Auckland Libraries blog

 Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa / Samoa Language Week, 28 May - 3 June 2023 The theme for Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa 2023 is ‘Mitamita i lau gagana, maua’a lou fa’asinomaga’ which means ‘Be proud of your language and grounded in your identity’. Here at Auckland Council Libraries, we are delighted to announce the upcoming launch of a new bilingual book in Samoan and English and share reading recommendations curated by Veronica Ligaliga, Senior Librarian Pacific Content, in celebration of Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa! The overarching theme for Pacific Language Weeks 2023 is sustainability, to help keep our Pacific languages, cultures and identities thriving in Aotearoa. Learn more about Pacific Language Weeks from the Ministry for Pacific Peoples . We are also proud to share a new video about village life in the Pacific Islands from the Auckland Libraries YouTube channel . And we encourage you to stay connected with Pasifika news and upcoming events on the Auckland Libraries Talanoa Facebook pa...

“Kia pūavai to tātou Reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani I Aotearoa” May our Cook Islands Māori language blossom in Aotearoa. “Te ma’ata I ta’au ka oranga, ko te ma’ata rai ia ta’au ka rauka” The more you give, the more you receive; if you give a lot, you will receive a lot. Turou! Oro Mai! ‘Akaepaepa'anga te ‘Are Puka o Ākarana i te Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani Tapati 2 o ‘Āukute – Ma’anakai 8 o ‘Āukute 2020 |Sunday 2 August – Saturday 9 August 2020 Te Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani is a time of the year for Cook Islanders living throughout Aotearoa to acknowledge, celebrate and embrace the culture, history and most importantly, the reo (language) of the Cook Islands. Our city, Tāmaki Makaurau, has the largest Pacific population in the world, with just over 35,000 people proudly identifying as being Cook Islanders. It is for this reason that Auckland Libraries is delighted to connect with our Cook Islands community and celebrate the pearl of the Pacific. Kiaorana e Kia Manuia! ...

In celebration of Pasifika 2020, we’ve put together a list of our film favourites for you to watch throughout the month! It features life stories of some of our greatest sportspeople, courageous tales of Pasifika heroes and a powerful yet timely documentary on the urgency of climate change. Haven't got an account yet?  Click here to sign up using your library membership and start streaming ! With our step-by-step instructions and the great app, it's easy to watch at home or on the go. Anger within: Jonah Lomu Set in New Zealand. 2013 || Rated M Documentary. New Zealand born Tongan Jonah Lomu, was without a doubt, the most famous rugby player of all time. His outstanding physique, his power, his speed, and determination helped revolutionise the game around the world. The Orator Set in Samoa 2011 || Rated PG The Orator (O Le Tulafale) is a contemporary drama about courage, forgiveness and love. Small in stature and humble, Saili lives a simple life with his...

Photos compiled by Penny Howard. Happy Pasifika month! On Books and Beyond this week Louisa chats with two poets performing at the upcoming Stars of Pasifika Poetry event at Te Atat ū  Library.   Ria Masae and Doug Poole share their poetry and pride in being able to express their Pacific identity writing and performing poetry. Listen to this week's episode on the Auckland Libraries podcast and read on for the books mentioned in the show. Doug's poetry: Mauri ola: contemporary Polynesian poems in English Niu voices Doug's online journal Ria's poetry: Manifesto Aotearoa: 101 political poems Other Pasifika poetry works mentioned in the show: Everything is here by Rob Heck Entangled Islands by Serie Barford Auckland Libraries' radio show Books and Beyond explores the world of books with guest authors, recommended reads, gems from the Central City Library basement and… beyond. Catch us on Planet FM104.6, Sundays at 9.35pm. Recent s...