Auckland Libraries blog

Today Amelia, Community Library Manager at Māngere East Library, joins us to share how she celebrates Vaiaho o te Gagana Tokelau - Tokelau Language Week.  Talanoa with Amelia, Community Library Manager at Māngere East Library Tâlofa nî! Please tell us a bit about yourself and your relationship with Gagana Tokelau (the Tokelau language). Mua mua e hiki te fakafetai ki to tatou Atua mo tona alofa ki a ki tatou te mamalu o Tokelau. Firstly, I give thanks, praise and glory to God for his endless love he gives to his people of Tokelau. E fakatulou atu ki te mamalu o te kaiga Tokelau i Niu Hila ma Tokelau vena foki ki o tatou tino i na koga kekehe i te lalolagi. This is an acknowledgement to all Tokelau people in New Zealand, Tokelau and throughout the world. Taloha ni. Ko toku igoa ko Amelia, ko au te pule o te faletuhi o Māngere East. Hi everyone, my name is Amelia and I am the Community Library Manager based at Māngere East Library.  I am a country girl, born and raised in the heart of Ao

Photograph by Eni Esekia. Tâlofa nî! Celebrate Vaiaho o te Gagana Tokelau  2020  – Tokelau Language Week 2020 with Auckland Libraries from 25  -  31 Oketopa (October) 2020. The 2020 Tokelau Language Week theme is ‘Apoapo tau foe, i nā tāfea i te galutau. Ke mau mai, ke mau mai’ which in English translates to, 'Never give up hope, even amidst chaos and much uncertainty. Stay united, stay strong'. Vaiaho o te Gagana Tokelau (Tokelau Language Week) celebrates the culture and language of Faka-Tokelau (The Tokelauan way of life). This week gives us an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful and unique culture, language and people of Tokelau. Join Auckland Libraries and our Tokelau community in growing our knowledge about the culture, history and language of Tokelau. Did you know? Tokelau consists of three small coral atolls: Atafu, the most northern atoll has a surface area of 3.5km square; Nukunonu, the central atoll, is 4.7km square; and Fakaofo, the southern atoll, is 4km square. 

Today Sepa Puleoti, Senior Library Assistant Pasifika at Auckland Libraries, joins us to share how she celebrates Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue - Niue Language Week.  Talanoa with Sepa Puleoti, Senior Library Assistant Pasifika Fakaalofa atu! Please tell us a bit about your role at Auckland Libraries? Fakaalofa lahi atu kia mutolu oti. My name is Sepa Puleoti and I am the Senior Library Assistant Pasifika in the Waitematā local board, based at Grey Lynn Library. I am bilingual (fluent in English and the Niuean language) and have an excellent understanding of the Pasifika community, which allows me to really establish a strong rapport with many Niuean and Pacific Islander customers. During Pasifika and Pacific Language Weeks, I have had the opportunity of organising events, (with the help of my colleagues) inviting our local schools to perform, and I help out with Storytime. How do you celebrate Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue?   Home is where the heart is when it comes to celebrating my cultur

Fakaalofa lahi atu! Celebrate Faahi tapu he Vagahau Niue 2020 – Niuean Language Week 2020 with Auckland Libraries from  18 - 24 Oketopa (October) 2020. The 2020 Niuean Language Week theme is ‘Faliki e tau momoui he tau atuhau ke he Vagahau Niue’ which in English translates to, ' Lay the foundations - give rise to Vagahau Niue for generations'.   Faahi tapu he Vagahau Niue is an opportunity for Niuean speakers living in Auckland to celebrate and share the beautiful culture and language of Niue.  Tāmaki Makaurau is home to the largest Pacific population in Aotearoa New Zealand - and the world. There are over 23,000 Niuean people living in Auckland alone.  Join Auckland Libraries and our Niuean community in growing our knowledge about the culture, history and language of Niue. “Ko au, ko koe, ko e tautolu, ko Niue!”  “I am, you are, we are, Niue!”  Events Discover and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Niue through stories, music and dance at Auckland Libraries. Check your l

Whether your job has been impacted by COVID-19, you are looking for a change of scene or you are re-entering the workforce, Auckland Libraries has plenty of resources to help you get back on track. Let’s face it, job-seeking, upskilling and changing careers can be challenging at the best of times, but these transitions are difficult in our new, ever-changing landscape. Fortunately, Libraries provide opportunities for lifelong learning through lockdown and beyond.  We have so many fantastic resources that are available anytime, anywhere - and they are completely free! Now’s the time to lean in and keep learning. Work Navigator Get practical support with our Work Navigator programme. We can help you put together your CV and cover letter, navigate careers websites and identify skillsets! Our friendly staff can also assist you with upskilling, job seeking and accessing free online training like Lynda.com, to help you gain confidence and independence in your career development. Botany, Cent

Today Daren Kamali, Pacific Heritage Advisor at Auckland Libraries, joins us to share how he celebrates Macawa Ni Vosa Vaka Viti - Fiji Language Week.  Daren is one of our  Pasifika specialists . Auckland Libraries has Pasifika specialists with diverse interests based in libraries throughout Tāmaki Makaurau. Click here to find out more about how we can support you and your community. Talanoa with Daren Kamali, Pacific Heritage Advisor Bula! Please tell us a bit about your role at Auckland Libraries? I'm Daren Kamali – Heritage Pacific Advisor at Auckland Libraries Special Collections.  How do you celebrate Macawa Ni Vosa Vaka Viti?   I celebrate Macaw Ni Vosa Vaka Viti by Talanoa Vaka Viti, speaking Fijian with elders of the family and close friends, I also get the children to read Fijian books during this time. Always a special thing to have some Yaqona, Talanoa and Fijian food, like curry and roti, miti, wheke and lovu.  How do you connect with friends and family during this time

Ratu Meli in his iTaukei stance serving Yaqona to Auckland Library Staff. (Photograph by Dan Liu, Auckland Libraries) Ni sa Bula Vinaka! Celebrate Macawa ni Vosa Vakaviti - Fiji Language Week with Auckland Libraries from 4 - 10 Okotova (October) 2020. This year's theme is Noqu Vosa, Noqu isema bula – My language, my living link. The aim of the week is to encourage Fijians living in Auckland to retain or learn their unique language, as well as an opportunity for all Aucklanders to experience the rich and vibrant culture of Fiji. This year marks the 50th Independence of Fiji and we'll be celebrating with a selection of events at our libraries. Akanisi Mocesava from the village of Korotulu on Moce Island in the Lau Group who has practised her art form for 30+ years. Image by Dan Liu, Auckland Libraries. Fijian titles and resources Auckland Libraries has an extensive collection of Pacific resources and materials. Check out some of our Fijian collection in this curated list. Celebr