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There will be no excuse for children to say “I’m bored” during the upcoming school holidays, which start on July 3.
Mahurangi’s three public libraries have put together an eclectic mix of activities to cater for all tastes, from scavenger hunts to Lego workshops, story challenges and star gazing.
There is a strong Matariki influence reflecting this year’s theme Matariki herenga waka – for everyone. Some of the activities require participants to book ahead, but most are conveniently billed as drop-in sessions, no booking necessary.
All activities are free and complement regular library activities such as half hour storytime for ages three to five, and Wriggle and Rhyme for babies/toddlers.
Warkworth
Monday July 6, 10.30-11.30am
Story adventures live Author talk and fun activities with talented author Maria Artho.
Tuesday July 7, 10.30 – 11.30am
Lantern making
Lanterns light the way for the Māori New Year.
Wednesday July 8, 10.30am-12pm
Microgreens for Kids
A fun, hands-on Love Food Hate Waste workshop where kids discover how easy it is to grow their own food. For children aged 6-12 years. Children must attend with an adult. Bookings essential at warkworth.library@alexis-poppelbaum
Thursday July 9, 2-4pm
Gaming afternoon and chill zone
Drop in for a gaming good time with VR headsets (age 10+), Nintendo Switch Games, tabletop games and more. Enjoy the Chill Zone with free snacks provided. This event will be held in the Warkworth Masonic Hall.
Monday July 13, 10.30-11.30am
Matariki Yoga with Zuzana
A fun, free Matariki themed yoga session with Zuzana, the face behind Little Yoga Warkworth. Bookings essential at warkworth.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Tuesday July 14, 5.30-7pm
Astronomy Night with the Auckland Astronomical Society and cookie decorating
An interactive presentation by Niven, from the AAS, that will take you on a journey from planet Earth to the beginning of time and space. Then decorate a star cookie, have some hot chocolate and do some stargazing through telescopes. Wear something warm. Bookings essential at warkworth.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Wednesday July 15, 10.30-11.30am
Create with Clay
Create your own unique clay masterpiece to take home.
Thursday July 16, 10.30-11.30am
Library Space Quest
Drop in for a quest experience with creative space themed challenges and hands-on fun.
Friday July 17, 10.30-11am
Alphabeatz
Get moving and sing along with Alphabeatz, an entertaining and educational musical duo that write and perform songs for kids and whanau.
Saturday July 18, 9am-3pm
Art Scavenger Hunt
Wellsford
Manawatia a Matariki!
Warm up your winter with these events and drop-in activities.
Visitors can enter the ‘stars in a jar’ competition and try any of our fun Matariki activities.
Monday July 6, drop-in 2-4pm
Colour and Create
Make a folded Matariki star card to celebrate the season.
Tuesday July 7, drop-in 10.30am-12pm
Escape the Library!
Can you solve all five fun Matariki challenges? Complete all the tricky challenges then claim your prize and escape the library.
Wednesday July 8, 2-3pm
Matariki Puzzler
Who will win the Matariki digital quiz? Have a go with any of our Matariki puzzles and games.
Thursday July 9, drop-in 2-4pm
Light Up Silent Disco
Grab the whānau and come to the library for an all-ages craft and dance mash-up. You can make a Matariki lantern to light up the library. Pop on a pair of headphones to share in the music.
Monday July 13, 2-3pm
Harakeke Time
Discover how to make harakeke beads then create your own windchimes or decorations.
Tuesday July 14, 2-3pm
He akoranga Mau Rākau
For tikanga, coordination and fitness, join Anaru to learn the foundation stances and movements of this Māori martial art.
Rākau provided, for 10 years and over
Wednesday July 15, 2-3pm
Matariki Star Spinner
Colour and create a beautiful Matariki star that spins.
Thursday July 16, drop in 2-4pm
Smores and More
It’s a winter adventure trail obstacle course in the library. Complete all the challenges in the circuit to claim your hot drink and treat.
Friday July 17, drop in 2-4pm
Wellsford Library Lego Club
Get creative with the Wellsford Library Lego collection or try one of our new Lego challenges.
Mahurangi East
Monday July 6, ongoing throughout holidays
Wrapped up Reads
Wrapped children’s books with three clue words on the front: Funny, Animal, Adventure or Magic, Friendship, Winter. Kids choose one to borrow without seeing the cover, then “Rate Your Read” on slip provided (smiley face scale + favourite moment).
Tuesday July 7, 10.30 to 11.45am
Matariki lantern making day
Betty Paxton Room. Theme: Light in the winter sky, lanterns symbolising: Guidance, hope, remembrance and the stars of Matariki.
Wednesday July 8, 3 to 3.45pm
Matariki bingo
Thursday July 9, 10.30 to 11.30am
Create a character
Thursday – design a hero for our character wall in the library.
Friday July 10, 11 to 11.30am
Story time,
Matariki stars, includes colouring in station ages 5-8.
Monday July 13, 1-2.30pm
Stop, motion movie makers,
theme Matariki starry nights, Betty Paxton Room.
Tuesday July 1, 10.30-11.30am
Flax weaving, ages 7+.
Wednesday July 15, 10-11.30am
Art day with artist Sue Williams, animal paintings on canvas, 10 spots available, Betty Paxton Room, ages 7 to 11years.
Thursday July 16, 10am to 11am
Matariki kahoot challenge with Pip
Friday July 17
Wrapped up reads,
mini “Rate Your Read” slip end of school holiday, small prizes available when book review brought back to the library.
Info: www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/Pages/school-holidays.aspx
