Summer reading programme leads tamariki to hidden kingdoms

The final chapter has closed on this year’s Summer Reading programme at He Puna Mārama, Far North District Libraries, with scores of tamariki across the Te Hiku o Te Ika diving into books, creativity and imagination.

Over the past few years, the summer reading programmes have centred on the four hidden kingdoms of Te Hiku o Te Ika. Each year, tamariki were invited to discover new layers of these kingdoms and the characters who bring them to life.

The theme of this year’s programme was Rukuhia Ngā Taiao: Kingdom Explorers, which dove deeper into two of the four realms, Sky and Earth. Running from 5 January to 13 February, the programme invited young readers to uncover stories, complete challenges and take part in hands-on activities designed to keep curious minds busy over the school holidays.

Across six libraries, 380 English and 50 Te Reo Māori challenge booklets were given out. But this year was about more than registrations, it was about engagement. Each library created its own ‘Tree of Engagement’, with every completed challenge and attended programme earning a leaf. By the end of the challenge, 900 leaves had blossomed across the district. An incredible 642 people attended library programmes, filling spaces with laughter, learning and community spirit.

From reading 10 books and writing reviews, to drawing Waiku the gecko and Pepe the moth, creating comics, borrowing Toi boxes and visiting a new library for the first time, there were plenty of ways for tamariki to get involved. The kaupapa was simple: make reading fun, accessible and rewarding for everyone.

The adventure wrapped up with prize draws over the past week, made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors. Our libraries team wants to say a huge thank you to all our tamariki and their whānau who made this summer one to remember. Until next year’s adventure… keep exploring!