Kate De Goldi Named Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador For Aotearoa

Kate De Goldi has been named the third Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador for Aotearoa New Zealand. Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador supports and champions the importance of reading in the lives of young New Zealanders, their whānau and communities. Kate’s two-year term as Ambassador begins in June 2025.

Kate is a highly regarded and award-winning author, as well as a respected and engaging broadcaster, teacher and public speaker.

“I'm so grateful for the opportunity this appointment offers to contribute to the National Library's farsighted aspiration of building a nation of readers alongside Te Awhi Rito partners and the broader sector. It seems more vital than ever before that a multitude of voices advocate for our young people, and their communities why reading matters and the crucial benefits of reading for pleasure on education, life-long joy and learning” says Kate.

The recipient of many high-profile fellowships and awards, Kate brings a deep knowledge of children’s and young adult literature. She has an impressive breadth of experience — from involvement in the broader creative sector to her work promoting reading and writing in schools and communities.

“Kate is a wonderful appointment to the role of Te Awhi Rito,” says National Librarian Rachel Esson. “She has been a long-term supporter of libraries and reading for children and young people, including in her former role as a trustee of Te Puna Foundation, the philanthropic trust that supports the National Library.”

The National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa leads the Te Awhi Rito programme in collaboration with Read New Zealand Te Pou Muramura, Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa, and Storylines Children’s Literature Charitable Trust Te Whare Waituhi Tamariki o Aotearoa.

“Each Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador brings a different focus to the role, reflecting their unique expertise. Kate is ideally placed to build on the wonderful mahi of current and previous Te Awhi Rito Ambassadors Alan Dingley and Ben Brown” says National Library’s Director Literacy and Learning and Chair of Te Awhi Rito partners, Elizabeth Jones.

The name Te Awhi Rito comes from the harakeke or flax plant. The ‘Rito’ is the young shoot at the centre of the plant. ‘Awhi Rito’ are the strong, mature leaves that stand straight and tall to surround, protect and nurture the Rito.

Visit the website to find out more about Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador: https://readingambassador.nz/

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