Libraries set to inspire young scribes!

Monday, June 14 2004

Libraries set to inspire young scribes!

This week public libraries throughout New Zealand celebrate the nationwide launch of the Nestlé Write Around New Zealand: Nestlé Tuhi Amio Whenua creative writing competition for 2004.

In Canterbury, award winning author, Joanna Orwin, will visit the Central City Library to encourage children to get writing. In Taranaki, the competition will be launched with the release of 'Nestlé Write Around New Zealand' branded balloons, and in the Bay of Plenty, the competition will take flight with origami planes. Many other interesting activities are scheduled to take place at libraries around the country.

Nestlé Write Around New Zealand: Nestlé Tuhi Amio Whenua is a national creative writing programme in which Year 7 and 8 students compete for a share of $60,000 worth of prizes. By entering a story of up to 500 words, children can win collections of great Kiwi books for themselves and their school libraries and backpacks full of Nestlé products. Visit www.writearound.co.nz for entry forms.

National coordinator, Kaye Lally from Auckland City Libraries, says the public libraries are delighted to be involved with the programme that encourages children to think creatively and use their imagination.

"The competition nurtures children's creativity and helps keep the art of story writing alive in both Te Reo Maori and English," she says.

Maurice Gunnell, Nestlé New Zealand's manager corporate services, says the programme demonstrates Nestlé's commitment to nurturing young New Zealander's creativity in their writing.

"Nestlé Write Around New Zealand is specially designed to stimulate originality and creativity in writing for Year 7 and 8 school children. Last year over 8,500 entries were received and we hope this year even more children will put pen to paper and get involved.

"This initiative, now in its fourth year, has enjoyed immense success. We are encouraged by the support of community leaders and the local involvement in showcasing the talent of our young writers," Mr Gunnell says.

The programme will select 150 finalists from 10 zones nationwide with 30 winners chosen at regional events travelling to Auckland for the national presentation where two winners will be announced, one each from Year 7 and Year 8 entries.

As part of the programme public libraries throughout the country will hold creative writing workshops for local school students with celebrated New Zealand authors during July and August.

Nestlé Write Around New Zealand: Nestlé Tuhi Amio Whenua is a Nestlé funded community programme coordinated by Auckland City Libraries and supported by public libraries around New Zealand. Entries will be accepted in both English and Maori. Competition entry forms and conditions are available from schools, public libraries and online at www.writearound.co.nz

ENDS

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