Things to Do

New Programme: Cuentacuentos – Storytimes in Spanish

Isabel Echeverria

Buenas noticias! We are happy to announce a new programme called Cuentacuentos! These storytimes are delivered entirely in Spanish!

This is a perfect opportunity to practice your Spanish, so get ready for engaging storytelling and exciting activities that will entertain the whole whānau.

Starting from 2nd September, join us at Te Māhanga, Karori Library on the first Saturday of the month at 11am. Mark your calendar!

Books in Spanish

Whether you are a beginner or looking to expand your knowledge, we have got you covered! Wellington City Libraries are proud to offer a compelling collection of Spanish language materials, from books and magazines to language learning resources.

Follow the catalogue links to reserve the books you would like to the library branch of your choice! We have Spanish language books for young people and learners available at all of our library branches. The largest Spanish collections for young people are available at Karori Library, Johnsonville Library, Kilbirnie Library and Te Awe Brandon Library in the CBD.

For adult readers, we have large Spanish collections at Arapaki Manners Library, Johnsonville Library and Karori Library, with even more available to reserve!

Do you want to practice some phrases, read a story in Spanish? Check out these titles and get ready to say “estoy listo.”

First words

First words in Spanish / Grée, Alain
“Help your child to learn their first words in Spanish with this beautifully presented, interactive learning resource. Shown alongside colourful and appealing illustrations, the words are grouped into child-friendly themes such as colours, numbers, animals, food, holidays and shopping…” (Adapted from Catalogue)
Spanish
“Get the whole family prepared for and excited about an upcoming trip by learning 100 travel-relevant Spanish words – from food and transport, to animals and weather… The perfect first step in learning the Spanish language and encouraging children to be curious about the world around them.” (Adapted from catalogue)

Animales
“This illustrated book for little children stimulates learning the names of animals.” (Catalogue)

Chapter books

Diario del wimpy kid : Un renacuajo / Kinney, Jeff
“Greg records his sixth grade experiences in a middle school where he and his best friend, Rowley, undersized weaklings amid boys who need to shave twice daily, hope just to survive, but when Rowley grows more popular, Greg must take drastic measures to save their friendship.” (Catalogue)

Hombre Perro y Supergatito / Pilkey, Dav
“Hombre Perro está de regreso, ¡y esta vez lo acompaña un compinche felino! El dúo tendrá que salir al rescate de una glamorosa estrella de cine desaparecida. ¡Una aventura perfecta para Hombre Perro y Supergatito! When a new sitter arrives and a movie star goes missing, Dog Man and Cat Kid investigate…” (Catalogue)

All-time Classics

Un pez, dos peces, pez rojo, pez azul / Seuss
“A story-poem about the activities of such unusual animals as the Nook, Wump, Yink, Yop, Gack, and the Zeds.” (Catalogue)

Donde viven los monstruos / Sendak, Maurice
“A naughty little boy, sent to bed without his supper, sails to the land of the wild things where he becomes their king.” (Catalogue)

Originally in Spanish

A veces el bosque.. / Nogués Otero, Alex
“A veces el bosque canta y es canció n. Otras, duerme. A veces el bosque sueñ a con fuego o inventa la lluvia y los paraguas. El bosque a veces bromea. A veces, imagina que eres un gigante.Un libro para leer en la corteza de los á rboles y en los misterios de tu mirada.” (Catalogue)

Gilda : la oveja gigante / Urberuaga, Emilio
“Gilda, la oveja gigante, tiene que escapar de la montaña en la que vive. Al llegar a la gran ciudad vivirá una increíble aventura. Pero, ¿encontrará Gilda un nuevo hogar?” (Catalogue)

Gustavo : el fantasmita timido / Drago, Flavia Z
“Conoce a Gustavo. Él es un fantasma y como a cualquier ser paranormal le encanta hacer lo que le es normal: atravesar paredes, hacer volar objetos y brillar en la oscuridad. También le encanta tocar el violín. Pero Gustavo tiene un problema. Él es muy, muy tímido, y aunque su deseo más grande es tener amigos, nunca se ha atrevido a hablarle a ninguno de los monstruos en su pueblito. Con el Día de Muertos cerca, ¿se atreverá Gustavo a dejar que lo vean?” This picture book is about finding the courage to make friends.” (Catalougue).

Ready for your language adventure?  ¡nos vemos en la biblioteca!

Tūmanako 2023: Local Youth for Global Peace

Joseph Robinson

Tūmanako – Children’s Art. Works for Peace is here in 2023! 

This annual event gives tamariki/children and taiohi/young people (under 18) the opportunity to express their creativity and share their aspirations for a peaceful, inclusive, and nuclear-free world. Tūmanako means “Hope.” This is the eighth year of Tūmanako, with this year’s special theme being “one seed of thought grows the forest of peace.” 

The exhibition will be hosted at the Waitohi Hub on the lower ground of Johnsonville Library from the 11th to the 31st of August.

To encourage our younger tamariki to start thinking about peace and what it means to them, Johnsonville Library is inviting preschool groups to visit the Tūmanako and create their own artworks in response to what they see. The library will provide paper and art supplies and would like to keep your artworks to display in the children’s area over the month of September. To book a time to visit the library or for more information, please contact us at johnsonvile.library@wcc.govt.nz.

To celebrate Tūmanako 2023, and in remembrance of Hiroshima Day, here are some books to help inform us, and help us develop our aspirations for a peaceful future.

Syndetics book coverPeace warriors / Raymond Huber (2015)

This book tells the heroic stories of brave New Zealander’s and people around the world who used non-violent resistance to pursue paths of peace. One of the stories is of Archibald Baxter, who refused to fight in World War 1 because he did not believe in killing. He faced brutal punishment and rejection for his courageous choice.

Sadako and the thousand paper cranes / Coerr, Eleanor
This historical novel is based on the Sasaki Sadako, a Japanese girl who became a victim of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima by the United States. Sadako worked to fold one thousand paper canes in an attempt to achieve a legend that by doing so, a person could be healed. Sadako’s life has inspired stories and songs.


Book: 'The Complete Story of Sadako Sasaki'. Cover image.

The complete story of Sadako Sasaki : and the thousand paper cranes / Dicicco, Sue
“In this book, author Sue DiCicco and Sadako’s older brother Masahiro tell her complete story in English for the first time–how Sadako’s courage throughout her illness inspired family and friends, and how she became a symbol of all people, especially children, who suffer from the impact of war… Proceeds from this book are shared equally between The Sadako Legacy NPO and The Peace Crane Project.” (Abridged from publisher’s description)

People of peace : 40 inspiring icons / Mirza, Sandrine
” Dreamers… Leaders… And fighters for our rights. Here are 40 globally recognisable people of peace! ” (Adapted from catalogue)
Syndetics book coverMaumahara ki tērā Nōema / nā Jennifer Beck rāua ko Lindy Fisher ; nā Kawata Teepa i whakamāori.

“It’s almost Guy Fawkes Night, and at the school speech competition Andy talks about Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. The children cheer excitedly, thinking Andy will win the contest. But then, Aroha gets up, wearing a white feather in her hair, and tells the story of another fifth of November and the invasion of Parihaka in 1881.” (Syndetics summary)
Syndetics book coverRemember that November / written by Jennifer Beck ; illustrated by Lindy Fisher.
“It’s almost Guy Fawkes Night, and at the school speech competition Andy talks about Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. The children cheer excitedly, thinking Andy will win the contest. But then, Aroha gets up, wearing a white feather in her hair, and tells the story of another fifth of November and the invasion of Parihaka in 1881.” (Syndetics summary)
Peace and me / Winter, Ali
“An illustrated collection of inspirational ideas about peace based on the lives of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates of the 20th and 21st centuries. Includes: Jean Henry Dunant, Fridtjof Nansen, Jane Addams, John Boyd Orr of Brechin, Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Desmond Tutu, Rigoberta Menchú Tum, Nelson Mandela, Shirin Ebadi, Wangari Maathai, Malala Yousafzai.” (Catalogue)

Peace, power & politics : how New Zealand became nuclear free / Leadbeater, Maire

Older tamariki might find this pukapuka great for research!

“This is a story of how ordinary people created a movement that changed New Zealand’s foreign policy and our identity as a nation…In this country nuclear disarmament has become part of our communal psyche to a greater extent than in any other western-aligned nation… Peace activism is an ongoing story”- (Abridged from Publisher)

Green lizards vs red rectangles / Antony, Steve

“A brave and thought-provoking picture book about war and peace. The green lizards and the red rectangles are at war. But why? They fight and fight and fight – can they find a way to live peacefully side by side despite their differences? The perfect platform to start conversations about the futility of war, this brave and brilliant story is visually stunning and full of clever details to pour over.” (Adapted from catalogue)

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Te Whanganui-a-Tara!

Zoe Miller

Kia ora koutou ngā kaitākaro poikiri / Soccer players!

Image of a number of hands raising the FIFA trophy into the air.
Unless you have been living under a rock (if so, hello! ) you might have heard that New Zealand (with Australia) is now hosting the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. This is very exciting for Aotearoa as we often don’t get the chance to host such big and important tournaments.

The kick off started on Thursday 20th July in Auckland with NZ winning 1-0 in their first world cup match against Norway, who is a much higher ranked team than us. New Zealand, ranked 26th in the world, had never won a match in five previous appearances at the Women’s World Cup.

We also set a record for attendance for any soccer match in New Zealand history, men’s or women’s with more than 42,100 people in attendance. You can imagine how proud and excited we all are!

Kimihia ngā poiwhana! | Find the footballs!

playground with football sign attached to fenceApart from going to games there are also lots of other fun events and activities around the city to get involved in.

 Wellington City Council’s very own Play Specialist Peta has set up a cool installation in six local parks where you can try and Kimihia ngā poiwhana | Find the footballs! Find the golden ball to be in to win one of 20 FIFA Women’s World Cup TM Official Merchandise packs!

⚽ Check out this reel here: Wellington Recreation Centres to find out more or read more below:

⚽ At six of our parks below we’ve hidden 11 special football signs for you to find. On each of the football signs, you and your tamariki can learn common football terms in Te Reo Māori and in New Zealand Sign Language.

⚽ Amongst the 11 football signs at each park lies a hidden treasure – a golden ball with a QR code. Scan this to go in the draw to win one of 20 FIFA Women’s World cup 2023 TM Official Merchandise Packs!

⚽ The balls are located at six of our parks, including Karori and Nairnville Parks, which are not far from a couple of our Wellington Recreation Centres. You can find them at:

  • Miramar Park
  • Linden Park and Linden Park West
  • Pukehuia Park
  • Narinville Park
  • Wakefield Park

We will be drawing winners throughout July and August, and winners will be contacted directly via email.

FIFA Fan Festival 

3 football fern players

Football Ferns Headshoot, Christchurch, New Zealand, 10th November 2022. Copyright: John Davidson / www.photosport.nz

⚽  Join the party at the FIFA Fan Festival™ at Shed 6. From 20 July to 11 August enjoy free entertainment from artists including Ladyhawke, Amba Holly, Ria Hal, Che Fu and much more, plus live streamed matches and fun for the whole family.  Indoors at Shed 6, and outdoors at Queens Wharf Square.

⚽  There are lighting projections planned on Te Papa and The Boatshed during the FIFA tournament window, with additional uplighting installed along the Waterfront and last mile, leading to Wellington Regional Stadium.

⚽  Find out more at the WellingtonNZ Fifa Fan Festival website


A picture of Hataitai beach

Council’s Beach Planting initiative for FIFA Fans

  • On 25th July, willing FIFA Fans and players can join a planned beach planting day at Lyall Bay Beach.
  • Transport will be available from the CBD.
  • Bookings will take place on the Council’s ‘SMART’ app.

Tell me more about the World Cup!

soccer ball on a field with stadium seats in background

Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington will host seven Group Matches, a Round of Sixteen clash, and a Quarter Final. All games will be held at Wellington Regional Stadium.

Wellington Regional Stadium Matches- coming up

  • Football Ferns v Philippines: 25 July (5.30pm NZDT)
  • USA v Netherlands: 27 July (1pm NZDT)
  • Sweden v Italy: 29 July (7.30pm NZDT)
  • Japan v Spain: 31 July (7pm NZDT)
  • South Africa v Italy: 2 August (7pm NZDT)
  • Round of 16: 1C v 2A: 5 August (8pm NZDT)
  • Quarterfinal Match: 11 August (1pm NZDT)

Can’t make it to a World Cup event? Don’t worry, we have plenty of great stories featuring awesome female (and male) football players and lots of books to help you learn some new skills too!

Books about Football!

⚽  If you want to improve your skills, or just learn some more about soccer or some of NZ’s sporting greats check out these great reads:

Football atlas : a journey across the world and onto the pitch / Buckley, James
“A journey across the globe and onto the pitch to learn about the world of football. A comprehensive exploration of football, covering players, teams, stadiums and competitions through a mix of illustrations, photographs, maps and diagrams. Follow the story of how football began, learn about World Cup winners, meet some of the top players and discover amazing facts and figures in this action-packed atlas.” (Catalogue)

Charligh Green vs. the spotlight / Mante, Priscilla
“Hi! I’m Charligh, and one day I’m going to be a big star. I’m full of PIZZAZZ after all, and everyone I’ve ever met tells me I’m unforgettable. In a good way, I think. I’ve always loved attention, but at the moment, there’s a teeny tiny chance I’m getting it for all the wrong reasons. For starters, me and my very-nearly-world-famous team, the Bramrock Stars, are trying to win big against our rivals in the new league. But I can’t stop tripping over the ball! And although I’ve got my dream part in the school play, the words just won’t stick in my head. What’s going to happen if I can’t learn my lines? Luckily for me, my best friends really are the bestest, and I know they’ll help me whatever it takes. It’s time for me to step into the spotlight, and prove girls really can do anything!” (Catalogue)

Megan Rapinoe / Sánchez Vegara, Ma Isabel
“Discover the life of Megan Rapinoe, the world record-breaking footballer and activist. Chasing a ball in the school playground, Megan discovered her calling at a young age. Even if she didn’t always fit in at school, she was a star on the field- and her teammates thought so too. Her passion, skill and leadership took Team USA to Olympic Gold and a World Cup victory, while she continues to champion women’s and LGBTQ+ rights and representation in sport.” (Catalogue)

She shoots, she scores / Clarke, Catriona
“She Shoots, She Scores! tells the empowering story of how women’s football has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Written by acclaimed YA novelist Catriona Clarke and with a foreword by England captain Steph Houghton, it is sure to inspire the next generation of female football superstars. Young football fans will discover how the early female players overcame prejudice to set up their own teams, and read the compelling stories of players who beat the odds to become famous around the world: including Scotland’s Rose Reilly, Asisat Oshoala from Nigeria, and Afghanistan’s Nadia Nadim. The book is packed with facts and stats about the Women’s World Cup and the Olympics, plus pocket profiles of the world’s top players – from Marta to Megan Rapinoe – and record-breaking teams, including the US national women’s team and Olympique Lyonnais. What’s more, discover the key skills you’ll need to become a great goalkeeper, a tough-tackling defender or the world’s next superstar striker!”–Publisher’s description.” (Catalogue)

Our beautiful game / Kuenzler, Lou
“Polly Nabb is no stranger to trouble. When her brother Joe is sent to serve in the trenches, all Polly wants is to kick a ball about and forget the war. Mam has other ideas, and makes her stay home to help with endless chores. But football is something Polly is prepared to fight for – it’s her life! She’s determined to do whatever it takes to fulfil her dream and show the world that football is not just for boys . . .” (Catalogue)

The big book of football
“Dive into the world of football with this mega book of everything to do with the beautiful game. Learn all the lingo; meet the greatest players, managers and teams from both the men’s and women’s games; take masterclasses with the pros; wander through the haircut hall of fame; learn the most iconic goal celebrations and more.” (Catalogue)

Find more books in our catalogue

Te Ara Pukapuka Children’s Walk at Kilbirnie Park

Joseph Robinson

Earlier this year, some of you might have visited Te Ara Pukapuka, whether at Khandallah Park during Autumn, or at Churchill Park in Seatoun over Summer!

The Winter instalment of Te Ara Pukapuka (The Book Pathway) has now arrived at Kilbirnie Park, complete with a new pukapuka for tamariki to read as they play and explore!

We have partnered with our friends in Wellington City Parks, Sport & Recreation team and publisher Scholastic New Zealand to bring you a bilingual story in English and Te Reo Māori; the wonderful The Promise of Puanga/ Ko Te Kī Taurangi a Puanga by author Kirsty Wadsworth, illustrator Munro Te Whata, and translator Ngaere Roberts.


We are grateful to be able to share such a beautiful story about Matariki and Puanga at this special time of the year! Te Ara Pukapuka begins near 601 Evans Bay Parade, by the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre carpark, and ends at the seating area parallel to Wellington Road.


Ngā mihi to the fabulous team at Scholastic for their support! The Promise of Puanga / Te Kī Taurangi a Puanga is available to borrow from our libraries, and to buy from all good bookstores.

Holiday activities at Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library and Kilbirnie Recreation Centre! 

Over the school holidays, once you’ve finished reading and exploring, we encourage you to go visit Kilbirnie Library and Kilbirnie Rec Centre!

At Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library, tamariki can contribute to Purapura Whetū: Star Webs to celebrate Matariki. Tamariki will create beautiful stars symbolizing our thankfulness and aspirations for the future. These stars will shine together in a “Collaborative Constellation”, a sparkling embodiment of our shared gratitude and hopes!

Kilbirnie Library also has The Great Pukapuka Book Hunt where tamariki look for books on the shelves/in the catalogue that connect to the stars of Matariki.

Over at Kilbirnie Recreation Centre, tamariki can grab a map and search for each of the stars (whetū) of Matariki as part of Star Navigators: a Matariki Treasure Hunt. 

Read our blog to find out about other library events as part of Whakanuia a Matariki: July School Holiday Programme, and be sure to pop across the street to Bag a Bargain at the Library Book Sale at St. Patrick’s College Hall (581 Evans Bay Parade) from Friday 7 July to Monday 10 July, 10am-4pm daily.

Whakanuia a Matariki: July School Holiday Programme

Isabel Echeverria 2 Comments

Whakanuia a Matariki!

July School Holidays: 1- 16 July 2023

Kia ora koutou young adventurers, and all your creative minds!

Get ready to dive into the magic of Matariki at your local library’s incredible holiday events. Discover the wonder of Matariki and Puānga while learning about tikanga. Hunt for hidden Matariki stars, make gratitude-themed whetū (stars), cozy up for stories and song and unleash your creativity with nature-inspired art. Check the list of events prepared to celebrate together and let’s create wonderful memories with our friends and whānau.

Star Navigator: A Matariki treasure hunt

Pick up a map and join us on a celestial treasure hunt throughout your local library! Follow clues to find hidden Matariki stars, discover the secrets of Matariki constellation and learn about the wonder of the sky night. Label the whetū on your own map and learn about their meanings. Decorate your map with the themes and meanings of each whetū!

Suitable for tamariki of all ages with their caregivers.


Purapura Whetū: Star Webs

Make your gratitude shine by crafting beautiful stars. Use colourful paper and makers to create your unique star that will be part of our collaborative constellation. Recommended for tamariki aged 3+ with their caregivers.

All library branches will have a craft station for you to use, but we also have collaborative creative sessions on the following dates:

You can also help us build our collaborative constellation during these other events:


Matariki by Firelight:

Join us at the library for a cosy session of Matariki and Aotearoa themed stories and waiata. We will create an indoor campfire, you come along with your PJs ready for some Matariki tales and heart-warming bedtime stories and songs.

Recommended for tamariki aged 3+ with their caregivers. No registration required.

 


Kōhatu Matariki: Whakapaipaitia te Taiao

Discover the power of Art and Nature! Engage in a hands-on adventure gathering rocks and other natural resources. We will decorate them with paint and markers to express remembrance and hope. Learn about tikanga and how art can honour Pūanga and the Matariki stars.

Recommended aged 5+ with whānau or caregivers.

Register online:

  • Karori Library, 5 July 11 am -12pm Sign Up
  • Miramar Library, 5 July 3pm-4pm Sign Up
  • Newtown Library, Monday, 10 July, 2 – 3pm Sign Up
  • Island Bay Library, Thursday, 13 July, 2 – 3pm Sign Up
  • Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library, Thursday, 13 July, 2 – 3pm Sign Up


A Wayward Star: An Introduction to D&D

Embark on an epic celestial-themed Dungeons and Dragons- no experience required. We will provide the Dungeon Master, pre-made characters, dice, books, gear, and knowledge- all you need is enthusiasm!

For ages 9-12 years.

Registrations are required for this event, sign-up here!

Notes: Each individual attending will need a separate registration form filled in. Intermediate and experienced players may find this one-shot too simplistic and undemanding.

Register online:


String Bean Puppets: The Penguin and the Sea Monster 

Come along and celebrate Matariki with amazing puppeteer Anna Bailey and her String Bean Puppets! Anna’s puppets will be helping her perform the magical, starry-eyed tale of The Penguin and the Sea Monster, in which a little blue penguin seeks help from the night sky when his friend is captured by a sea monster. 

Recommended for tamariki of all ages with their caregivers. 

Waitohi Hub Matariki Day

Waitohi Community Hub, Saturday, 15 July, 10am – 3pm

Bring your whole whānau to the Waitohi Hub for a day of fun activities to celebrate Matariki! Across the day, there will be a range of wonderful events, exhibitions, and competitions, taking place across Keith Spry Pool, Johnsonville Library and the Link Space. Click the link above for a full schedule!

We also have a range of other Whakanuia a Matariki July holiday events including:

Nohinohi Reorua: Pakiwaitara Matariki 

Whakarongo mai, tamariki mā, pākeke mā! Join us at your local whare pukapuka for these special bilingual storytimes in celebration of Matariki! He korero paki i te reo Māori me te reo Pākehā ēnei; these stories are in te reo Māori and English. All are welcome. 

Recommended for tamariki aged 2-6 with their caregivers.

Pakiwaitara Matariki 

Come along and celebrate Matariki at your local whare pukapuka, or library, with Matariki-themed stories and waiata with our librarians. He korero paki i te reo Pākehā ēnei; these stories are mainly in English, but we’re looking forward to sharing some kupu and waiata in te reo Māori as well. Our storytimes are family-friendly and fun for all ages. 

Recommended for tamariki aged 2-6 with their caregivers.

Toi Matariki: Matariki Crafts 

Newlands Community Centre, Tuesday, 4 July 2023, 10am – 12pm

Join us for this special morning-time Matariki craft session! Make your very own Matariki constellation using one of our designs, or let your creative juices flow and create your own! Recommended for tamariki aged 4+ with their caregivers.

Fly to the Matariki Stars 

Island Bay Community Centre, Thursday, 6 July 2023, 10:30am – 12pm

Build your own spaceship from boxes and fly to the Matariki Stars!

Combining storytelling and building box forts, you will have lift off to greet the Matariki stars. Find out what secrets they hold and let your imagination do the rest.

Recommended for ages 5-12

Whānau Storybooks

Te Awe Library, Wednesday, 5 July, 2:30 – 3:30pm

Come and celebrate your whānau this Matariki and create your own whānau storybook at Te Awe!

Bring along some photos of your family members (or draw your own) and add them to your book along with fun facts and stories about your family.

Recommended for tamariki aged 5-10.

CodeQuest: Star Explorers 

Come along to this free coding workshop and learn how to make your own celestial-themed video game for Matariki in Scratch 3.0. No prior coding knowledge is necessary. Places are limited, so make sure you register quickly! 

Suitable for tamariki aged 9-13 with their caregivers. Registrations are required. Details coming soon!

Baby Rock and Rhyme: Matariki Special 

 A fun and educational programme for parents and carers to interact with their babies through songs and stories. Rhyme, rhythm, repetition and music are the building blocks of language for babies. At these special Matariki sessions we will be enjoying stories and songs all about Matariki and the night sky. Kuhu mai, join us!  

Recommended for tamariki aged 0 – 2 years with their caregivers.

Matariki LEGO® Creations 

 Let’s build – let’s explore – let’s create! Come along to your library to create your LEGO® masterpiece. These sessions all feature special Matariki-themed activities as we celebrate this festive time with our friends and whānau. 

Recommended for tamariki aged 5+ with their caregivers.

Nō reira, nau mai, haere mai ki ōu tātou whare pukapuka ki te whakanui i tēnēi wā tino hirahira! So come on down to your library to celebrate this special time!

Bird Watchers, Get Counting: It’s Bird Survey Time!

Sue Jane

Manaaki Whenua | Landcare Research is running its annual Garden Bird Survey again this year from 24 June – 2 July. To participate you need to spend 60 minutes in your garden, local park or reserve recording the birds you see at any one time between 24 June – 2 July 2023.

To take part, go to gardenbirdsurvey.landcareresearch.co.nz. There are heaps of resources on this website including helpful pictures of the birds you are most likely to see, printable tally sheets, quizzes, competitions, and other suggestions you can do to make a bird-friendly haven at home, school or even at your local park.

Taking part is easy:

  1. Select your garden, park, or school
  2. Choose one day from 24 June to the 2 July
  3. Look and listen for birds for ONE hour.
  4. Record the HIGHEST number of a bird species observed at one time.
  5. Submit your survey results below.

Your survey results will be analysed by the Landcare Research scientists. This will help them know and understand things like how our bird populations are changing over time, and keep an eye on any population trends (good and bad).

And if you still have some questions, jump onto the FAQ page on the website to answer the ones you have, and ones you hadn’t even thought about around all things birds + survey.


Book Jacket for: A bird in the hand : keeping New Zealand wildlife safeBook Jacket for: Discovering New Zealand birdsBook Jacket for: NZ birds

Wellington City Libraries have loads of books and resources about New Zealand birds.

Or you could browse the Non-Fiction shelves under the Dewey Number of 598.

Other useful websites:

Birds New Zealand

Department of Conservation

Forest and Bird

New Zealand Geographic

Become an ornithological expert and help understand and protect Aotearoa’s wonderfully diverse birdlife.

 

Out on the Shelves: What’s on for kids

Merritt

Out on the Shelves is an online reading resource that aims to connect rainbow young people with the stories that represent them, listing books with positive rainbow representation in them.

June is the Out on the Shelves Campaign Month where libraries around the country are encouraged to see who can create the most out-there displays, activities, and programmes. Several of our Wellington City Libraries branches have won awards in the nationwide Out on the Shelves Display Competition in the past, so be sure to drop into your local library to check out this year’s offerings!

Here are some of our past offerings:

If you and your tamariki have recently enjoyed a book with rainbow themes and it doesn’t appear on the Out on the Shelves booklists, why not make a submission? Out on the Shelves relies on user submissions to keep their booklists current, and to make sure that they’re recommending books that people enjoy!

They also have a Rainbow Writing Competition, and you can submit reviews of books you’ve read too.

If you’re looking for some rainbow reading inspiration, just head on over to the homepage of our catalogue. At the moment the carousel of recommended books displaying there includes a selection of Out on the Shelves recommendations for kids. Or check out this previous blog post of ours for a curated booklist.

To celebrate Out on the Shelves, Johnsonville Library have planned a few special events for you and your whānau. We hope to see you there!

Rainbow background, title Dress up Family storytimeDress Up Family Storytime

Dress in your favourite costume and join us to make some accessories before the stories begin.​

For ages 2+​ with their caregivers.

Logo reading The Glamaphones

Out on the Shelves Musical Performance: The Glamaphones

Celebrate Out on the Shelves at Johnsonville Library with the Glamaphones, Wellington’s rainbow community choir.

The Glamaphones have an emphasis on participation, inclusion, and building LGBTQI+ community. They sing a range of music including pop, classical, spirituals, world, choral, musical, and jazz classics.

Nau mai rā tātou katoa | Everybody is welcome.

rainbow background, title dress up preschool storytime

Dress Up Preschool Storytime

Dress in your favourite costume and join us to make some accessories before the stories begin.​

For ages 2-4​ with their caregivers.

Spoken Word Open Mic Night at the Vogelmorn Bowling Club!

Stephen Clothier

Calling all Pōneke poets! Our friends at the Vogelmorn Community Group have organised a fantastic opportunity for tamariki and rangatahi who are interested in poetry to take part in a Spoken Word Open Mic Night, this Thursday, 6.00pm at the Vogelmorn Bowling Club.

Not only will you have the opportunity to perform your own original poetry, but you’ll also be able to contribute to the Vogelmorn Community Poetry Zine, which will be made available for keen poetry readers here at the library once it’s published. Read on to get all the juicy details:

Join us at the Vogelmorn Bowling Club for this awesome community event!

What?

Spoken Word Open Mic Night!

Where?

Vogelmorn Bowling Club, 93 Mornington Road, Brooklyn

When?

Thursday 1 June, 2023. Performances begin at 6.00pm; kai available from 3.00pm

What’s it all about?

Do you enjoy writing poems or want to try writing a poem? Do you have something important to say about community, inclusivity, sustainability, creativity, or any other subject?

Have a go at performance poetry in a comfortable, supportive, friendly atmosphere at the Vogelmorn Spoken Word Open Mic Night. Performance poetry includes any poem that is read, sung, recited, or otherwise performed before an audience.

Your M.C. for the night is young poet and Brooklyn local Bill. School-age and first-time poets are especially welcome at this family friendly event!

Want to take part? Find out more on the Vogelmorn Community Group website or get in touch with them on Facebook.

Dear Delaware: Make a friend 14,000km away!

Merritt

Have you ever had a pen pal?

We’ve teamed up a series of public libraries in Delaware, USA for a Pen Pal program! It’s a chance to make new friendships and learn about another person’s culture and life experiences.

From Tuesday 18th April –  Sunday 14th May you can join the first round of the program, simply by filling out a sign-up form. This program is open to adults, teens and children over 5 years old. Parental permission and in-person signup is required for ages 5-15, so drop into your local library and ask for a signup form.

From there, we’ll pair you with a similar participant from Delaware – you’ll be notified via email of who your pen pal is and what their interests are. Then write your letter and bring it to the library – we’ll take care of the international postage and you’ll be notified when to pick up your pen pal’s response.

A banner with a picture of a coastline and the words Dear Delaware

If you’re wondering about Delaware, here’s a few facts to get you started:

  • Delaware is the second smallest of the 50 U.S. states – only Rhode Island is smaller.
  • The first people to live in the area that became Delaware were the Lenni-Lenape, which means “original people”.
  • The capital city of Delaware is Dover.
  • If you go for a walk in the bush in Wellington you’ll find Kawakawa, Horopito, Nikau Palms, Wētā, Kaka, and Tūī. If you go for a walk in the woods in Delaware you could find Oak, Sycamore, Maple, Raccoons, Foxes, and Muskrats.

If you’d like to learn more, we recommend checking out the Encyclopaedia Britannica – it’s free to use through Wellington City Libraries, just sign in with your Library Card Barcode Number and 4-digit PIN. Just log in and search for Delaware!

If you’re after some letter-writing inspiration, check out these titles on our catalogue:

Tim’s bad mood and other stories / Donaldson, Julia
“With a focus on building phonics skills, this collection includes seven fun stories with colourful illustrations. It is ideal for children who are growing in reading confidence. Find out why Tim is in a bad mood, what makes a good pen-pal and learn about different animal tails! Tips for reading together explain the letter patterns that each story focuses on and identify any words children may find tricky, helping you to get the most out of the collection.” (Catalogue)
Same sun here / House, Silas
“A twelve-year-old Indian immigrant in New York City and a Kentucky coal miner’s son become pen pals, and eventually best friends, through a series of revealing letters exploring such topics as environmental activism, immigration, and racism.” (Catalogue)
Yours sincerely, giraffe / Iwasa, Megumi
“This book is about friendship and the distinctions of living in different parts of the world. A giraffe that lives in Africa meets a pelican who is a mailman. Since the giraffe is bored, she sends a letter to the first animal the pelican can find on the other side of the horizon. The letter passes on to a seal who gives it to a penguin. He reads the letter and even though he does not understand it he writes back, and becomes the giraffe’s pen pal. Although they do not know what each other looks like the giraffe decides to meet her new friend disguised as a penguin!”Giraffe is bored, as usual. He’d love a friend to share things with. So he writes a letter and sends it as far as possible across the other side of the horizon. There he finds a pen pal—Penguin. Giraffe knows nothing about penguins and his letters are full of questions. What does a penguin look like? Where is a penguin’s neck? And so the letters begin to fly from horizon to horizon”–Publisher description.” (Catalogue)
Same, same, but different / Kostecki-Shaw, Jenny Sue
“Pen pals Elliot and Kailash discover that even though they live in different countries–America and India–they both love to climb trees, have pets, and ride a school bus.” (Catalogue)
Dear Greta / Poshoglian, Yvette
“This was meant to be Alice’s year to shine, but things are already going wrong . . . First she is given young environmental activist Greta Thunberg as her pen pal for a fictional writing assignment. Why couldn’t Alice get someone easy to write to, like a pop star? Then she’s put in charge of the Harmony Day Food Fair. It’s the ultimate Year Six project, so Alice should be happy . . . but the food fair has to go online this term, which seems impossible, and she has to work with the most annoying boy in her school. As if she didn’t have enough on her plate, Alice gets kicked out of her bedroom by her grandmother coming to stay. Through her letters to Greta, Alice finds herself opening up about her life. And as Alice approaches the hard questions by wondering, ‘What would Greta do?’, she starts to believe that her voice can make a difference – a big one.” (Catalogue)
Yours troolie, Alice Toolie : letters from my enemy / Temple, Kate
“Something very bad has happened to Alice Toolie. Her secret diary has been read by her worst enemy – Jimmy Cook. It’s war. Until Ms Fennel decides that Alice and Jimmy need to make peace and become pen pals for the term. And it works. Before long, Alice and Jimmy are planning to make billions of dollars for the school fete and with a captured ghost and jars full of unicorn vomit, it’s sure to be their time to shine.” (Catalogue)

 

Announcing Nohinohi Reorua — Bilingual Storytimes!

Stephen Clothier

Kia ora Pōneke! We are excited to let you know about a brand new children’s programme coming soon to our whare pukapuka — Nohinohi Reorua! 

What is Nohinohi Reorua?

Nohinohi reorua means “bilingual little ones” in te reo Māori, and it is the name for the new bilingual storytime programme coming to six of our library branches after the April school holidays finish. Find out more below, or visit our event calendar to see all of the days, times and locations!

Join us for Nohinohi Reorua | Bilingual Storytimes at your local library!


Nohinohi Reorua! Whāngaia tō Tama Toa ki te pānui pukapuka! E toru tekau meneti pakiwaitara, rotarota, waiata hoki i roto i te reo Māori me te reo Ingarihi, nō ngā kōhungahunga me ō rātou mātua kaitiaki.

Get your superhero hooked on books with Nohinohi Reorua — our special bilingual storytimes! Featuring stories, rhymes, and songs in te reo Māori and English, these 30-minute sessions are open to anyone, and are recommended for tamariki aged 2-6 with their caregivers.

When and Where?

Nō reira, nau mai, haere mai ki ōu tātou whare pukapuka! Come on down to the library to enjoy Nohinohi Reorua with us — everyone is welcome!