AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

5 March 2007

Five New Zealand celebrities to support public libraries

Five high profile New Zealanders have lent their names to a nationwide advertising TV campaign promoting public libraries.

The Inspire Me TV campaign will begin on March 11 and its stars Oscar Kightley, Trelise Cooper, Brooke Fraser, Peta Mathias and Daniel Vettori – are all avid library lovers who want to share their passion with all New Zealanders.

Oscar Kightley, a well-known writer, director and actor, flew back from the Philippines where he was promoting his film Sione’s Wedding to participate in the campaign. Oscar says “My whole trip through the world of storytelling began with a visit to my local library – one of the most inspiring places in the “Universe.”

Similarly, leading fashion designer Trelise Cooper reports that she finds inspiration for her collections in the huge selection of magazines on all subjects, not just fashion, at her local library. Trelise says: “In the fashion business you are always looking for inspiration and it comes from many sources. I find the library is a place that you can always find something inspiring.”

Peta Mathias, Daniel Vettori and Brooke Fraser, who travel the world extensively in their work, say that libraries have had a major influence on their love of reading and have been a source of inspiration in their chosen careers.

Metronet, the group representing the 19 largest metropolitan libraries in New Zealand, is funding the campaign. Allison Dobbie, group manager at Auckland City Libraries, says: “Our aims in funding a nationwide TV campaign are to show that public libraries are now modern, relevant places that provide inspiration and can make a difference in people’s lives.”

A series of five 15-second commercials will run from March 11 to May 20 and will screen on TV1, TV2 and TV3.

Customers can get inspired by some great events and activities at Auckland City Libraries over the next few months. These include winter makeover sessions with The Body Shop and SUPRÉ where teens can get the latest fashion tips and looks for this winter starting at the Central City Library on 10 March. Oscar Kightley, one of the Inspire Me TV campaign celebrities, performs a bro’Town script along with The Naked Samoans, plus other Pacific icons at Celebrate Pasifika at the Central City Library on 14 March. Be inspired by some beautiful music in our free Thursday Lunchtime Concert Series 2007 with an exciting programme of talented soloists, ensembles and choirs. The series starts 12 April and runs through to 28 June.

For more details on other inspiring events happening at Auckland City Libraries, visit www.aucklandcitylibraries.com.

ENDS

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