Media Release
26 July 2001

‘Tupu’ - New Library With Youth Focus For Manukau

A new library catering for the research and study needs of the young people of Manukau’s Otara Flatbush community will be officially opened on 4th August by the Hon Sandra Lee, Deputy Leader of the Alliance Party and Sir Barry Curtis, Mayor of Manukau.

The opening will be followed by a youth festival from 11am to 2pm with entertainment from local artists and the promotional team from Mai FM.

The need for a new library was initially identified in 1996 after interviews with education providers and church leaders in the Clover Park community.

Manukau’s Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says, “It is crucial that all our young people have access to technology and learning opportunities to prepare them for the future challenges of our rapidly changing world.

“Tupu, Dawson Road Youth Library was planned in consultation with the local community, as one of Manukau City Council’s key aims was to create a strong feeling of community involvement.

“The name ‘Tupu’ signifies ‘new growth’ in Maori as well as several Pacific Island languages. This is relevant in a community which has one of the most youthful populations in New Zealand.

“The library has been designed to specifically reflect and serve the needs of the community’s young population, the majority of whom are Pacific Island and Maori.

“The reality is whilst many of these children have access to computers at school, access out of school hours is limited. The facility will fulfil this need whilst also providing an after school study centre. We are grateful to Datacom who have provided computers for the computer suite.”

The new library team, led by Rosetta Reti Simamu, intend to develop programmes in partnership with local schools to improve reading and writing, provide curriculum support and information on literacy skills.

Ms Reti Simamu says, “Although the traditional library lending service will still be available, the emphasis will be on the learning resources available on site. These include a computer suite, a quiet work area, a collection of learning and recreational resource books, magazines, CD Roms, compact discs and videos.”

Sir Barry says, “An exceptional design, courtesy of the architects from Creative Spaces, has seen the creation of a modern functional, attractive building with a Pacific flavour. The project was managed by Rider Hunt and constructed by Mainworks Mainzeal, and the finished product reflects the original brief that the building must fit into its physical and social environment.

“This unique facility has been complemented by artwork adorning the interior and exterior created by local artists and budding young local talent. Appropriately the building design and artwork has elements of Pasifika reflecting the community the facility will serve.

“Tupu, Dawson Road Youth Library is a credit to the many people who have worked so hard to bring this project to fruition. I have invited the Hon Sandra Lee, Deputy Leader of the Alliance Party to join me in the official opening because the Minister has always taken a keen interest in the well-being of the young people of Otara. In fact her daughter has taught for many years at Clover Park Middle School.”

Ends

Media Contact
Gabrielle Hinton
Media Liaison
Corporate Communications
Manukau City Council
Phone: (09) 2628900 x 8650
Fax: (09) 2625759
Email: ghinton@manukau.govt.nz

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