A special reading of ‘Guardian of the Bridge’, a story about the taniwha which became the guardian of Auckland’s Harbour
Bridge, will be read to captive audiences at libraries across Auckland next week.
The free storytime session will be held at 11.30am on Wednesday 5 February at most of Auckland’s local libraries to mark
Waitangi Day (the next day).
Auckland Council’s Manager Libraries and Information Allison Dobbie says the region-wide ‘Guardian of the Bridge’
storytime is the first time a synchronized storytelling event has been held.
“Tāmaki Makaurau is a diverse and colourful multicultural region, where our first relationship is with tangata whenua,
the people of the land.
“The reading of Diana Harris’ book about a taniwha that wakes after a long sleep to find himself in a changed land and
kaitiaki (guardian) of a strange hard strip – Auckland’s iconic harbour bridge – is a wonderful way to engage our
children during the week of Waitangi Day,” she says.
Auckland Libraries’ Te Tiriti o Waitangi celebrations this year focus on ‘Kia hono, kia awe: cultivating connections’
with events chosen that celebrate our Maori heritage and encourage all our communities to join in.
“We invite all Aucklanders to get involved in learning more about the relevance of the Treaty of Waitangi today and
think about the journey we are on as a nation,” she says.
‘Kia hono – Kia awe: Cultivating Connections’ is an analogy of the life cycle of a plant, which starts with sowing a
seed and needs nurturing to grow and develop into a healthy plant which bears fruit.
As well as the ‘Guardian of the Bridge’ storytime series, there will be talks, displays and exhibitions at libraries
across the region, including:
• Ngā Tohu o Te Tiriti: The Writing is on the Wall
29 January – 28 February 2014
West Auckland Research Centre Exhibition Space, Level 2, Waitakere Central library, Henderson.
The exhibition is inspired by the late Dr Miria Simpson and her book: Ngā Tohu o te Tiriti; Making a Mark: Signatories to the Treaty of Waitangi, which is aimed at helping New Zealanders understand more about the people who signed the Treaty of Waitangi.
•Auckland Libraries at Waitangi Day Celebrations 2014
6 February 2014, 10am-5pm
Barry Curtis Park, Chapel Road, Flat Bush
Books, resources, children’s storytimes and activities, discuss whakapapa and kaupapa Maori resources and the unique
taonga held by Auckland Libraries and all the kanohi-ki-te-kanohi (face-to-face) connections possible through library
programmes and events.
For more information visit your local library to find out about more Waitangi Day events and celebrations being held in early February.
ENDS