENT-ELECT
Kia ora koutou, 大家好！
July came too fast, as I think back to this time last year when I joined the LIANZA Council and attended my first council meeting. I hope everyone is keeping warm and healthy during the chilly winter days.
On July 5, the LIANZA Council had its face-to-face meeting in Wellington. I couldn’t be prouder that Wellington put up its ‘can’tbeat-Wellington-on-a-good-day' sunshine for the visitors. I want to thank our amazing LIANZA Office team and the lovely VUW Law library team for their help and accommodation.
It was an emotional moment to receive the LIANZA pounamu from Richy, who allowed me to learn and work with him for the past 12 months. We also welcomed our three new council members – Mark Crookston, Hana Whaanga, and Lydia Tsen. Their experiences will surely bring new perspectives to the table.
We had a full agenda and a very productive meeting. One of the main items approved was the date and the venue for the LIANZA 2025 Conference. Until then, a series of roadshows are planned from November this year, bringing discussions and networking opportunities to areas outside of the main cities. Keep an eye out for more information – exciting updates will be shared soon!
The council also refined and approved a set of LIANZA values. These are shared with all members and thank you to everyone who sent thoughts and endorsements. The council truly believes that having and living by the values strengthens the organisation. I hope everyone
From left: Richy Misilei, Ivy Guo and Mark Crookston. Image credit Jess Buchanan-Smith.
will resonate with the values, seeing them as a foundation for navigating changes and challenges.
The highlight of the day for me was the signing of the partnership agreement between Te Rau Herenga O Aotearoa and Te Rōpū Whakahau. It was a symbolic and emotional moment for us. But we will not stop here. A strengthened partnership with Te Rōpū Whakahau will bring more opportunities to support Māori professionals in the library and information sectors.
Another highlight of July was the Te Tōtara Leader’s Hui. As the Te Tōtara Capability Framework project enters its second phase, I was inspired and encouraged by the conversations with our
Project Manager Annemarie Thomas and other sector leaders. I am looking forward to seeing the implementation of the framework to benefit the wider sector. Read more about the Te Tōtara workforce capability work on LIANZA website.
I also had the pleasure of attending the ceremony of New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. It was such a buzz to sit among the talented writers and artists and to be a part of the celebration of their brilliant achievements. You can read more about the awards in this issue.
In August, the council also started searching for the next Executive Director for LIANZA
as Pete Elderkin resigned. We are looking for an experienced leader who has a heart for our mahi and the impact it makes in communities. If that’s someone you know, or the dream job for you, please get in touch.
It has been a busy couple of months, but like Wellington weather, rain or shine, challenges are followed by opportunities. Stay warm, stay well, and stay tuned.
纸短意长，且行且思.
Nāku iti noa, nā
Ivy Guo President, Te Rau Herenga o Aotearoa LIANZA
Signing of the LIANZA Te Rōpū Whakahau partnership agreement from left: Richy Misilei, Ivy Guo, Manuhiri Huatahi, Kim Taunga, Carla Jeffrey, Mark Crookston and Francis Leaf. Image credit Jess Buchanan-Smith.
Share your digital collections and engage your community
What is Recollect?
For Libraries
Recollect is a digital collection management and community engagement platform. Your library can create a tailored digital collection with Recollect, using a suite of configurable tools for management and engagement. By seamlessly combining digital asset management, digital preservation, and community engagement into one cohesive system, Recollect streamlines the operational needs of your library. It does so while providing uncompromised functionality for both your collection managers and your community.
Create a connected collection
Recollect’s unique approach to metadata allows your library to create customised metadata fields, adopt an existing schema, or develop bespoke standards. Through applying custom metadata, your library can create a web of connections between items, ensuring your community can find the items they’re looking for, as well as easily discover and access related content.
Tailor your user experience
Recollect’s cloud-based platform is configured to incorporate your enduser’s requirements. Curate sub-collections for local communities, and create research guides for specific groups, researchers, and academics. Consolidate historical regional plans and council documents for government and public administrations, or utilise Recollect’s wide range of discovery widgets to engage your community.
Nurture community engagement
You’ll have the option to allow community members to actively contribute knowledge to your collection, enriching it with their own photographs, oral histories, or other historically significant material. You can also give users the ability to supplement existing content by tagging images or leaving comments. Recollect’s moderation functionality provides your library with full control over community contributions.
DAHLIA MALAEULU AND MILA’S BOOKS
Dahlia Malaeulu is a Samoan New Zealander with connections to the villages of Vaivase tai and Sinamoga in Samoa. Dahlia is a writer, publisher and the founder of Mila’s Books , which produces Pacific children’s books that help tamaiti be seen, heard and valued. Dahlia is a major advocate for Pasifika literature and creating spaces that support Pasifika voices and was the recipient of the New Zealand Emerging Publisher of the Year in 2023.
Mila's Books was born out of a desire to fill the gap Dahlia saw in the availability of culturally relevant and engaging literature for Pasifika children.
“I was an educator for 15 years and noticed the lack of books reflecting the diverse experiences and identities of our Pasifika students. Then when I became a mother to my two sons, Mason and Isaia, I wanted to ensure they had stories that helped them explore the beauty of our Pacific cultures, reinforcing the message that who they are and what they are matters."
"I truly believe that our stories have the power to connect, talanoa and heal from years of being
invisible in so many spaces across society, including books."
At Mila's Books, ensuring their stories are authentically Pasifika is not just a goal, it’s a key principle. And they are proud to be the only allPasifika publishing team in the world, a position that allows them to apply Pasifika experiences, perspectives, and values to the stories they produce and to support all the storytellers they work with.
Another goal is to foster a love for reading by offering books where Pasifika children can see themselves, their families, and their cultures represented. The team at Mila’s Books aims to empower Pasifika children to embrace their identities and inspire a new generation of readers and storytellers through the stories they produce.
“We are so grateful for our Mila’s Books team and our village of supporters who have helped to bring our stories to life and ensured access to our stories for our tamaiti.”
Mila’s Books has published the voices and stories of more than 90 Pasifika tamaiti, educators and parents so far. This would not have been possible without the many schools, teachers, librarians, community leaders, and passionate advocates across Aotearoa who also believe in the power of Pasifika stories, says Dahlia.
A new feature is the Pasifika Book Hub, a muchneeded space created to support new Pasifika storytellers, connect people to their beautiful Tagata o le moana stories, and encourage the growth of Pasifika publishing. The Pasifika Book Hub has been warmly received by the book and schooling community, becoming a valuable resource for educators, parents, and children seeking culturally relevant Pacific books by Pasifika authors.
Mila’s Books created the Pasifika Book Hub for two main reasons.
“Firstly, I know what it is like to start and travel this book journey alone and we really want to change this for the next generation of Pasifika publishers and storytellers by creating a space that provides advice and guidance from experienced publishers."
"Secondly, there is a huge hunger and need for these stories. For Mila’s Books to achieve its mission, it needs access to stories from Pasifika storytellers and more support for its growth than ever before. So, the Pasifika Hub is really a go-to space for all of this."
Libraries are crucial in supporting Mila’s Books’ mission by providing access to the books and resources. They can help by featuring Mila's Books in their collections, hosting author events and readings, and promoting the stories.
“Libraries can also collaborate with us on literacy programs and workshops highlighting Pasifika literature and culture throughout the year, not just during our national Pasifika language weeks.”
But most importantly, says Dahlia, “I believe all library staff should read and experience the power of our stories as Pasifika. We believe books are bridges and windows, and the impact our stories have had on people and communities to better connect, understand and develop cultural confidence has been amazing. This is why the work we do at Mila’s Books will always be much more than books and we aim to change the world of readers one book at a time."
"Ultimately, by working together, we can ensure that Pasifika stories are shared widely and that our children see themselves reflected in the books they read."
Recently released is Mataali’i, a story about the Samoan perspective on the Pleiades star cluster. It is in high demand, with more than 500 copies sold in the first week of its release. It is dedicated to a founding Mila’s Books member and author, Emeli Sione, who now lives among the stars.
Left, (L-R) Darcy Solia, Dahlia Malaeulu, Alei Aholelei Sione (daughter of Emeli Sione) and Liz Tui Morris.
Right, Pasifika Book Hub. Image credits Mila’s Books.
PACIFIC REPRESENTATION IN LITERATURE
I am not an expert in Pacific Literature, but I am definitely a staunch supporter. I recently spent six months on secondment, where I fulfilled loan requests for schools through the National Library of New Zealand’s Services to Schools. The lack of Pasifika stories and resources has been a blatant reality.
At the 2023 Auckland Writers Festival, I stood in line excitedly, unashamedly waiting with all the other children to have my copy of Tama Samoa signed by Dahlia and Mani Malaeulu – my work colleagues found it amusing. I was excited. Tama Samoa reminded me of the students at Kelston Boys High, where I had worked last. It was at Kelston Boys that I saw that representation and authenticity were important.
Every new book released by a Pasifika author always warms my soul. Our own stories and the voices of our ancestors navigating the Pacific need to be written for our children. When non-Pasifika people write our histories and stories, the value of our own voices can be lost or denied. Dahlia Malaeulu has released several books in a muchneeded market for Pasifika stories. Our children need to see themselves in the books they read. It tells them they matter.
My first Pasifika book I read, was a book my late father gave to me as a child called Tala o le Vavau, Myths and Legends of Samoa. Though not written by Pasifika, this started my love for reading. My love of New Zealand authors, I realised recently, was because the settings were familiar. Reading Lani Wendt Young’s Telesā series ignited my desire to
read more Pasifika authors. I could smell Samoa while reading the Telesā series, this amazing series reconnected me to my childhood memories of Samoa.
The power of our own stories has the ability to heal and inform. Last year, my family endured the loss of a very much-loved niece, and as I watched her mother struggle with her grief, I asked myself – how does one navigate that pain? My daughter and I gifted her our two favourite picture books – I am Lupe by Sela Ahosivi-Atiola and White Sunday by Litea Fuata. Both stories tell of a shared experience for many of our children, stories we know my niece had joy in and had shared with her own children.
Emeli Sione’s A New Dawn looks at a time in New Zealand that many of our parents and grandparents wish to forget, a painful time for Pasifika. Stories about our struggles in the countries our parents migrated to provides healing for the adversity they faced and the sacrifices they made.
That collective experience we share is beautifully written in Marie Samuela’s book of short stories, Beats of the Pa’u. They are stories we relate to, voices we know, our families are within these stories.
Our stories have always been there, from our traditional tales, Albert Wendt’s Sons of the Return Home, to my current read Dirt Poor Islanders by Winnie Dunn. I haven’t even mentioned the many Pasifika authors from other Pacific nations.
I challenge you to find them, and read the academic essays, the poems, the short stories, and the plays. Share with your families, and gift them to our children. If there is one small thing I ask to our academic writers, it is to remember our children. They too deserve to learn about the history of our people, we are in a time where we see our children proud in their Pasifika identity. They are the next chapter in our migration story. Our stories should be the first books our children read.
Mary Teleiai is of Samoan decent from the village of Vaigaga in Apia and works for National Library Services to Schools. Mary loves to read anything and everything, especially Pasifika stories.
NZCYA AWARD WINNERS 2024
BESTSELLING AUTHOR
STACY GREGG WINS MARGARET MAHY
BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR THE FIRST TIME
A novel that masterfully weaves comedy, fantasy and history together in a profound exploration of identity was named the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year at the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults during an exuberant ceremony held this evening at Wellington’s Pipitea Marae.
Nine Girls by Stacy Gregg (Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Pūkeko, Ngāti Maru Hauraki) was described by the judges as “a taonga from a masterful storyteller”.
“After careful deliberation, both judging panels came to a unanimous decision on a book that not only exemplifies the highest standards, but that we believe will make a lasting contribution to Aotearoa’s national literature for children and young adults; and as such, deserves the accolade of supreme winner,” said 2024 convenor of judges, Maia Bennett.
Stacy is one of Aotearoa’s biggest selling authors with millions of copies of her popular pony series sold worldwide. Nine Girls is the first time she’s explored te ao Māori, with the coming-of-age tale drawn from her own childhood in Ngāruawāhia.
“Vivid and well-developed characters populate a fast-paced, eventful narrative as we follow the young protagonist’s journey to discovering her Māori identity. Te ao Pākehā and te ao Māori are equally uplifted as the text explores our bicultural history,” said the judges.
As well as receiving the highest accolade in New Zealand children’s literature, Stacy was awarded the Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Award for Junior Fiction
Winners in a further six categories were announced on the night. The Picture Book Award went to Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapōkai by Michaela Keeble which was written with her son Kerehi Grace (Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Porou) and illustrated by Tokerau Brown. Described as a sophisticated picture book which can be enjoyed by all ages, the judges found it to be groundbreaking, deeply creative and completely original.
The Young Adult Fiction Award was won by Catch a Falling Star by Eileen Merriman who has been nominated in this category a number of
Stacy Gregg at the 2024 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. Image credit The Book Awards Trust/Vijay Paul.
times previously, but never before won. The judges praised the remarkably authentic portrayal of the complicated and endearing teenage protagonist’s escalating mental health problems.
Ultrawild: An Audacious Plan to Rewild Every City on Earth by Steve Mushin was named the Elsie Locke Award for Non-Fiction winner. The book is a deadly serious quest to design a way out of climate change, packed with concepts that are ingenious, technically plausible and often humorous – encouraging readers to see the explicit connection between creativity and science.
The winner of the Russell Clark Award for Illustration needs no introduction. Gavin Bishop (Tainui, Ngāti Awa) has collected more awards at the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults than any other author or illustrator. The judges considered Patu: The New Zealand Wars to be more than just a historical recounting and felt the stark compositions and limited colour palette spoke to a deeply personal tale; “one of mamae discovered, mamae long felt, and mamae yet to be healed”.
The Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award went to Nani Jo me ngā Mokopuna Porohīanga, written by Moira Wairama and illustrated by Margaret Tolland. The judges said the book uses inclusive language to convey the significance of stories, their role in helping us make sense of our world, and the importance of poroporoaki to the grieving process.
Finally, the NZSA Best First Book Award was awarded to Ned Wenlock for Tsunami, a graphic novel for older readers. It stood out to the judges due to its sophisticated understanding of the comic form, telling an often-disturbing story of a troubled and bullied boy with skill and a complexity that trusts readers to meet the book's challenges.
As well as acknowledging the best and brightest in books for children and teens, a core aspect of the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults’ mission is to foster literacy and a love of reading among New Zealand’s tamariki and rangatahi.
This includes a programme of Books Alive largescale events, which see finalist authors and illustrators bring the magic of books to life at sessions for school children in the immediate lead-up to the ceremony. This year, thanks to the generous support of the Mātātuhi Foundation, a day of joyous Books Alive fun was held for Invercargill school children on Wednesday 7 August. While on 9 August, WORD Christchurch hosted a selection of finalist authors who entertained primary and intermediate school students at Haeata Community Campus in Ōtautahi. And earlier today Wellington hundreds of school students converged on the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa and Te Whare Pukapuka o Waitohi in Johnsonville, where the talented team at Wellington City Libraries programmed over 20 finalists in a varied schedule that included behind-the-book talks, workshops on writing and illustration, lightning talk sessions, storytelling, and live drawing.
The New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults also administers the ever-popular HELL Reading Challenge, which has been running for over a decade. Last year almost 850 schools and libraries around the motu took part in the programme and 325,000 pizza wheels were distributed, leading to an estimated 2,275,000 books read. The 2024 challenge is already on track to surpass last year’s impressive results with over 290,000 pizza wheels already sent out.
The New Zealand Book Awards for Children & Young Adults and their associated programmes are made possible through the generosity, commitment and vision of funders and partners: Creative New Zealand, HELL Pizza, the Wright Family Foundation, LIANZA Te Rau Herenga o Aotearoa, Wellington City Council, New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa, the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, the Mātātuhi Foundation, and Nielsen BookData. The Awards are administered by the New Zealand Book Awards Trust Te Ohu Tiaki i Te Rau Hiringa.
THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS FOR THE 2024 NEW ZEALAND BOOK AWARDS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS
Margaret Mahy Book of the Year Award
Nine Girls, Stacy Gregg (Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Pūkeko, Ngāti Maru Hauraki) (Penguin Random House NZ)
Picture Book Award
Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapōkai, Michaela Keeble with Kerehi Grace (Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Porou), illustrated by Tokerau Brown (Gecko Press)
Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Award for Junior Fiction
Nine Girls, Stacy Gregg (Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Pūkeko, Ngāti Maru Hauraki) (Penguin Random House NZ)
Young Adult Fiction Award
Catch a Falling Star, Eileen Merriman (Penguin Random House NZ)
Elsie Locke Award for Non-Fiction
Ultrawild: An Audacious Plan to Rewild Every City on Earth, Steve Mushin (Allen & Unwin)
Russell Clark Award for Illustration
Patu: The New Zealand Wars, illustrated by Gavin Bishop (Tainui, Ngāti Awa) (Penguin Random House NZ)
Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award for te reo Māori
Nani Jo me ngā Mokopuna Porohīanga, Moira Wairama, illustrated by Margaret Tolland (Baggage Books)
NZSA Best First Book Award
Tsunami, Ned Wenlock (Earth's End Publishing)
LESSONS LEARNED WHILE BUILDING A NEW LIBRARY
In 2011, a review of the South Taranaki Libraries by consultant Nikki Moen identified the need for a new Hāwera Library as a multi-purpose library and community, culture and heritage facility. South Taranaki District Council agreed to the build as part of a wider town revitalisation and the project made it through the long-term planning process. Then the difficult search for a suitable site began.
By 2017 we could start, and architects Warren & Mahoney were selected. To our delight, the main architect, Daniel Thompson, is originally from Hāwera so the project is close to his heart.
From day one we’ve wanted our new build to act as a cornerstone of a wider project to rejuvenate the town centre, increasing foot traffic, encouraging new retail experiences, and giving people a reason to stay here at the weekends rather than heading to New Plymouth, which is an hour away and in another district.
The 1,600 square meter building incorporates the AA and iSite centre, a café, meeting rooms and moves a council-supported art gallery from
leased premises into a new purpose-built space. It almost doubles the library space from our existing beautiful, but cramped, heritage building.
We have worked closely with iwi from the start. Ngāti Ruanui, as mana whenua, gifted us the name Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga, which means the beacon or signal fire of Ruapūtahanga, a revered ancestress. When there was a need, she would light the beacon as a signal for iwi to meet so they could talk, share ideas and knowledge. The name perfectly symbolises the new build’s purpose.
Five years on from appointing architects, where are we at? We are due to move premises in late October. The build has gone from $8 million to $15 million. Some of the pre-cast panels broke at the manufacturing site on the East Coast during Cyclone Gabrielle. We had to slightly decrease the footprint early on when we realised the cost would be too high. There’s been substantial delays due to COVID-19, and then not-COVID-19. Something leaked, something broke, something got put in the wrong place, so we had to alter a bathroom plan. Does it matter? No, not really … grey hair aside!
The original library. Image credit Cath Sheard.
WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
The first lesson is that my old project manager colleague Kobus was right – take the original cost estimate, double it, and then add a bit for good measure.
Know what you’re good at, then pay for expertise in your weaker areas. My colleague Phil, the project manager, and I decided the soft fit out was not our area of expertise, so we have willingly paid for additional work by the architects. They looked at what’s happening in libraries around the country, mainly with new builds. They talked about using a bookshop-style layout, flexible seating, interactive children’s areas and collaborative workspaces etc. Was there anything we didn’t know? No, but it helped solidify our ideas and was cheaper, and less stressful, than a grand tour!
Find ways to keep staff engaged in the project, especially when it doesn’t look like anything is
happening. When work first started there was a lot going on. But it was all underground services – a million dollars’ worth in fact. For months at a time, it looked like the project had stalled. Providing updates, showing them fabric or furniture samples and asking their opinion, has helped keep staff engaged. That aside, I still feel we haven’t done anywhere near enough.
The biggest lesson for us has been that what you need changes over time, and the process doesn’t easily allow for that. We have two key examples, and I hope talking about them helps others avoid the same mistakes.
As the joiner was about to start making the counters Phil shared the detailed plan with me “just in case”. The plans had been drawn preCOVID-19 and included fins along the front of the main counter to keep people back a little, which seemed sensible at the time. No one thought to revise it, me included. During COVID-19 we added
glass barriers at the counter in all seven libraries. In addition, for some reason the counter had been designed at a sitting height, but of course we stand at the counter. Between the fins, the glass barriers, and a slightly deeper than normal desk, staff would be reaching too far to get books, paperwork etc and would risk injury over time. Needless to say, the counter design has been reworked.
In the past few years, we’ve faced increasing aggression and COVID-19 has certainly increased people’s aggressive tendencies. We have used a security guard at one of our smaller branches, something I never thought would happen, and have a lockdown procedure that we’ve had to use a few times. Which leads me to the second, far more concerning oversight on my part.
We were looking at the configuration of the workroom, my office, project and staff meeting rooms and realised we had too few locks and had designed a trap. If we retreated into my office or the workroom due to someone being significantly aggressive at the main counter, we had no exit point. We decided to take a two-fold approach to resolve the problem – more locks and an exit of some sort.
We initially looked at more mag locks, but the additional cost was in the region of $35,000. Hard to justify when we’re going out with an 11% rate increase. In the end we went for doors that auto lock but can be opened easily from the inside. I’ve yet to receive the final cost.
At the back of the workroom, opening into a long, narrow alley, we have a series of windows. The architect has changed the configuration of one of the larger windows so that it can be opened and used as an emergency exit. It’s not as wide as we’d have preferred, but it was too late to change the width without substantial cost. We decided in an emergency, even those of us who are less than sylph-like would get through it. We’ll ensure it’s part of building induction for new staff, and practice using it with lockdown drills. Is it ideal? No. Is it workable, and affordable? Yes. Do I wish I had thought of it sooner? Absolutely.
I never thought I’d get a new build in my library career, so it’s a wonderful challenge and we’re all excited to get into our new facility.
Cath Sheard is the Libraries and Cultural Services Manager at South Taranaki LibraryPlus and a former chair of the LIANZA Professional Registration Board. All images supplied.
TE ĀHURU MŌWAI
A library redevelopment in Feilding began construction in 2022. However, the project started long before that, says Adie Johansen, Community Services Manager, Manawatū District Council. The new library space opened on July 22.
Since 2014, we have been journeying to liven up our library services and embody ‘Libraries as community hubs’. The redevelopment and earthquake strengthening sought to modernise and expand the spaces to increase opportunities. We added meeting and event spaces, a public kitchen, a space for youth, a café, tiered seating, and a mezzanine floor, as well as updated shelving systems and break-out spaces, and technology to activate spaces and allow further access. We have become Manawatū Community Hub Libraries, and
our facility is called Te Āhuru Mōwai, meaning a safe haven for our community to be in, learn in and thrive in.
It would be hard to suggest that this redevelopment has one unique element. For instance, elements of the cultural narrative are woven throughout the facility in various textures, including wood panels, window manifestations, and meeting room names.
We are the first in the country to provide afterhours self-service access to full library services and meeting rooms. Open Plus is an extension to staffed hours up to 11pm daily and 9:30am – 11pm on Sundays and Public Holidays for library services and we are using Gallagher system to allow access to the meeting rooms.
The four meeting spaces, with capacities ranging from four to 146, are a crucial part of the design. They serve as a bridge, bringing businesses, classes, and professionals into the services offered by the Manawatū Community Hub Libraries. The onsite café further enhances the informal gathering space, addressing the lack of meeting spaces in our district.
One thing I’ve learned while building and designing this new library is that if you are redeveloping an existing space, do as much invasive investigation as you can beforehand to minimise considerable variations, especially when earthquake strengthening. Go as big as you can – if you build it, they will come.
Our 2014 Section 17A report started our journey to modernise and expand services. Our Strategic
Framework 2017-2022 actions included maximising space, and we included a libraries investigation in our Community Facilities Strategy. Community consultation occurred numerous times. By the time this article comes out, we will only just have opened, and we will have achieved our four goals.
Redeveloping your library or building a new one is such an incredible thing for your community. Finding third-party funding is complex and lengthy, but there are places you can apply to, and every little bit helps. Not every community member sees the value and investment in a library, let alone a large-scale redevelopment. Use those conversations and comments to educate the community and motivate your employees to share the services, the value and the connection that the work done in a library or community facility brings to those in the area it services.
Image credit Kevin Bills Media.
IFLA LIBRARY BUILDINGS COMMITTEE
The IFLA Library Buildings & Equipment Section (LBES) (Library Buildings and Equipment Section – IFLA) comprises an international mix of librarians and architects who come together to collect and share insights about the design, building and use of library physical spaces from all corners of the globe. University of Canterbury librarian Kat Cuttriss, a member of the LBES committee, tells us about the organisation.
The LBES committee fosters and helps create connections across the world, which can be invaluable for librarians who are new to library building projects. I particularly enjoy the cross-sector and international lenses at play, which can inspire new ways of looking at the familiar. Essentially, I believe that every physical library, regardless of location or context, has a fundamental purpose to create enriching and relevant experiences for the community whose library it is. I’m endlessly fascinated by how we can all co-create those experiences together with our community and then translate that vision into structural and physical reality through the thoughtful design and use of colours, spatial layouts, surface treatments, architectural features,
lighting, art, typography, furniture, equipment, and most crucially – people!
The scope and scale of what we consider as a committee are as varied as the geographic region in which any library is placed. We’ll look at how best to refurbish a ‘small but mighty’ local library, explore what’s involved in a multi-million-dollar new build, and everything in between!
LBES offers free webinars and in-person conferences. The former are all recorded and freely available on our YouTube channel (IFLA SectionLibrary Buildings & Equipment - YouTube) along with presentations from recent IFLA LBES midterm conferences. You’ll see here recordings from our recent mid-term at the University of Hawai’i in Honolulu, where a line-up of inspiring international speakers explored how to embrace indigeneity in architecture and how to transform ‘difficult’ library buildings.
Also worth a look is the webinar on Building Resilience – local solutions for diverse challenges, which includes stunning examples of library developments in Sweden and Romania, as well
as a humbling and heartfelt account of libraries in Ukraine and how community spirit has stayed strong through the provision of library support and services, under unimaginable pressures and in most cases with no physical walls or structures from which to work.
While in-person events can be more challenging to get to, they provide invaluable opportunities for being ‘in’ a library space and feeling first-hand how it works and what experiences it offers. These gatherings also give the chance to meet with local library staff and community members and see them in practice and at play.
This year, IFLA is trying something different from the traditional WLIC Congress in the form of an Information Futures Summit in Brisbane in September/October (IFLA Information Futures Summit — IFLA 2024). There is also a multisection conference in Barcelona, Spain, in early October, at which the LBES Committee will workshop together and visit local libraries. We will also celebrate the much-coveted Baker & Taylor Public Library of the Year (PLOTY) 2024 winner (IFLA/Baker & Taylor Public Library of the Year Award – IFLA), announced during the conference. This award is presented to a public library anywhere in the world with the best combination of functional architecture and sustainable and creative
IT solutions, which includes digital developments and local culture. Barcelona is the site of last year’s winner – the stunning Biblioteca Gabriel Garcīa Mārquez!
My elected role as Information Coordinator on the committee involves managing our YouTube channel, website, and social media presence. We have a very active Facebook group that shares content and regularly showcases libraries from around the world. Please feel free to post pictures of your local library and any you see and visit on your travels!
The committee also curate and manage our work closely with the committee Chair (Philip Kent, University Librarian at University of Sydney) and Secretary (Janet Fletcher, Library Director at Australian Catholic University, formerly University Librarian at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington). We collaborate on planning, reporting and communicating across and within IFLA and the wider sector. It just worked out that we’re all university librarians and all based in Australasia. But this is unusual! We’re a very popular section of IFLA, and I encourage anyone from anywhere keen to get involved to get in touch and see what we offer.
Kat Cuttriss (RLIANZA) is the Pou Tuatahi | University Librarian at Te Puna Mātauraka o Waitaha | University of Canterbury Library, and the Information Coordinator of the IFLA Library Buildings & Equipment (LBES) Section.
Winter Garden - Biblioteca Gabriel Garcīa Mārquez. Image supplied.
NGĀ PUNA MĀTARAUNGA O TE AWA KAIRANGI KI UTA
Ngā Puna Mātaraunga o Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta Upper Hutt Libraries has unique ways of reaching their community. With two mobile libraries, the EV Mangaroa and Pūrehurehu, as well as its Manaaki Cart, Upper Hutt Libraries outreach services can be found at most local festivals and community events, council events, schools, parks, early childhood centres, and older people's facilities. These vehicles are not just your average libraries on wheels, they are a unique and intriguing way to bring the joy of reading to communities.
Two smaller and more flexible vehicles were chosen when the older and larger mobile library needed replacing. Pūrehurehu mobile library provides a more traditional mobile library service, visiting schools and places where library users can climb the steps to view and choose their books. The name Pūrehurehu refers to a cirrus cloud or mist lying as small, detached portions, and is the original name for the Moonshine Valley and the surrounding hills above Riverstone Terraces.
Mangaroa is New Zealand’s first electric mobile library service. Acknowledging local place names, flora and fauna once abundant in the upper reaches of Te Awa Kairangi (Hutt River), the name
Mangaroa (Long Stream) was selected for the new electric vehicle (EV) to acknowledge the Mangaroa River, one of the four main tributaries feeding Te Awa Kairangi.
The artwork on Mangaroa and its custom-built portable shelving feature iconic scenes the community of Upper Hutt knows and loves, with references to Te Awa Kairangi and the flora and fauna surrounding the city. The landscape imagery on the EV includes books and illustrations of solar panels to serve as reminders of the mobile library service's eco-friendly nature.
The specially designed shelves can be rolled out of the vehicle and taken into the facilities – this works for retirement villages where climbing steps isn’t easy, and for early childcare centres. Shelving unit displays are also on the side of Mangaroa for customers to choose items from.
“These vehicles give us the most amazing flexibility to respond to any situation,” says Denise Clarkson, Upper Hutt Libraries Manager.
Choosing an EV was important to the library. Their council was putting greater emphasis on sustainable practices and an EV aligned with that
Mangaroa and Pūrehurehu. Image credit Upper Hutt Libraries.
direction and what they were trying to do at the library.
“It’s great for getting attention from non-library users as it creates a talking point. And when it comes to sustainability, why not tread more lightly on the earth if you can? The cost-benefit analysis works out cheaper too.”
These smaller vehicles make it much easier to access facilities that might have difficult driveways or turning areas. Because they are smaller, staff don’t need a heavy traffic licence to drive them.
Library users love the new vehicles. “Sometimes we have them parked out the back of the library or facility and people come and see the eye-catching murals and tail lift when we are loading and unloading as they want to know more. Children get excited when they see us.”
“There’s still a lot of residents who don’t know about what we do – so we always look for an excuse to take Mangaroa and Pūrehurehu out to the community and sell our libraries' services.”
Visits to remote schools are now possible and extending visits to afterschool times means parents can also use the mobile library service.
The vehicles also support one-off community events and regularly attend council community
events, recreation and sports events, and festivals. During the recent July school holidays, the vehicles featured heavily in Upper Hutt City Council’s Uplay school holiday events, with pop-up visits to rural schools, remote suburbs, parks and playgrounds.
“We even participate in the Santa Parade – it’s a way to get out there to non-library users.”
Another innovation in their outreach service is the Manaaki Cart consultation wagon, which was designed and built with New Zealand Libraries Partnership Programme (NZLPP) funding and finished just before COVID-19 stalled plans for its initial launch.
The Manaaki Cart fits into Mangaroa and can be used for outreach events. It has great interactive components, including mini polls, to capture feedback from the community. Flip-out tables and stools where a laptop can be used help introduce library products like LinkedIn Learning and e-books.
However, the Outreach Team learned their lesson at a Libraries in the Park pop-up event. "We’ll try to sign-post ourselves better, but we might also have to take ice blocks in the future, as some children were disappointed to find out Mangaroa was not an ice cream truck!”
Left, Manaaki Cart. Image credit StudioC. Right, Linda and Mirjam with Mangaroa. Image credit Angie Cairncross.
LIANZA TE WHAKAKITENGA AA KAIMAI – WEEKEND SCHOOL
On June 8 and 9, LIANZA Te Whakakitenga aa Kaimai hosted 53 librarians at the region's first post-COVID-19 weekend school at the Matamata-Piako Civic and Memorial Centre/Te Whare Whakamaharatanga o te Hāpori o Matamata-Piako. This was a fantastic opportunity for librarians from around the region to network and learn what has been happening across the sector.
The programme began with a warm welcome from the team at Matamata-Piako, who hosted a beautiful mihi whakatau and a lovely morning tea. Presentations kicked off with a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Waikato Hospital Library presented by Nicole Frew. Nicole talked about Hospital Library's unique role and the planned merging of library services across the health sector to create better collaborative outcomes for staff and patients.
Katherine Bosworth from South Taranaki Libraries presented on the libraries' journey to a successful Summer Reading Programme and the importance of bringing the focus back to reading and staff engagement
with children. Jo Cocker from the LIANZA Council then gave a comprehensive and compelling presentation on the role of libraries in supporting digital equity.
Other highlights included Izzy Zhang from Highland Park Library presenting on using WeChat to help engage with their local Chinese population; Michelle Bradbury, Jody Smart, and Leslie Goodliffe from Tauranga Library Archives presenting on the challenges of relocating their collection to a temporary space; and Lisa Foster from Kaipara libraries talking about their Tutu collection of STEM and creativebased items. These talks were followed by a fantastic lunch and the opportunity to explore the Matamata library.
The afternoon was rounded off by Katarina Allely and Anne Dickson talking about the impact that the National Library's Pūtoi Rito Communities of Readers had in the Kaipara libraries district and how it was used to create relationships with local organisations and to get free books into the homes of the local community. Joanna Thomas finished the day with a preview
of the plans for the amazing new Tauranga public library building within the new civic precinct Te Manawataki o Te Papa.
Sunday began with a talk from Pete Elderkin, the LIANZA Executive Director. Then, Melanie Brebner, the District Library Manager for Matamata Piako libraries, presented a concise history of censorship in New Zealand and the current issues facing public libraries. Melanie discussed the LIANZA Freedom to Read Toolkit and its scope in supporting libraries with these challenges. This was followed by a networking event and art challenge hosted by Lisa Hayward that rounded off another engaging and inspirational day.
Thanks to Fiona Rongo and the team at Matamata-Piako for hosting this fabulous weekend of learning and professional development.
This article was written by Sarah Corbet – Training & Development Advisor, and Lisa HaywardRinga Tohu Community Library Lead, both from Hamilton City Libraries Te Ohomauri o Kirikiriroa.
100 REASONS TO HAVE A LIBRARY CARD
After winning first place in the IFLA PressReader International Marketing Award 2024, Catherine Leonard, Auckland Council’s Head of Library and Learning Services, shares the secret to the success of their membership campaign ‘100 reasons to have a library card’.
“Going to the library changed my life. It may even have saved it.” Billy Connolly.
For those of us who understand the importance of libraries and the difference they can make in people’s lives, there’s no need to convince us to get a library card. But how do we make sure communities know how much their library card can offer them?
In 2020, Auckland Council Libraries completed a largescale research project to identify opportunities to increase library
memberships due to a decline in new and active members (those who have used their library card in the past 12 months).
The research showed general goodwill towards libraries, with most Aucklanders knowing about and valuing them, but not about the wide variety of collections and services available with a library card.
There was also a traditional perception of libraries as “just books and quiet spaces” and “like a semi-distant relative that you love but don’t make it a priority to visit”.
Our job was to change that perception and reposition libraries in Aucklanders' minds. We wanted to raise awareness of our incredible collections and services and grow the number of Aucklanders with a library card in their back pocket.
YOUR STORY STARTS HERE
We benefitted from some fortuitous timing. Out of disruption and disaster, good things can come and thanks to the New Zealand Libraries Partnership Programme funding and initiatives, we could redirect some operational budget savings. Working closely with the council’s marketing and communications specialists, we utilised some savings to engage a creative agency to give us a fresh outside-in view and a new way to connect with Aucklanders.
This investment meant we could commit to a three-year strategic marketing approach that could build, grow and adapt over time. This enabled a much more ambitious programme than we’d been able to have previously, with enthusiastic and sustained
support from external and internal stakeholders.
After a series of collaborative workshops with library leaders, Auckland Council marketing specialists and agency experts, our ‘Your story starts here’ positioning statement, a communications guide and a three-year marketing plan were developed to align with the wider Auckland Council marketing goals and strategy.
Each phase of the plan targeted key audiences who could be convinced to get a library card and explore the breadth and depth of their library service.
100 REASONS TO HAVE A LIBRARY CARD
services with high appeal, and the light-hearted copy re-framed libraries as a fun friend you can’t wait to hang out with.
We ran paid ads on various channels, including Stuff.co.nz, YouTube, social media and radio.
Our series of high-quality short videos for social media created an emotional connection with relatable examples of Aucklanders sharing their reasons for having
Comment from the judges
executions cheaply and effectively. Having multiple ‘reasons’ meant we could adapt messaging quickly if unplanned disruptions to service forced us to pivot - a skill we’ve all mastered over the past few years!
100 REASONS TO KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING
We are thrilled to have won first place in the IFLA PressReader International Marketing Award 2024, among more than 100 submissions from libraries worldwide.
“We loved how the top campaign by Auckland Council Libraries embraced marketing with their “100 reasons to have a library card” campaign. The campaign was based on clear insight and defined audiences and objectives. Not only did this campaign deliver on its aims of recruiting new members, with 61% of recent members joining directly as a result of seeing the marketing campaign – it also did a brilliant job of bringing to life the full breadth of library activities, using the community as advocates and delivering this in a fun and eye-catching way”.
After going fines-free in 2021, an initiative aimed at removing barriers that stopped people from accessing their library service, the ‘100 reasons to have a library card’ campaign was designed to give Aucklanders 100 reasons (some sillier than others) to come along and start their story at the library.
The eye-catching and vibrant campaign artwork featured
an Auckland Council Libraries card. In addition, we featured the campaign on our regional and local library channels and Auckland Council channels.
This mix of creative channels allowed us to run many tactical
Receiving this award was the perfect way to mark the final year of our three-year marketing plan and look ahead to our strategy and priorities for the coming years.
By taking this strategic approach, we went on a real journey ourselves. We knew that the problem we were facing wasn’t unique, and we wanted to share an approach that is costeffective and adaptable by other libraries for the benefit of their own communities.
BOOK REVIEW
TE ATA O TŪ THE SHADOW OF TŪMATAUENGA: THE NEW ZEALAND WARS COLLECTIONS OF TE PAPA
AUTHORS: Matiu Baker, Katie Cooper, Michael Fitzgerald, Rebecca Rice
PUBLISHER: Te Papa Press
ISBN: 978-0-9941460-8-3
DATE: March 2024
The emergence of the feature film Ka Whawhai Tonu, about the 1864 Battle of Ōrākau in the Waikato Wars, suggests that interest in the New Zealand Wars continues to grow. Te Ata o Tū The Shadow of Tūmatauenga is a powerful reminder of the important role taonga play in sharing and understanding the history of the wars.
Magisterial and beautifully produced, Te Ata o Tū The Shadow of Tūmatauenga uses taonga held by Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand to present stories about the wars. As the authors explain, the wars are regarded as starting in Northland in 1845 and ending in 1872, with conflict in the Bay of Plenty and the pardoning of Te Kooti. After the wars, a heroic narrative emerged, featuring valour and
chivalry on both sides. There was then a period of forgetting before the wars disappeared altogether. This amnesia was interrupted by the appearance of historical accounts, notably James Cowan's multi volume work in 1922 and James Belich's revisionist history, The New Zealand Wars and the Victorian Interpretation of Racial Conflict, published in 1986. Public recognition of the wars had a boost following a campaign led by students from Ōtorohanga in 2015. A petition presented to Parliament by the students led to He Rā Maumahara, a national day of commemoration, from 2018.
Writing in the introduction, the four authors of Te Ata o Tū argue that “the history we tell has been shaped by the taonga we [Te Papa] hold and where they have taken us”. This case is developed by essays about taonga held by the museum, accompanied by high quality images. The taonga take a myriad of forms, including waiata, guns, traditional weapons, maps, photographs, paintings and letters. The articles about taonga are accompanied by longer essays by other writers, providing valuable context. The essays also provide different lenses on the history of the wars. Historian Monty Soutar, whose Ngāti Porou ancestors fought alongside government forces, explains how the meaning of ‘kūpapa’ morphed from stooping or crouching, to neutrality, to later being used for ‘traitor.’ Soutar challenges historians of the wars to investigate the motivations
behind each tribe’s stance and understand the complexities of allegiances.
Taonga held by museums can inform current debates, such as the future of the Moutoa monument in Whanganui – the country's first war memorial. A Burton Brothers photo taken in the 1880s accompanies an article by Rebecca Rice outlining the history of the monument, noting that “it served the needs of those in power more than those it commemorated”.
Foregrounding participants' stories – in the round – is another strength of this book. Artist Kelcy Taratoa writes about his ancestor Henare Taratoa, who died at the Battle of Te Ranga in 1864. “What of Taratoa's life before this very typical and tragic end, so common among Māori leaders who resisted the Crown's agenda?” Rebecca Rice uses a photograph of Taratoa as a way into her article about the rules of engagement – a code of conduct for battle, based on Christian principles, drawn up by Taratoa and found on his body after his death. In another essay, two descendants of the iwi of Tauranga Moana, museum leader Puawai Cairns and musician Ria Hall, write about discovering recordings of Hall’s Koro Turirangi Te Kani speaking about the rules of engagement. The rules became the title for Hall’s 2017 concept album, inspired by the history of the battles in Tauranga Moana.
Matiu Baker recounts the history of a Union Flag presented by
James Busby to a Te Roroa chief, Pūmuka, in 1834. Pūmuka helped Busby establish relationships with Northland leaders and was the sixth rangatira to sign the Treaty. Subsequently, Pūmuka became disenchanted and joined the attack on Kororāreka, where he died in dramatic combat with a British commander. Pūmuka’s flag was deposited by his whānau with Te Papa in 1960. A replica is raised by Pūmuka’s descendants every Waitangi Day – a tradition stretching back 175 years.
In another fascinating essay, Despite everything, we are
still here, architect and writer Jade Kake, whose ancestors fought in the Northern War, issues a challenge to Te Papa and other institutions holding taonga. “We don't necessarily trust institutions for the care of our taonga ... we have a spiritual connection and a relationship with these taonga and institutions like Te Papa.” Te Ata o Tū suggests that Te Papa staff and practices have earned the trust of kaitiaki of taonga (described by Kake as “touchstones to the past”) to work together to care for them. I was pleased to read that thanks to support from
Te Papa’s foundation, Te Ata o Tū will be distributed to the libraries of every high school and kura in Aotearoa. As well as supporting Aotearoa New Zealand’s histories curriculum, this makes this taonga book more accessible to younger readers, as well as through their local libraries of course.
Paul Diamond (Ngāti Hauā, Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi) is a Senior Historian Mātauranga Māori with Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Heritage. He is the author of A Fire in Your Belly: Māori Leaders Speak (Huia, 2003), Makereti: Taking Māori to the World (Random House, 2007), Savaged to Suit: Māori and Cartooning in New Zealand (Fraser Books, 2018) and Downfall: The Destruction of Charles Mackay (Massey, 2022). Paul has previously worked as an oral historian, broadcaster and Curator, Māori at the Alexander Turnbull Library. In 2017 he was awarded Creative New Zealand’s Berlin Writer’s Residency.
Pūmuka’s flag, maker unknown. Gift of Rae Hone Tana, 1960. Image credit Te Papa (G002524). https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/discovercollections/read-watch-play/maori/pumukas-flag
LIBRARY MAHI
MARION READ ON DELIVERING THE LGNZ LIBRARIES ADVISORY PROJECT
On June 30, Marion Read ended her full-time library career by completing her NZLPP-funded role as Libraries Advisor with Local Government New Zealand. She tells us about this influential role, which she began in November 2021, and what’s next for her. Marion brings more than 40 years of library management experience in public, tertiary, and special libraries to her new role in ReadME consultancy.
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is the membership body for Aotearoa’s councils and, therefore, an important stakeholder for public libraries. During her two and a half years as Libraries Advisor, Marion has been busy visiting local councils, providing advice and information on public libraries in New Zealand, and advocating for them.
Over this time, 52 councils were visited all over the country, and information and advice were delivered through informal meetings and presentations to mayors and other council decision-makers. This included information and advice on long-term planning processes, advocacy on the value of libraries, and community partnerships and engagement.
Marion commissioned and drove the Libraries as a Service Delivery Vehicle research project and promoted it with elected members. This research was very well received by councils.
In this role, Marion worked with LIANZA and PLNZ to provide information and advice assisting with their advocacy, including supporting our submissions to the Future for Local Government Review panel.
Marion led a group of five librarians representing LIANZA, PLNZ, LGNZ, Te Rōpū Whakahau, and the Kakaho cohort on a study tour of Australian libraries, visiting 22 libraries in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.
Over this time Marion contributed to the sector as a
member of the Kōtui Governance Board and the LIANZA Standing Committee for Climate Action.
Marion identifies the key outcome of this role as increasing elected members' visibility and understanding of the value that public library services provide to communities, resulting in better-informed funding decisions for library services delivery.
As a member of the Fine Free Aotearoa working group, she actively promoted the benefits of adopting fine-free policies for libraries whenever she met with mayors and councillors. This advocacy has helped achieve improved access to public libraries, with more than 62% of libraries now fully fine-free.
Marion feels very privileged to have had the opportunity to visit so many wonderful libraries across Aotearoa and Australia
during her tenure as LGNZ Libraries Advisor.
There have been many highlights in the role for Marion. Visiting and seeing the great customer engagement and inclusion of art and innovative service delivery in the new libraries throughout Aotearoa has been a key highlight for Marion. These included facilities in Motueka, Te Ara Ātea in Selwyn, Te Tāhuhu o Te Rangi in Ōpōtiki, Kawakawa Community Centre, Te Matapihi in Bulls, Te Kete Aronui in Hamilton, Gore Library, and Te Whare Whakatere in Ashburton.
Attending the opening of the new award-winning Blenheim Library and Art Gallery, Te Kahu o Waipuna, and the new Matatiki Hornby Centre in Christchurch were special events.
Attending the annual Local Government New Zealand SuperLocal Conferences in
2022 and 2023 were both great opportunities to network with elected members. Marion says, “Engaging with elected members enabled me to hear from local government leaders about what is happening in their libraries and talk about how they support wider well-being outcomes”.
Another highlight, she says, was leading the Australian research study tour group and presenting the findings from that tour to library staff and council leaders from across the country. “On the tour, we saw outstanding examples of environmental sustainability, community engagement and partnerships in action, and new buildings incorporating arts and culture into their library spaces”.
Marion is embarking on a new journey with the establishment of her library consultancy business – ReadME Library Consultancy.
From left, Māia Abraham, Siren Deluxe, Denise Clarkson, Sana Saleem and Marion Read. Image credit Māia Abraham.
LIBRARY OF THE ISSUE
INFOFIND – THE RADIO NEW ZEALAND LIBRARY
Infofind, the Radio New Zealand (RNZ) Library, can be found on the Terrace in central Wellington. It sits among the producers and presenters for RNZ National and RNZ Concert. These content makers call on Infofind for research into all manner of topics and issues. Infofind librarian Melanie Stassen tells Te Rau Ora Library Life about this unique special library.
We used to be the library for the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation, which included TVNZ and the Listener, but nowadays, we serve only RNZ. Infofind holds the print resources for RNZ and provides research services to the whole organisation.
We serve the producers and presenters of programmes like Music 101, Nine To Noon, Saturday Morning, Culture 101, RNZ Pacific, and newsroom journalists. They will ask us for background information about an author or topic they are putting on air, which we deliver depending on how they want the information or where they are located – many of our programme producers are based in Auckland.
None of our days are the same, and we never know what we will be asked next. We could be asked for anything, often under tight deadlines. In a day we might do historical searches for William Ray’s podcasts, an urgent query on a developing story for Nine To Noon, and
One of the best things about working here is that you can hear the results of your work. It comes out in the interview and the questions asked of the interviewee. Our value to journalism is in providing easy access to high-quality sources of information, fact-checking, and providing producers and presenters with accurate, timely information that informs the onair and online content.
For decades, our main source of information was the newspaper articles that we clipped and filed daily. We have a perhaps notquite unique collection of articles from the 1950s to 2015 arranged in 43,000 subject files. It’s an
background on a musician who will be interviewed on Music 101.
Melanie Stassen of Infofind Library, with the ’Prince’ file. Image supplied.
historically important collection, often containing information that is hard to find elsewhere, especially for media resources yet to be digitised.
These days, we subscribe to electronic databases like Factiva and PressReader to search for background information on upcoming radio programmes.
Our book collection is small –only 1,600 items – but our journal collection is large. We will miss Index New Zealand terribly, as it has provided excellent access to resources in our journal collection.
One of our most prolific users was Kim Hill. When John Pilger said she had “not prepared for this interview,” we were flabbergasted! She is a voracious reader and reads everything we give her. She is one of our favourite clients ever – a librarian’s dream.
Usually, our first patron of the day, Kathryn Ryan – also a
heavy library user – keeps us busy with queries as diverse as the subjects on her show, from politics to today’s news stories to profiles on sports people she might interview.
We have a specialised collection on broadcasting and broadcasters, and our journal archive includes the first issue of the New Zealand Listener.
One of the best parts of the job is scanning magazines – and the contribution we can make when we see a good story, a producer agrees, and it gets on air.
Working with so many people who are into information is a delight. Around here it helps to be a news junkie with a broad general knowledge! But it is intense at times.
At the moment, Julie and I share one librarian position, and Yumi is a library assistant. We used to have a lot more. But RNZ suffered severe cuts a few
years ago, and that affected our service, too. However, our clients, namely news and current affairs show producers and presenters, valued us so much that they loudly supported the service, and we survived.
We use Liberty as our library management system and were early adopters of it when it was called Concordance. The flexibility of the system enabled us to manage our clippings files.
The Murder Index is a slightly gory list we compiled of who’s done who in, from the early 1990s to 2015.
We also monitor RNZ content and provide two newsletters on the media landscape in New Zealand and overseas. The library is for RNZ employees. However, we are always happy to welcome researchers to use our collections.
Image left: Julie working on a query. Image supplied.
Image right: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly.
TERTIARY PROFILE
OPEN POLYTECHNIC QUALIFICATIONS PROVIDE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Flexible online study helped Open Polytechnic Bachelor of Library and Information Studies (BLIS) graduate Lisa Beck increase her future job prospects.
“At the time I was in an administration role, but wanted some security in achieving a tertiary qualification that could open up employment where I could grow my career,” Lisa says.
The flexibility of learning online with Open Polytechnic enabled Lisa to study part-time online so she could still work full-time.
“I like to think I'm a practical example that shows you're never too old and it is never too late to embark on tertiary study, and
you don't have to do it full-time in the three to four years like a degree normally takes,” Lisa says.
After enrolling in 2017, Lisa enjoyed studying so much, that she took two years out from her BLIS studies, to do a Legal Executive Diploma in 2019 and 2020, before completing her BLIS programme qualification in 2023.
The Paraparaumu mother of five decided to enrol at Open Polytechnic to help with her job prospects when her youngest child was coming to the end of their high-school education. Libraries and reading had been a big part of Lisa’s life since she was a child. Her original interest
was to qualify to pass on that passion of reading to children.
“I grew up in a reading family where we went to the library every week and always had a book with us to keep us occupied, and I still do,” Lisa says. For Lisa, libraries were always a quiet, peaceful place that she felt at home in.
While Lisa currently works as a Registered Legal Executive dealing with wills, trusts and estates, she still utilises skills she learned as part of the BLIS programme.
“In my job now, even though it’s not classified as the library and information industry, I work with a variety of people from
Lisa Beck (second from right) with her family at the Open Polytechnic graduation ceremony in Lower Hutt recently. Image supplied.
our local community and those communication and advocacy practices translate to skills I use on a daily basis,” she says.
Lisa finds that the BLIS programme curriculum is very practical in her daily work tasks. "The ability to research and understand how to decipher the results is invaluable,” she says.
“The general skills of report writing and project planning are invaluable in any industry, as are general marketing and communication practices.”
Even if Lisa doesn’t end up working in a library, she would still love to be involved on a voluntary basis. “It would be more likely to be something in the community that involves helping people access information,” Lisa says.
“I want to keep them from being disadvantaged by not having access, or the skills to access, the information and resources available, and to keep them from being isolated through not having those skills and access.”
During her studies, Lisa has been impressed by her local library, Paraparaumu Library, one of the Kāpiti Coast District Libraries.
“In the seven years since I started studying, I've observed them changing and growing to meet the community's needs and they were more than willing to help with my enquiries,” Lisa says.
Everything Lisa needed throughout her studies was available through Open Polytechnic. “I'm a pretty self-
disciplined sort of person who is happy to work on my own, so the online resources and flexibility worked well for me,” Lisa says.
“If I ever needed further assistance the tutors were always available and quick to answer questions.”
Lisa emphatically recommends others study online through Open Polytechnic. “Definitely," she says. “The flexibility and being able to fit it around daily life is invaluable.”
For further information about the BLIS programme go to the Open Polytechnic website.
NZ Certificate in Library & Information Services for Children & Teens (Level 6)
NZ Diploma in Library & Information Studies (Level 5)
NZ Diploma in Records & Information Management (Level 6)
Graduate Certificate/ Diploma in Library & Information Leadership Bachelor of Library & Information Studies
Develop your skills with our qualifications
HISTORY CORNER
THE NEW ZEALAND LIBRARY ASSOCIATION ACT 1939
Professional associations are not generally established through legislation, so how did the Library Association end up with its own Act of Parliament?
LIANZA was “originally constituted as the Libraries Association of New Zealand at a meeting of representatives of public libraries that was held in Dunedin in March 1910, pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Dunedin City Council on 7 February 1910.” Although a footnote in W. J. McEldowney’s history of the first 50 years of the association says that “neither the City Council nor its Library Committee met on that day.” The association continued like this until 1939.
The association’s conference in Wellington in 1937 was important in setting the association on its new course says W. J. McEldowney (1962, p.32). A resolution was carried out
reflecting the exuberance of the time: “That this conference advises a general expansive policy during the next few years.” The incorporation of the association was part of this expansionist agenda. Such was the impact of the energy and changes to the profession during this time that W. J. McEldowney names his chapter on the decade 1935-1945 'The revolution.'
The Minister of Education, the Hon. Peter Fraser, opened this conference and was expected to talk about the government’s policy on libraries, but the government was still concerned with other things. “Important as the things of the intellect and the things of the spirit are, the things of the flesh, and particularly the essentials of life, had to be given precedence. It would be almost cynical for a government, when people asked for bread, to present them with books.”
Incorporation was not hurriedly undertaken. The Nelson Evening Mail reported in February 1938 that, “yesterday afternoon [the association] authorised its Committee on Incorporation to proceed with the incorporation of the association. It will be necessary to get a special Act of Parliament passed for this purpose owing to the nature of the association.”
The New Zealand Library Association Act was read in Parliament on Wednesday 20 September 1939. Hansard shows that also on the docket that afternoon were meat prices; the war-time cabinet, recruits' travelling expenses and the Hutt Road Bill.
In Geoffrey Alley’s biography, W. J, McEldowney describes the debate in the house:
"Incorporation was desirable because of the increased
amounts of money the association was handling, as well as to help formalise its structure and organisation as its activities increased and brought it into contact with other organisations. 'Who wants the Bill?' asked the Hon. Mr Hamilton in the brief second-reading debate; 'The New Zealand Library Association desires it,' replied the Hon. Mr Fraser, and that seems to have been the substance of the debate."
Peter Fraser also explained the reasons: “This Bill will enable the association to handle funds. A considerable sum of money will be placed at its disposal by the Carnegie Corporation trustees. The association will endeavour to improve library facilities and popularise libraries. It will also encourage young people to qualify for library work.”
One interesting aspect of the Act is part 8: “The association
is not to be wound up without leave of the Governor-General in Council.”
As well as providing funds for the building of actual library buildings the important philanthropy of the Carnegie Corporation also provided money for the advancement and modernisation of the profession around the world. The grant from the Carnegie Corporation was about £7750 to be spread over a period of five years beginning in 1938. Later payments were postponed due to the war. According to the RBNZ Inflation Calculator the grant would total about $1 million dollars in 2024. The plan to appoint a liaison officer between the Country Library Service and the association was put into operation as soon as the news of the Carnegie Corporation’s grant was received. This led to the appointment of Jessie Carnell (see profile in last issue).
Regarding the incorporation, McEldowney says, the association was once again indebted to the interest and sympathy of Mr Peter Fraser and the untiring efforts of Mr T. D. H. Hall.
SOURCES
McEldowney, W. J. / Geoffrey Alley, librarian: his life and work (2006)
McEldowney, W. J. / New Zealand Library Association 1910-1960 (1962)
Nelson Evening Mail 17 February 1938
Parliamentary Debates (Hansard) - (20 September 1939) 256 NZPD p.221
Andrew Henry (RLIANZA) is the Curator of Auckland Collections based at the Central City Library in Tāmaki Makurau.
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
Vickie Ward (RLIANZA, MIS) is a librarian with Specialist Mental Health Services, Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. She talks to Te Rau Ora Library Life about being professionally registered.
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION TO YOU?
It is pretty new right now, but it has been something that I have
strived for over a long period of time but have never qualified for until recently. I completed my degree, BA (ILS), in 2020 and my Master of Information Studies in the past few weeks. For me, it is a mark of professionalism and that you measure up to standards set by our professional body.
WHY ARE YOU REGISTERED?
The LIANZA website says it all, really. To continue being registered, I need to be mindful of my professional development and continuing education and understand how those opportunities relate to the bodies of knowledge.
Being registered shows commitment to our profession and the standards it expects from us. Professional registration also shows my current, and
any future, employee that I am serious about keeping current with innovation and developments inside the library profession.
DO YOU HAVE ANY POSITIVE COMMENTS ON YOUR EXPERIENCE OR THE PROCESS?
Because I have so recently completed my qualifications, this initial registration was very straightforward. It will be interesting to see how the revalidation process goes in a few years’ time.
VICKIE WARD
Introducing Te Tōtara
Te pou tarāwaho āheitanga
Capability framework to strengthen the Aotearoa library workforce
Te Tōtara is a capability framework for our Aotearoa library and information sector
It’s a list of skills, behaviours and attitudes needed to do our jobs well, now and in the future.
This framework includes most of the capabilities needed for a variety of libraries, based on best-practice current and future competencies.
Te Tōtara helps identify the areas where we need to grow and develop in our roles
The global information environment is changing rapidly with new information technologies.
In Aotearoa, the nature and roles of libraries is shifting too, due to the pandemic, socio-economic changes and different demands from our patrons.
For long-term sustainability, we need a knowledgeable, flexible and diverse workforce to continue to support inclusive, resilient and thriving communities.
Using a capability framework can give clarity about the areas where we as individuals, teams or leaders need or want to grow.
Te Tōtara is created for the library and information sector, by the sector
It was co-created with input from over 100 representatives in the Aotearoa library and information sector, as well as collaboration with the Aotearoa (LIANZA, Te Rōpū Whakahau, PLNZ and SLANZA), Australian (ALIA) and United Kingdom (CILIP) library associations.
The branches are the groups of capabilities needed to do our jobs well.
The falling leaves are the reflection and evaluation to help us continously develop as well as share our learnings with others.
The trunk holds the ethics of librarianship and the wider/local context we build upon.
The roots contain the principles as a strong base for our mahi.
Mā te kōrero, ka mōhio, mā te mōhio ka mārama, mā te mārama ka mātau, mā te mātau ka ora.
With discussion comes knowledge, with knowledge comes light and understanding, with light and understanding comes wisdom, with wisdom comes wellness.
Te Tōtara resources
Te Tōtara is designed to help you think about your current level of knowledge, skills and behaviours and those of your team, and to identify areas for growth.
These are Te Tōtara supporting resources:
1. ‘Taking learning into your own hands’ (e-module)
•A 20-minute module to help guide you in learning with a purpose and make sense of Te Tōtara
•It has practical steps and strategies for individuals, team managers and teams
2. Te Tōtara (PDF of the capability framework)
•This framework is comprehensive: it includes most capabilities needed for an array of libraries
•Not all capabilities will apply to your library
•Choose which capabilities will suit your team or adapt your framework to make it fit. Simply use the Word document version and delete or add descriptions/rows
3. Taku Tōtara (PDF workbook)
•Use this together with the framework to self-assess your capabilities and create your learning and development plan
CAPABILITY GROUPS ETHICS AND CONTEXT
REFLECTION AND EVALUATION
REFLECTION AND EVALUATION
Which Te Tōtara resources do I use and when?
Using Te Tōtara might be different than your current process for growing people’s capabilities or identifying learning and development. Changing to a new process can be daunting for everyone involved. So, take it easy and decide what works for you and your team.
The big picture is for people to grow their own capabilities to keep up with customer demand, changing technology and collective team capability and culture. Te Tōtara shows what those capabilities could look like and prompts you to think which areas you could change or improve in.
1. Read introduction (this document)
2. View e-module: ‘Take learning into your own hands’
Manager/team leader/people leader
3. Read Te Tōtara and Taku Tōtara
4. Adapt Te Tōtara and Taku Tōtara if needed, depending on your type of library, size of your team, local context, collections or community
5. Organise some team exercises, facilitated by leadership team:
- The elements of Te Tōtara
- Getting clear on our kaupapa (principles, values, honouring Te Tiriti)
- Understanding our local context and community
- How do we work together
6. Self-assess using Taku Tōtara
7. Staff and team leader kōrero about learning and development goals and plan (staff and team leader)
8. Review progress of summary plan quarterly
9. Review annually
KAUPAPA
As
a leader, why would you adapt Te Tōtara?
Te Tōtara was developed as ‘one framework that fits most’ and is meant to be adaptable to diverse library and information-sector environments. This way, people can use the framework to suit their own situation and make it fit for purpose for their staff to use.
Here are a few tips for adapting the framework:
Create a diverse review group with a few people (either within your library or collaborate with others if you are a small library).
Check your organisation’s existing values, strategic objectives, L&D strategy, personal development or other plans to see how Te Tōtara fits with these.
Read Te Tōtara and Taku Tōtara and keep notes on what to keep, delete, change or add for your version.
Hui with the review group about these notes and how you will use Te Tōtara, Taku Tōtara and what tikanga or kawa should be in place.
Adapt your version of Te Tōtara and Taku Tōtara in Word, then save as a PDF.
Communicate this with your wider team and adapt further when needed.
Meet Atamai
She is a School Library Manager She wants to simplify the capability framework to suit a school library environment in order to identify the capabilities and learning needs of her small team. She wants to use this framework with her manager to discuss professional development and support needs.
Reaching your full potential
The expectation of your capability level depends on your role, department or the organisation you work in. Remember, the goal is not to be an expert in every capability identified in this framework but to recognise growth areas in your particular role. Use the framework to help you reach your full potential at work and find fulfilment from your ongoing development in your role. Whakaaro
Go through the framework and ask yourself the following questions:
How am I achieving the accountabilities in my role?
What is working well in my role, and what isn’t? What can I do differently to make it better?
How can I best work together with my team and my manager? What opportunities are available to further develop my capabilities?
What is blocking my learning? How can I overcome this block? Who can I talk to?
Meet George
He is a Public Library Manager
He wants to adapt the capability framework to make it fit for purpose for the local community so that they can build authentic engagement and provide inclusive services.
Meet Alex
They are a Tertiary Library Manager/Team leader
They want to use the capability framework to ensure the team has the right skills to stay on top of the latest technologies and the changing needs of their student audience.
This way they can help students find, and have access to, information and resources that are impartial, honest and robust.
Whaowhia
Whether you are a library staff member, team leader or a manager, we all have a responsibility to take learning into our own hands. When we learn and grow as individuals, we become stronger together and help build a bright future for our libraries and the communities we serve. Ultimately, our individual growth will flow over into the future generations of Aotearoa.
To get started, check out the e-Module ‘Take learning into your own hands’ or check out Te Tōtara and Taku Tōtara, before sharing your ideas with your colleagues and manager.
NEW
LIANZA MEMBERS
Welcome to all our new LIANZA members!
Farah Abu Kahiwa
Katarina Allely
Rachel Ardern
Jenny Davy
Rhonwyn Hailstone
Jamie Lowe
Jiehua Ma
Isabella McDermott
Miranda McDonald
Georgia Naish
Anne Powazynski
Bronwyn Ratahi
Lisa Jane Potaka Ross
Sarah Russell
Sarah Thomas
LIANZA PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
Congratulations to all LIANZA members who have recently gained or revalidated their LIANZA Professional Registration
HIKUWAI
Angela Bell
Susan Eady
Rhonwyn Hailstone
Isabella McDermott
Kelly Mucalo
Joanne Crummer
Penelope Dallow
Megan Golding
Emine Kavuncu
Karen Lawson
Jiehua Ma
Melanie McVeigh
Melissa Woods
IKAROA
Nicola Smith
MURIHIKU
Debbie Duncan
OVERSEAS
Lena Nyahodza
TE UPOKO O TE IKA A MAUI
Tal Oriana Rogoff
Kareen Carter
Kylie Hooper
Laurinda Thomas
TE WHAKAKITENGA AA KAIMAI
Rachel Fisher
Help Aunty CeeCee!
I accidentally missed the recent LIANZA Copyright and Generative AI webinar! Now I’m curious about how copyright and AI intersect!
Can you fill me in on the finer details?
In fair use and friendship, Copy Curious
Kia ora Copy Curious,
You missed out on an informative and humorous webinar! Thanks again to Richard White for facilitating. A lot of information was covered over the hour, so let's just go over some of the key takeaways, shall we?
There are three main areas of focus when considering copyright and generative AI: training, inputs, and outputs.
TRAINING
Here, we must consider the data on which GenAI models are trained. Large language models generally scrape information straight from the
internet, and usually without permission! So, we must ask: do the models have the right to copy these things? Could this be considered fair use? These questions are yet to be answered. There are currently several lawsuits in the US, the most notable being the New York Times vs ChatGPT, and Getty Images vs Stability AI. The findings in these lawsuits will help to shape the landscape of copyright and generative AI in New Zealand.
USER INPUTS
Considerations concerning the way users interact with Gen-AI models are two-fold. As users, we need to consider whether we are breaching someone else’s copyright in our prompts, but also, if we are allowing the AI models to breach our own entitlements by allowing them access to our intellectual property! I know! It is a lot to think about! Say, for example, you are asking Gen-AI to create a song in the style of Taylor Swift, so you enter some of her lyrics into the model. This is a breach of Ms Swift's copyright, AND if the song is deemed to rely too heavily on these lyrics, then the result could be considered an unauthorised derivative work.
On the other hand, perhaps you have written a song, but you want the AI model to help with your rhyming – by entering your own work into the model it may be used as training data for the AI
model it may be used as training data for the AI model itself. It is always a good idea to look at the ‘terms of use’ in any AI model you use.
OUTPUTS
Outputs refer to the content that the AI model creates. This can be somewhat unclear, as clarification around who owns the content is yet to be decided. The New Zealand Copyright Act 1994, while somewhat forward-thinking, remains vague. Section 5(2a) notes that the ‘author’ in the case of computer-generated works is “the person by whom the arrangements necessary for the creation of the work are undertaken” … It could be argued that the user, who made the necessary arrangements via prompt, could be the author. Or are the developers who created the algorithm? Is it a combination of both? Or should AI-generated content be protected under copyright at all?!
There is a lot to think about, and seemingly more questions than answers in this space at the moment. Things are moving rapidly in artificial intelligence, so let us hope it all becomes clearer soon!
Delightfully derived, Aunty CeeCee
(P.S. Richard's slides are available for your viewing pleasure here and a document of Gen-AI and copyright scenarios, which is very interesting can be read here.)
Aunty CeeCee is your go-to resource for all things copyright. If you have a burning question about fair use, licensing, or the copyright act – look no further! Send your queries to the LIANZA Standing Committee for Copyright, and Aunty CeeCee will do her best to shed some light!
This edition of Aunty CeeCee was written by Amanda Hutchinson, Subject Librarian at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka | University of Otago, and member of the LIANZA Standing Committee on Copyright.
You can email queries for Aunty CeeCee to the Standing Committee on Copyright at lianzacopyright@gmail.com. This committee is also here to provide LIANZA members with advice, advocacy and awareness when it comes to all things copyright.
CLIMATE ACTION
SEED LIBRARY KŌRERO
The Robertson Library Seed Library at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka - The University of Otago is branching out by launching a newly installed Seed Library at the Hocken Collections. This is an exciting move for the university and tertiary space as the Hocken Collections serves beyond students to include visiting researchers and the general public. What this means for sustainability and climate action is another opportunity for our libraries to provide healthy, sustainable and nourishing information … and seeds. Seed libraries are an old idea already used in public libraries across Aotearoa, and yet, in tertiary libraries, it is still finding its place.
It works by people taking seeds from our initial seed stock in the seed library unit, growing the plants, then saving the seeds of those plants and returning them to the seed library to deposit them for others to use. Saving seeds is a cornerstone of kai sovereignty - the ability to take control of the kai we eat and depend on to provide our whānau with healthy and sustainable kai.
This is an important function of horticulture and food security, which Aotearoa is ultimately struggling with due to the ongoing and increasing challenges of climate change. By providing an equitable and sustainable solution to kai sovereignty, you also provide climate action and resilience
because our climate is changing, not for the better. Libraries can play a crucial role in sustainability and climate action. This is because we are ngāpuna mātauranga, the wellsprings of knowledge.
Through our various interactions with library users, in whatever form or shape they may take, libraries can expand and expose difficult kōrero like climate change and issues of social justice. We can influence many people nationwide due to our ability to inform library users of the latest information regarding issues of today and tomorrow. We have various sources from the past that inform our present and help us make decisions for our future. In Te Ao Māori, we face the past as we move
The Seed Library at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka - The University of Otago
backwards into the futurebecause we need our pasts to guide us in what to do, what not to do, or to do anything at all.
As Kaitiaki Mātauraka Māori of the University of Otago’s libraries, including the Hocken Collections, I saw the need to help secure kai sovereignty and increase reliance on mātauraka Māori for those of us living in Ōtepoti. Sustainability in libraries is an ever-increasing part of my role as we move towards more Te Tiriti-centred institutions and as Māori, I feel it is my responsibility to connect Te Ao Māori and libraries together for the benefit of our future generations.
Part of that kaupapa is being a kaitiaki not only of heritage and
taonga, but of our relationships with Io, Papatūānuku, Ranginui and Tangaroa. This dual responsibility is enmeshed in the reflective and communal values of Te Ao Māori, of acting in the best interests of other people and to my hapū and iwi. Papatūānuku, especially, is increasingly under threat from both local and global climate change. By providing a space for māra kai to flourish and for healthy kai to abound, we are creating a strong actionled pūkana to combat climate change and to create resilience in our neighbourhoods, communities and people.
All of us together, from the public libraries to school and tertiary, and special libraries. We are all needed. Ka whāwhai tonu
mātou, it is a struggle without end - we will forever fight for Papatūānuku.
This column was written by Kākahu Banks Kaitiaki Mātauraka Māori of the University of Otago Libraries and LIANZA Climate Action Standing Committee member.
