Otago Literacy Association

Reading for Pleasure: More Important Than Ever

Jackie McMillan one of our AMAZING Otago Literacy Association committee members has asked us to share this with you. Jackie is a librarian at the Dunedin City Library. They have so many fantastic events happening weekly across our libraries in Dunedin and surrounds - https://www.dunedinlibraries.govt.nz/news-and-events/events-calendar

Join Te Awhi Rito NZ Reading Ambassador, Kate De Goldi, for a thought-provoking and inspiring public talk celebrating New Zealand Children's Book Week.

Research tells us that reading for enjoyment is one of the strongest predictors of children's educational success, yet reading for pleasure is declining among young people in Aotearoa. What can we do to help build a nation of readers?

📅 Sunday 16 August
🕑 2.00–3.00 pm
📍 Fourth Floor, Dunedin City Library
💚 FREE

Whether you're an educator, librarian, parent, whānau member, or simply passionate about books, this is a wonderful opportunity to hear from one of Aotearoa's leading voices in children's literature.

We'd love to see you there!

The Otago Literacy Association's 2026 Poetry Competition is now open!

This year's theme is ✨ Taonga | Taoka ✨ – inviting children and young people to celebrate the people, places, memories and treasures that are special to them through poetry.

Open to:
📖 ECE (Shared or Visual Poem)
📖 Years 1–3
📖 Years 4–6
📖 Years 7–8

Prizes will be awarded in every category!

Entries close Thursday 24 September 2026.

We can't wait to read the amazing creativity from young writers across Otago. Please share this opportunity with your students, colleagues, and school community!

Calling all young writers!

The Otago Literacy Association is thrilled to welcome award-winning children's author Swapna Haddow for a special Word Weaving poetry and writing workshop for Year 5–8 students!

Whether your students already love writing or are just discovering the joy of words, this interactive workshop will inspire them to explore language, imagery and poetry in fun and creative ways. There'll also be practical ideas for accompanying teachers to take back to the classroom.

When: Thursday 13 August
Time: 1.30–2.30 pm
Venue: University of Otago College of Education

Schools can register 3–4 students plus one accompanying teacher, with additional teacher places also available. Spaces are limited, so be quick!

👉 Register here: https://forms.gle/9wYvxpwvzVPVMtz27

We can't wait to welcome young writers from across Otago for an inspiring afternoon with one of today's most celebrated children's authors!

The Poets XYZ are delighted to announce our Around the World poetry competition for National Poetry Day!

The competition is for anyone over the age of 18 living in New Zealand. You can submit up to 3 poems for children on the theme of 'Around the World'.

Our judge is renowned children's writer and poet, Bill Nagelkerke.

See the pinned post for more details via link below.

Entries close 31 July. Winners announced on NZ National Poetry Day, Friday 28 August.

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20poets%20xyz

✨ Matariki Books to Inspire Young Readers ✨

One of the best ways to celebrate Matariki is by sharing stories together. Books help us explore the traditions, meanings, values, and stories of Matariki while building a love of reading. Here are a few of our favourites:

⭐ Flit the Fantail and the Matariki Map by Kat Quin
⭐ Matariki by Gavin Bishop
⭐ Seven Kites of Matariki by Calico McClintock & Dominique Ford
⭐ Matariki Around the World: A Cluster of Stars, A Cluster of Stories by Miriama Kamo & Rangi Matamua, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White
⭐ Matariki by Melanie Drewery, illustrated by Bruce Potter
⭐ The Astromancer: The Rising of Matariki by Witi Ihimaera, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White

These books offer wonderful opportunities for reading aloud, rich discussions, oral language, and writing activities while deepening learners' understanding of Matariki.

💬 What's your favourite Matariki book? We'd love to hear your recommendations in the comments and continue growing this list for teachers, librarians, and whānau across Aotearoa.

Mānawatia a Matariki! ✨

Matariki Waiata

What a fantastic day!

Thank you to the 145 students, teachers, and schools who took part in our inaugural Ōtepoti Literacy Challenge. It was wonderful to celebrate a love of reading and writing while seeing so much enthusiasm, teamwork, and creativity on display.

A huge thank you to our quiz masters Swapna Haddow, Callum, and P from The Hits; our judges Jackie McMillan and Hera Bird; Tahuna Normal Intermediate for hosting; our amazing student leaders; and the dedicated Otago Literacy Association Committee who made the day possible.

We're already looking forward to doing it all again in Term 2, 2027!

In the meantime, keep an eye out for our upcoming Term 3 events:
- our annual Poetry Competition
- a Years 5–8 Writing Workshop with Swapna Haddow (flyer and registrations coming next week)
- Louise Dempsey's workshop on Whole-Class Reading Instruction – register here: https://forms.gle/6dTQhpEb1LLr51tN9

Rauemi | Resources Download the Matariki resources here.

FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE: Whole-Class Reading Instruction

Join literacy consultant and educator Louise Dempsey for an inspiring and highly practical workshop exploring explicit reading instruction within the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum.

Louise will share a clear weekly structure for teaching reading and practical strategies to help students:
✅ Build vocabulary
✅ Develop reading fluency
✅ Practise decoding and self-monitoring
✅ Strengthen comprehension
✅ Engage in rich discussions about texts

Participants will receive sample weekly plans and classroom-ready resources to take away and use immediately.

Date: Monday 7 September
Time: 4.00–8.00pm
Venue:Tahuna Normal Intermediate, Dunedin
Cost: $50 OLA members | $65 non-members | $20 ITE students

Finger foods provided

Perfect for teachers working with Years 3–8 (Phases 2 and 3).

Register now:
https://forms.gle/2GMxdUDiCGivMRo19

Places are limited, so don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of New Zealand's leading literacy educators.

🇼🇸 Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa | Samoan Language Week 2026 🇼🇸

This week we celebrate the beauty, culture, and stories of Gagana Samoa. Language is more than words, it carries culture, identity, stories, values, and connections across generations.

This week, why not:
• Learn a new Samoan phrase
• Read a Samoan story aloud
• Share a bilingual text with your class
• Explore books by Samoan authors and illustrators
• Invite learners to share their own languages and stories
• Celebrate the joy of reading across cultures and communities

Helpful resources:
• Mila's Books - https://milasbooks.com/
•https://pacificlearners.co.nz/portfolio-item/learn-samoan/
• https://www.twinkl.co.nz/event/samoa-language-week-2026

You can also find Samoan and Pasifika stories in Ready to Read, Junior Journal, School Journal, and the Connected Series.

Let's celebrate the languages, stories, and cultures that enrich Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ia manuia le Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa! 🇼🇸❤️