Auckland Libraries

Akinki Manukau describes why growing food is her passion. She talks about alternative moon calendar, organic growing, how she wants to grow food that will nurture people. Akink also highlights the indigenous communal aspect of growing your own food. OH_1104_018_4_018_03 Akinki Manukau, oral history, 2013

Jarcinda Stowers-Ama talks about how difficult was to find traditional Cook Islands food in New Zealand, like specific types of taro. She recalls traditional Christmas Cook Islands' recipes and Asian markets as a source for her ingredients. OH-1185-001-01 Jarcinda Stowers-Ama, oral history, 2014

Sue Gee remembers how enthusiastic her dad was when he had a new cooking inspiration. Explains cooking processes like soaking octopus two days in advance. She recalls having mostly Chinese cooking when her granddad was around. SA_0187_002 Sue Gee, oral history, 2020

Teri Taukoriri recollects mealtimes as a family in Kiribas and describes the different dishes he ate. He also describes his father's fishing expeditions. OH_1297_001 Teri Taukoriri, oral history, 2019

Mukesh Bhana talks about his father's takeaway restaurants, mostly Indian, Chinese and Fijian food. He explains what Fiji-Chinese cuisine is. Mukesh also talks about his first cooking experiences. OH_1095_006 Mukesh Bhana, oral history, 2013

Leva Hoeft talks about the market in Otara. She talks about cooking fish, potatoes and bananas. OH_1355_011_02 Leva Hoeft, oral history, 1990.

Emora Magatogia describes learning how to cook, the dishes her family would have for breakfast and dinner. She also comments on food prices and her husband being a good cook. OH_1467_006_02 Emora Magatogia, oral history, 2022 .

Allan Jaffe talks about his early childhood days. He remembers his grandmother preparing for Shabbas on Wednesdays. Allan recalls getting billies to collect milk so his grandmother could make cottage cheese. He also comments about the tradition of eating associate with traditional festivals. OH_1434_035_02 Alan Jaffe, oral history, 2011

Suzanne Chan On talks about her father cooking skills and his advice on the importance to preserve family secrets. OH_1133_003_03 Suzanne Chan On, oral history, 2014

Join us at our Heritage Feast, where every dish tells a story and every flavour offers a glimpse into the rich cultural mosaic of our communities.

Mahad describes challenges refugee youth face, including feeling misunderstood and navigating dual cultural identities. Shares his own experience running youth programmes. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections OH-1543-002. Photograph by Bahati, Synthia. Mahad Yusuf, 2025. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1966-028.

Chile Recalls the African community and his networks in 1989. Not many black people in Auckland. He talks about Phil Amos playing a pivotal role in connecting Chile to a network that later supported the integration of African refugees in the 1990s. Chile explains how the 1994 arrival of Somali and Ethiopian refugees marked a shift and how they provided cultural support. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections OH_1543_001. Photograph by Bahati, Synthia. Dr Love Chile, 2025. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1966-010.

Chile talks about starting the Africa Focus magazine in 2000. Explains the purpose of the magazine and its key focuses. And he summarises the significance of the African Association of Auckland and its participation in the consultation in the resettlement strategy, the ethnic soccer strategy, and forming the Office of Ethnic Affairs. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections OH_1543_001. Photograph by Bahati, Synthia. Dr Love Chile, 2025. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1966-011.

Mahad explains that it can be difficult to balance aspects of Somali refugee identity, New Zealand culture and Islamic faith. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections OH-1543-002. Photograph by Bahati, Synthia. Mahad Yusuf, 2025. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1966-027.

Tina discusses connecting to ancestry as a Ghanaian, Cook Islander, and being raised in Aotearoa. Talks about Ghanaian food. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections OH_1543_003. Photograph by Bahati, Synthia. Tina Bonsu, 2025. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1966-035.

Lema describes the differences between life in a refugee camp and life in Auckland for her and her children, highlighting the importance of education, community, and new opportunities. She mentions the differences between community life in Ranui and Congo. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections OH_1543_005. Photograph by Bahati, Synthia. Lema Shamamba, 2025. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1966-016.

Lema recalls her memories growing up in Congo. She also talks about becoming a refugee and understanding more about Congo political context when in NZ. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections OH_1543_005. Photograph by Bahati, Synthia. Lema Shamamba, 2025. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1966-013.

African Voices Intro by Auckland Libraries

African Voices Outro by Auckland Libraries

Tina talks about Miss and Mr Africa, her involvement, and what it means to the participants. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections OH_1543_003. Photograph by Bahati, Synthia. Tina Bonsu, 2025. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1966-030.

Boubacar talks about how the African Film Festival came about as a way to share culture. References the change of ACARI to ACOFI. He also discusses the Kaupapa of the African Film Festival and the importance of Africa through the lens of Africans. References the 10th Anniversary, challenges faced, partnership with Pan-African Film festival in Burkina Faso. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections OH_1543_004. Photograph by Bahati, Synthia. Boubocar Coulibaly, 2025. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1966-006.

Boubacar Coulibaly discusses how the African community has changed since he has been in New Zealand. References growth, creating an ethnic soccer tournament in the 90's, Somalia and Rwanda war and Zimbabwe bringing increasing immigration leading to African soccer competition. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections OH_1543_004. Photograph by Bahati, Synthia. Boubocar Coulibaly, 2025. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1966-005.

Talitali fiefia! From royal ceremonies to community and village life, the story of 20th century Tonga is vividly documented through the lens of photographer August Hettig. In this episode we explore the story of the August Hettig Collection held in Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections in conversation with Pacifica Curator Pamata Toleafoa, Photographs Curator Keith Giles, and Photograph Conservator Caroline Garratt. Read more and see images in the Heritage et AL blog: https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2026/08/august-hettig-collection.html Check out the Collection Record here: https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/403681/rec/1 click on the hyperlink to explore the records online - there will be more to come! Reference to a selection of images mentioned in the podcast: https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/416753/rec/46 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/416490/rec/158 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/416579/rec/191 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/416572/rec/255 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/416499/rec/312 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/416694/rec/451

Alison is joined in the studio by the author Laura Vincent to discuss her critically acclaimed novel Hoods Landing. This book can be borrowed from the Bestie collection displays or requested from the Auckland Libraries catalogue. https://bit.ly/3TjUSv3 Other books mentioned during the interview are The heart is a lonely hunter by Carson McCullers Greta & Valdin by Rebecca K Reilly The silent spring by Rachel Carson The Lorax by Dr Seuss Enjoyed this episode? Follow for future episodes. Send an email to reading@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Find out more about our Bestie collections at www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

In this episode we talk with Andrew Henry from the Heritage Collections curatorial team, about a recent acquisition of New Zealand children's books. Totaling more than 500 items, the books have been donated to the library by passionate experts Diane & Gary Hebley, whose involvement in reading, creating, teaching and writing about NZ books for children spans decades. Diane as author and Gary as the illustrator. They both received The New Zealand Children's Literature Association's 1997 Joint Award for Distinguished Services to Children's Literature. Diane served as the Course Writer and Director, The New Zealand Experience, National Diploma of Children's Literature, (Christchurch College of Education, 1995-2001) Listen in as Andrew shares about how this collection brings a new life to Auckland Libraries Children's Historical collection and shares a number of favourite examples from the collection. To read more about access to the archive and about the collection see the Heritage et AL blog here: https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2026/07/awekura-diane-and-gary-hebley-aotearoa.html Link to collection: https://bit.ly/4x5IYnM

The Encore! exhibition looks at ways connection happens through live music: being emotionally moved by a performance, connections between those on stage and those in the crowd, and the feeling of being connected to others in a music community. Some featured music venues in the exhibition include the Auckland Town Hall, Powerstation, Galaxy, Temple Bar, Crystal Palace and more. Join us for a conversation on how central Auckland venues have influenced the city over time, and what challenges and opportunities will define their future role. This panel talk consists of some well-known names such as Taylor MacGregor, Savina Fountain, MP Chlöe Swarbrick, and will be moderated by 95bFM breakfast host Rosetta Stone. Come listen to this fascinating kōrero on the future of our music scene in the city. Recorded Live on April 18, 2026. This Tāmaki Untold talk was part of the 'Opening Act" programming and was held at the Whare Wānanga, Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero | Central City Library Introduction by Julian Backing Track is Coffee Talk by Dusty Melody

Alison is joined in the studio by the author K.J. Holdom to discuss her recently published historical novel The End and the Beginning This book can be borrowed from the Bestie collection displays or requested from the Auckland Libraries catalogue. https://bit.ly/3SfuiT2 Enjoyed this episode? Follow for future episodes. Send an email to reading@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Find out more about our Bestie collections at www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

Where did the New Zealand accent come from and why does it sound the way it does today? Surprisingly, Auckland, NZ's largest urban centre, has been notably underrepresented in research on the origins of our accent. Past work has been largely South Island and rurally focused, however newly rediscovered historical writings suggest the NZ accent may have developed fastest in the North Island, particularly in Auckland. To tell us more about this we welcomed Dr Brooke Ross who is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Faculty of Engineering and Design at the University of Auckland. With a background in Linguistics and Speech Science, her interdisciplinary research uses speech technology to understand how and why the New Zealand accent is changing over time. This research used Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections at the corpus of material from which to study the accent. You can access the collections via the Oral History tile here: https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/ This is a recording of the Tāmaki Untold talk delivered at the Central City Library on Saturday 23 May 2026.

In this episode, we talk with James Littlewood about his work on the Going West Writers Festival archive. James reflects on the experience of working with the voices that make up the 30 years of sound and photographic records housed at Auckland Libraires Heritage Collections. This track illustrates the treasure which is this archive through James' playing favourites. To read more about access to the archive and the work of Going West Trust see the Heritage et AL blog here: https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-going-west-collection-aotearoa.html The tracks appear in order include: Glenn Colquhoun, poetry performance, with Richard Nunns and Bob Bickerton, 2009 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/oralhistory/id/5117/rec/8 Dianne Bardsley and John Reynolds, discussion, 2008 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/oralhistory/id/5105/rec/1 Margaret Mahy and Catherine Chidgey, discussion, 2000 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/oralhistory/id/4913/rec/3 Taonga Puoro: Singing Treasures, presentation and performance, 2006 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/oralhistory/id/5052/rec/1 Dr Joanne Drayton, interview, 2008 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/oralhistory/id/5099/rec/1 Graham Brazier and Harry Lyon, in conversation, 2014 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/oralhistory/id/5249/rec/3 Graham Brazier and Harry Lyon, play Gutter Black, 2014 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/oralhistory/id/5249/rec/3 Thank you to all the authors and artists for their generosity in sharing this material from the archive. Copyright permissions are required for further replay of this material. Please request access via Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections. The archival project work with the Going West Trust was supported by a Lotteries Grant and the support of the Auckland Libraries Heritage Trust. See Going West Trust for additional podcast material and matters pertaining to the current work of the Trust https://www.goingwestfest.co.nz/

Revisit Auckland in the 1990s and early 2000s, when dance music culture in Aotearoa was finding its pulse. Warehouses, nightclubs, bush parties and late-night radio built a scene that was energetic, resourceful and distinctly local. Interviewed by Emma Jean Kelly, five DJs and producers reflect on their experiences of a formative period in the evolution of dance music in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Hear the voices of Tiopira McDowell (Miso / Mokotron), Grant Marshall, Chris Chetland, Tim Checkley (Jizmatron / Go Nuclear) and Matt Mariu. Read more here: https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2026/05/needle-on-record-dance-music-in-tamaki.html Needle on the Record is produced from long-form oral history interviews commissioned by Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections. https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/oralhistory/id/5352/rec/1 Created in support of the Encore! exhibition, this collection adds vital voices to the history of gigs, venues, genres and music production. https://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/en/encore.html Interviews, selected clips and podcast script by Emma-Jean Kelly. Narrated and mixed by Julian Lubin. Produced by Sue Berman. Photo credit: Needle on the Record, Sue Berman, 2026 Music credit: DIMMYSAD free use https://pixabay.com/music/drum-n-bass-jungle-waves-drumampbass-electronic-inspiring-promo-345013/ Copyright restrictions apply. Please request permission for further use of material. https://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/en/heritage-and-research/research-enquiry.html

In this episode, we talk with Sue Bradford about her work on the Auckland Unemployed Workers Rights Centre (AUWRC) archive. Sue reflects on the experience of sorting through long‑held boxes of papers, magazines, minute books, photographs, and posters. This work was supported by the 2025 John Stacpoole Scholarship, awarded by the Auckland Libraries Heritage Trust. https://www.alht.org.nz/blog/post/160688/aucklands-unemployed-fightback-history-public-talk/ You can read Sue Bradford's written reflections on the project here: https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2026/05/auckland-unemployed-workers-rights-centre-archive.html The archive will shortly be accessioned by Auckland Libraries Heritage Collection.

In this episode we navigate heritage maps with maps librarian Katrina Laan. Katrina shares with us five of her favourite maps including the first printed map of the Pacific in 1601, a 1946 tourist map, the fabulous Thomas Wing's map of the Kaipara Harbour 1835, early city fire insurance maps 1915 and we learn 'just what is a cadastral map'? Listen in to a lively discussion to learn more about these maps and more. You can read more here: And check out an earlier podcast on the Wings maps here: https://soundcloud.com/auckland-libraries/chart-of-kaipara-harbour-by-thomas-wing?in=auckland-libraries/sets/real-gold-treasures-of-the Links to Auckland Libraries Heritage Maps via Kura Heritage Collections online: https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/maps Maris Pacifici, 1601, Abraham Ortelius, Map 9588 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/maps/id/9743/rec/1 Auckland and environs : sheet no.4., 1924, New Zealand Department of Lands and Survey, Map 77 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/maps/id/1972/rec/2 Tourist map of New Zealand, 1946, New Zealand Government Tourist Department; Map 9091 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/maps/id/9134/rec/1 Chart of the entrance to Kaipara Harbour, Captain Thomas Wing, January, 1836. Map 4613 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/maps/id/1211/rec/3 Fire insurance maps, 1915, Council of Fire and Accident Underwriters' Association of New Zealand, Map 9128 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/maps/id/9340/rec/1

In this episode we catch up with Renée Orr to discuss the recently acquired privately-published book of prints by the Japanese woodblock artist Hiroshige (1797-1858). Renée shares the back story of the book to include reference to the front ex libris bookplate of Hilda Wiseman and the intersection of interests with the book's creator Percy Neville Barnett. For images and to read more go to: https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2026/03/awekura-hiroshige.html Books about Japanese woodblock printing and Hiroshige in the lending collection: Japanese woodblocks : masterpieces of art https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/search/card?id=e36bdd9e-611c-5d58-82e6-43ea6cb2d187&entityType=FormatGroup Japanese woodblock prints artists, publishers, and masterworks, 1680-1900 https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/search/card?id=3982e56a-1106-5e03-9b22-5d6ae823939c&entityType=FormatGroup Hiroshige : 1797-1858 : master of Japanese Ukiyo-e woodblock prints https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/search/card?id=8672e9c2-887f-5952-b655-20dec9edb785&entityType=FormatGroup Hiroshige : 1797-1858 https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/search/card?id=474de03c-8fb5-53d4-9f5c-2ffa5decc512&entityType=FormatGroup Hilda Wiseman collection https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/search/card?id=d712d073-8ee7-5001-9fcd-9487dd240255&entityType=FormatGroup In another dimension : Auckland bookplates 1920-1960 (PR:PURI 2002) Link to blog: https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2015/06/bookplates-hilda-wiseman-and-auckland.html Awekura is a kupu drawn from Māori weaponry, particularly the taiaha. It refers to the arero, the tongue of the taiaha, which is adorned with kura, red feathers. The term reflects both the physical beauty and their deeper spiritual and narrative significance. Awekura is the name given to our blog and podcast series that showcases treasures within Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections, presented by our library specialists.

In this episode we kōrero with Robert Eruera - Pou Whakarae Taonga Tuku Iho Māori and Maureen Ned - Poukokiri Whakatapoko Tapaenga about a project that, through headsets and augmented reality , we bring to life Heritage Collections and the stories related to the sites of signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. To read more about this material in the blog here: https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2026/02/awekura-te-tiriti-ki-tamaki-makaurau.html Follow to be notified when each new episodes is published. Explore the unpublished heritage collections via Kura Heritage Collections online www.kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz and printed material via the Auckland Libraries Catalogue - www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

In this Pride, Love is Love edition, Alison is joined in the studio by poet and actor Dan Goodwin, to discuss the tropes and folx of three recently published queer romance novels. All three books can be borrowed from the Bestie collection displays or requested from the Auckland Libraries catalogue. The broposal by Sonora Reyes https://bit.ly/3NMbRmJ The thrill of the chase by Kathryn Nolan https://bit.ly/3LP8if0 Isn't it obvious? By Rachel Runya Katz https://bit.ly/4sIH2zx Enjoyed this episode? Follow for future episodes. Send an email to reading@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Find out more about our Bestie collections at www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

Orlando Furioso was the focus for the talk delivered by Dr Jack Ross, the first of the scholars to speak at the Don Smith Symposium. In 2024 Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections gained an important collection with the gift of 183 titles collected by the late Professor Emeritus Donald Ian Brice Smith (Don). The collection of early modern books published before 1801 comprises several hundred volumes. The collection is now housed in archival boxes, each with a label which features Don's signature, to show the provenance from the library of Professor Smith. To honour this significant collection Auckland Libraries invited academics from across the country to talk about books in this collection. The event took place on 8 November 2025. All forty-six plates in this copy of Orlando Furioso can now be accessed on Kura Heritage Collections: https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/rarebooks/id/14958/rec/1 You can read more in these Heritage et AL blogs: https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2025/10/discovering-dora-carrington-in-dons.html https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2025/12/five-hundred-years-of-books-collector.html And additionally in this blog by Dr Jack Ross https://mairangibay.blogspot.com/2025/10/auckland-central-library-seminar-81125.html

This track features Dr Mark Houlahan. In his talk he addresses the question: ‘Why should members of the Auckland Free Public Library bother with religious and political quarrels from 17th century England? Can these handsome 300-year-old books still speak to Aotearoa in 2025?' In 2024 Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections gained an important collection with the gift of 183 titles collected by the late Professor Emeritus Donald Ian Brice Smith (Don). The collection of early modern books published before 1801 comprises several hundred volumes. The collection is now housed in archival boxes, each with a label which features Don's signature, to show the provenance from the library of Professor Smith. To honour this significant collection Auckland Libraries invited academics from across the country to talk about books in this collection. The event took place on 8 November 2025. Ref: To explore the text discussed see: Andrew Marvell / The Rehearsal Transpros'd (1673). Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections MARV 1673 https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/search/card?id=3d966467-b312-5c96-9dda-754ba25af1df&entityType=FormatGroup You can read more in these Heritage et AL blogs: heritageetal.blogspot.com/2025/10/disc…in-dons.html https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2025/12/five-hundred-years-of-books-collector.html And additionally in this blog by Dr Jack Ross mairangibay.blogspot.com/2025/10/auck…r-81125.html

In this track hear from the third speaker at the Don Smith symposium Dr Shef Rogers from the University of Otago. He spoke about “The Messy but Revealing Immediacy of Miscellanies” using Don's set of the eleven volumes that comprise the set of miscellaneous prose and verse from Jonathan Swift and friends. In 2024 Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections gained an important collection with the gift of 183 titles collected by the late Professor Emeritus Donald Ian Brice Smith (Don). The collection of early modern books published before 1801 comprises several hundred volumes. The collection is now housed in archival boxes, each with a label which features Don's signature, to show the provenance from the library of Professor Smith. To honour this significant collection Auckland Libraries invited academics from across the country to talk about books in this collection. The event took place on 8 November 2025. You can read more in these Heritage et AL blogs: https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2025/10/discovering-dora-carrington-in-dons.html https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2025/12/five-hundred-years-of-books-collector.html And additionally in this blog by Dr Jack Ross https://mairangibay.blogspot.com/2025/10/auckland-central-library-seminar-81125.html

In this Awekura episode we talk with Pasifika Curator Pamata Toleafoa about material items which feature tapa cloth. Items include a signature greeting card to an early 1900s tapa newspaper. Pamata shares the story behind these items and the value of tapa material across Te Moana Nui a Kiwa. To read more about this material: Listen to a series of talks on the 1780s Alexander Shaw compiled Tapa Book - https://soundcloud.com/auckland-libraries/sets/tapa-talks and view the page items online here: kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/c…144/rec/5 Visit to see these items on display at the Central City Library through to March 2026 in the Lupe I Vao Ese exhibition: https://new.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/en/lupe-i-vao-ese.html

In this episode of the Awekura series we talk with Renée Orr, Rare Book specialist and Curatorial Services Team Leader at Auckland Council Libraries Heritage Collections. Renee shares with us a rare 17th Century book, its history and provenance, to this recently donated gift to the Heritage Collection. It's a bit of a tongue twister of a title! "The Memorable Works of a Son of Thunder and Consolation: Namely, that True Prophet, and Faithful Servant of God, and Sufferer for the Testimony of Jesus, Edward Burroughs, who Dyed a Prisoner for the Word of God, in the City of London, the Fourteenth of the Twelfth Moneth, 1662". The book was printed in 1672 in London and is a collection of the writings of influential Quaker, Edward Burrough. Read more about the book and find links to related material here: https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2025/11/awekura-edward-burrough-1634-1663.html Image: A collage produced by Julian Lubin from photographs of the Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections.

Recorded live, this concert celebrated 20 wonderful years of music brought to you through Auckland Libraries concert series. The unique programme brought together talented musician who have participated in many years of concert performance. Lawrence Wong (piano) 5min - 20min approx. Étude in C Major, Op. 10, No. 1 Chopin Nostalgia, from Distant Voices Gao Ping Canzona Serenata, from Forgotten Melodies, Book I, Op. 38, No. 6 Medtner Primavera, from Forgotten Melodies, Book II, Op. 39, No. 3 Medtner Francis-Lee Duo 20min - 40min approx. Charlotte Francis (violin) with Gemma Lee (piano) Spring Sonata (Ist movt) Beethoven Selected movements from Much Ado About Nothing Suite for violin and piano Korngold Hot Canary! Paul Nero William Green (piano) 40 - 55mins approx. Foxglove Bells Ernest Jenner Two Little Birds F. Hutchens No. 1 from 24 Preludes for Solo Piano Jeremy Cullen No. 16, 15, 18, 9 and 8 from 24 Short Preludes for Piano William Green A Score for Celebration William Green Auckland Philharmonia's Aspiring Musicians 55min - 1:09min approx. Featuring Amada Quartet with Formaggio Invention No. 1 (Formaggio) J S Bach Marziale (Formaggio) Rochberg Vivace Assai (mvt 4) from String Quartet in D minor (Amada) Haydn Concerto Doppio Op. 3 (Formaggio + Amada) Handel Mezzo Soprano Margo Knightbridge shares a few words Lawrence Wong (piano) Born in Hong Kong and raised in New Zealand, Lawrence Wong recently graduated from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music under Professor Emile Naoumoff. Currently he is studying for his PHD in Chemistry at the University of Auckland. William Green (piano) William Green studied piano with Jean MacLachlan in Ashburton, and with Maurice Till at the University of Canterbury, graduating MA/MusB. His diverse career as a pianist has involved work with opera, dance, choirs, improv theatre, silent film and as a solo recitalist, performing music by around 70 NZ composers in New Zealand, Australia and Fiji. He is also an arranger, teacher, music director, pre-concert speaker reviewer, writer on music and poet. . Francis-Lee Duo Formed in 2016, Francis-Lee Duo consists of University of Auckland School of Music graduates, violinist Dr Charlotte Francis and pianist Gemma Lee. Both have gained individual successes in chamber music throughout New Zealand and overseas Formaggio is a double reed duo, consisting of Milli Manins on oboe and Sue Lynn Leong on bassoon. They are excited to share the unique music and sounds of the double reeds. Amada Quartet Amada Quartet is made up of violinists Lorna Zhang and Sarah Lee, violist Esther Oh, and cellist Howard Lu. They are based in Auckland and studied music from the University of Auckland School of Music. The musicians are part of the Auckland Philharmonia Aspiring Musicians Programme and emerging soloists on their respective instruments.

Join Marilyn Portman in conversation with Sue Berman on the history of musical concerts at the Auckland City Central Library. In this interview she shares the story behind the foundation of the regular concert series, its many different iterations, and shares some favourite moments across her long career as a music librarian. For more images and to read more about the concerts check out our Heritage et AL blog https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2025/09/celebrating-twenty-years-of-heritage.html Image: Photo by Benjamin Brooking taken for the Ngako: Musical Manuscripts recording 2022.

On Thursday 26 June 2025, Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero | Central City Library presented The Kotuku Quintet in a special concert: From Mozart to Matariki The programme was based on a Mozart piano concerto and drew on inspiration from the celebration of Matariki in a brand new work by pianist and composer Louise Webster. Piano concerto no. 13 in C, KV 415 W.A. Mozart Allegro ; Andante ; Rondeau: Allegro Mozart's Piano concerto in C KV 415 was written in Vienna in 1782, one of three composed for sale to the Viennese public by advance subscription. A major selling point was that they were composed not only for concert use but also for performance at home, as the wind parts were not structurally important and could easily be dispensed with. The concerto is in three movements. The opening Allegro has a march-like theme, the Andante is lyrical and operatic in character, and the work ends with a Rondeau finale, where jovial sections alternate with a pair of pathos-laden Adagios. Phantasy for Piano Quartet in F# minor Frank Bridge The Phantasy for Piano Quartet was written in 1910, and is one of Bridge s most characterful early works, showing the influence of Brahms and French Romanticisim. All the musical ideas spring from the passionate opening flourish. There are three main sections. The first, Andante con moto , flows with Gallic grace, rather like a Barcarolle. A scherzo, Allegro vivace , follows, with a contrasting song song-like trio section that looks back to the opening ideas. A short recitative recitative-like passage then leads back to a reprise of the opening themes. The music moves into an impassioned climax before dying away to what Benjamin Britten described as a short coda which suggests the deep red afterglow of a sunset Lastly the feature piece - The paths of the sisters (2025) Louise Webster This work was commissioned by Ngā Pātaka Korero o Tamaki Makaurau for the celebration of Matariki. The title of the work 'following the paths of the sisters' refers to the Matariki constellation, welcoming the growth of the year to come. The stars are known as Matariki in Aotearoa and the Pleiades (the seven sisters) in the North. In many cultures the stars are viewed as a group of sisters, often accompanied by other family members. "While writing this work I thought of my for-bears, travelling by sea in 1839 from Caithness in the North of Scotland to Aotearoa, following the Matariki stars which remained a constant while all else changed" Louise Webster - composer. The Kotuku Quintet are: Simon Ansell (violin), John Seager (violin), Judith Gust (viola), Sally-Anne Brown (cello), and Louise Webster (piano).

The Tāmaki Untold series celebrates the taonga, stories and creativity of Auckland. In this episode listen in to the conversation held at Nga Pātaka Kōrero o Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Central Library on Otherhood: Conversation about being childless, childfree and child-adjacent with guest writers Lil O'Brien and Paula Morris. Facilitated by librarian reading engagement specialist Alison Fitzpatrick. Otherhood was published in 2024 and is available for loan on the libraries catalogue: discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz "In Aotearoa the number of people who will never have children is growing - and they're pushing back against the narrative that if they don't, their lives will be somehow 'less than'. Otherhood's essays are by writers who've felt on the outside looking in, who've lived unexpected lives, and who've given the finger to social expectations. Some chose to be childfree, some didn't get to choose, and some - through bereavement or blended family dynamics - ask themselves: Am I a mother or am I other? Thought-provoking, moving and often hilarious, Otherhood opens a more inclusive conversation about what makes a fulfilling life."--Publisher's website. Profile of speakers: Lil O'Brien contributed to and co-edited Otherhood. They are the author of beloved Kiwi coming-out memoir Not That I'd Kiss a Girl, published in 2020. Lil's writing has been described as “admirably frank.” Even better is her ability to recount what it's like to come to terms, as fully as one can, with one's own place in the world. They are an award-winning copywriter by day, and have been published in The Spinoff, takahē, Ensemble magazine and more. Lil is currently writing the screenplay for Not That I'd Kiss a Girl with South Pacific Pictures. Dr Paula Morris (Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Manuhiri, Ngāti Whātua) is an award-winning novelist, short-story writer, editor and essayist. She is an associate professor at the University of Auckland, where they direct the Master's of creative writing. Paula is the founder of the Academy of NZ Literature, and Wharerangi – the online Māori Literature Hub. She is also editor of the Aotearoa New Zealand Review of Books. She is the editor of the anthologies A Clear Dawn: New Asian Voices from Aotearoa New Zealand (2021, with Alison Wong), and Hiwa: Contemporary Māori Short Stories (2023). Otherhood: Essays on being childless, childfree and child-adjacent. Edited by Alie Benge, Lil O'Brien, and Kathryn Van Beek, published by Massey University Press (August 2024).

Alison is joined in the studio by author Michael Bennett, to discuss his novel Carved in Blood, the third instalment in the gripping Hana Westerman series. Carved in Blood is published by Simon & Schuster and can be borrowed from Bestie collection displays in all Auckland Council libraries or requested from the Auckland Libraries catalogue https://bit.ly/3H48jtm This interview was recorded for Auckland Council Libraries' We Read Auckland festival of Auckland's readers and writers, celebrated 1 - 31 August 2025. Visit aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/WeReadAKL for more details.

Alison is joined in the studio by author Diana Wichtel, to discuss her memoir Unreel: A life in review, published by Penguin. Diana is an award-winning reviewer and bestselling author of Driving to Treblinka. Unreel is a brilliantly funny, achingly nostalgic memoir of a life spent watching and writing. Unreel can be borrowed from Bestie collection displays in all Auckland Council libraries or requested from the Auckland Libraries catalogue https://bit.ly/4m4TsOg This interview was recorded for Auckland Council Libraries' We Read Auckland festival of Auckland's readers and writers, celebrated 1 - 31 August 2025. Visit aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/WeReadAKL for more details.

On Saturday 28 June in celebration of Matariki and as part of our Tāmaki Untold series, Auckland Libraries hosted a conversation between Roimata Smail, author of ‘Understanding Te Tiriti' and Avril Bell, author of ‘Becoming Tangata Tiriti'. The two authors discussed the meaning of Te Tiriti and how we can work on better honouring this foundational document. The rich conversation and exploration of ideas, offer listeners a conversational glimpse into the detail of the books' content. Listen in to the conversation here and follow the links below for access to further reading. Understanding Te Tirit - Roimata Smail https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/search/card?id=13e92daf-1efc-5609-8139-601169f69151&entityType=FormatGroup Becoming Tangata Tiriti - Avril Bell https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/search/card?id=c360b902-8e03-563a-933e-9b559553871b&entityType=FormatGroup Follow Auckland Libraries for regular Tāmaki Untold conversations and other Heritage and Research events. www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz Interview host: Annette Keogh for Auckland Libraries Public Engagement. Image supplied: Emily Chalk Photography

In this track Sue Berman talks with Tania Mace about her research into early inner city Auckland neighbourhoods. Tania talks about her history research interests, her approach to documentary heritage material, her discoveries and the opportunities for research still to come. Tania's research was undertaken with the support of the Auckland Libraries Heritage Trust - John Stacpoole Scholarship and through the use of the Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections. Listen to the associated oral history clips - https://soundcloud.com/auckland-libraries/sets/lost-neighbourhoods-of Read about Tania's research findings on Heritage et AL https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2025/05/lost-neighbourhoods-of-central-auckland.html Information about the ALHT John Stacpoole Scholarship here: https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2025/05/auckland-library-heritage-trust-john.html Read: Tania's recent publication The near west : a history of Grey Lynn, Arch Hill and Westmere https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/search/card?id=5d618312-e8c3-5cf4-9d6f-b31a81c813f6&entityType=FormatGroup

Explore space, time, and technology in science fiction through indigenous lenses with award-winning author Dr Gina Cole (Black Ice Matter; Na Viro) and writer, critic and producer, Dan Taipua. Dr. Gina Cole is an award-winning author of Fijian, Scottish and Welsh descent. Her collection Black Ice Matter won the Hubert Church Prize for Best First Book Fiction in 2017. Her science fiction fantasy novel Na Viro (Huia, 2022) is a work of Pasifikafuturism following sisters wayfinding through sea and space. Awarded the 2023 Fulbright-Creative New Zealand Pacific Writer's Residency in 2023, she is currently working on the second book in her Turukawa Trilogy. Dan Taipua (Waikato-Tainui) is a writer and critic working in Tāmaki Makaurau. His interests cross through art history, popular culture and Te Ao Māori with a particular focus on futurism and imagined worlds. In 2015, Dan Taipua and Sophie Wilson produced the documentary Aotearoa Futurism for RNZ Music, interviewing Māori and Pasifika artists whose works explore the boundaries of technology and time. This work has inspired further study of indigenous futurisms by scholars and creators alike and continues to shape Taipua's own critical practice. This talk is in association with our sci-fi exhibition 'Other Worlds' and the 'Tāmaki Untold' series. Exhibition is open from 19 February to 2 August 2025 in the Heritage Gallery, Level 2, Central City Library / Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero. Explore selected works by Dr Gina Cole and Dan Taipua along with some of the books, authors and works mentioned in this episode – all available either at Auckland Council Libraries or online. Na Viro by Gina Cole. Huia Publishers, 2022 Wayfinding Pasifikafuturism : an indigenous science fiction vision of the ocean in space : a thesis by Gina Cole. Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand, 2020 https://mro.massey.ac.nz/items/21b05630-28b2-4d93-85e9-f7156be8f0d9 Aotearoa Futurism Part One: Space Maori and Astronesians - podcast by Dan Taipua and Sophie Wilson, RNZ Music, 2015 https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/nat-music/audio/201782605/aotearoa-futurism-part-one Aotearoa Futurism Part Two: South Pacific Futurists podcast by Dan Taipua and Sophie Wilson, RNZ Music, 2015 Remains to be Told: Dark Tales from Aotearoa edited by Lee Murray. Clan Destine Press, 2023 Walking the Stars: An Anthology of Indigenous Science Fiction edited by Grace Dillon Star Waka by Robert Sullivan Auckland University Press, 1999 The Routledge Book of CoFuturisms edited by Taryne Jade Taylor, Isiah Lavender III, Grace L. Dillon and Bodhisattva Chattopadhyay. 1st edition, 2023. Full text available via Open Access with Taylor and Francis under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND. How To Loiter in a Turf War by Coco Solid. Penguin Random House NZ, 2022 Island Time: South Pacific Futurism From a Contemporary Aotearoa Perspective by Jessica “Coco” Hansell published in The Funambulist, Issue 24: Futurisms, 2019 Navigator by Che Fu (Music CD) Sony, 2001 Lisa Reihana: Emissaries by Lisa Reihana. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, 2017 Goddess Muscle by Dr Karlo Mila Huia Publishers, 2020 Waerea by Mokotron (Music LP). Stebbing Recording Studio, 2024 Terra Nullius by Claire G. Coleman. Hachette Australia, 2017 How Māui Defied the Goddess of Death by Peter Gossage. 3rd edition, Puffin Books, 2012 You Are Here by Peata Larkin and Whiti Hereaka. Massey University Press, 2025

In this bonus track join host Sue Berman as she talks with Florette Cardon, Senior Library Research Assistant and exhibition curator researcher. Florette tells the story of how she came to dig deep into the world of Science Fiction art and design, leading her to discover and celebrate the work of Auckland born artist Mike Hinge. See the exhibition on the Ground Floor of the Central City Library until the end of April or read more here: https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2025/03/the-legacy-of-mike-hinge.html Visit the onsite exhibition and join us in a series of events and activations: www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/Other-Worl…exhibition For recommended reads visit: www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/Other-Worlds-reads Image: Florette Cardon in the exhibition, Central City Library, March 2025. Produced by Sue Berman and JL.

This clip is drawn from an oral history with Suzanne Chan On as part of the From Guangdong to Aotearoa Collection. In this snippet Suzanne talks about activities seen and unseen. She describes shops, gambling and opium dens in the Greys Avenue neighbourhood. See the exhibition: Lost Neighbourhoods of Central Auckland on Level 2 of the Central City Library April - May 2025 Suzanne Chan On, oral history, 2014, interviewer Sue Gee, From Guangdong to Aotearoa Collection, Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections, OH-1133-003 Image: Accompany material from OH-1133-003.