Manukau Libraries Pacific Island Week

Manukau Libraries Pacific Island Week – a vibrant celebration

Manukau’s Pacific Island young people will have the chance to celebrate and showcase their culture when Pacific Island Week begins on 13 August. Run each year by Manukau City Council’s Libraries, the theme this year is ‘Youth Pasifika 2001’ aimed at Pacific Island youth.

Chris Szekely, Manager of Manukau Libraries explains, “This year we wish to promote libraries as a gateway for exploring Pacific Island culture, literature, art and music,”

“Our goal is always to assist Pacific Island youth to develop a sense of pride in their heritage through encouraging the written and spoken usage of home languages. We also want to celebrate the positive contribution Pacific Island youth make to the diversity and energy of Manukau.”

Guest speakers have been invited to talk to young people to encourage them to retain and have a sense of pride in their culture. The celebratory week will include an art and writing competition for primary and intermediate age children, as well as a new section for Pacific Island youth.

Mr Szekely says, “Manukau Libraries also want to encourage older children to show their creativity and flair through their Pacific Island language, so this year we have included an art/songwriting/poetry/rapping competition for secondary school students.”

This year’s prizegiving will be a special outdoor event, held at the new library in Otara, Tupu – Dawson Road Youth Library, on 13 September. The Mayor of Manukau, Sir Barry Curtis, will present the prizes.

The evening will showcase the winning entries in the competition and will provide an opportunity for families from across Manukau City to explore the new youth library.

Manukau Libraries Pacific Island Week - Monday 13 – Friday 17 August
Prizegiving - Thursday 13 September at Tupu, Dawson Road Youth Library, Otara

ENDS

Media Contact
Gabrielle Hinton
Media Liaison
Corporate Communications
Manukau City Council
Phone: (09) 2628900 x 8650
Fax: (09) 2625759
Email: ghinton@manukau.govt.nz

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