Kids urged to get snapping in the rain for photo comp

A rain-themed photography competition is the highlight of a range of Matariki school holiday activities at libraries in Mahurangi East, Warkworth and Wellsford this month.

The focus of the contest is Waipunārangi, the Matariki star linked to the coming of rain, so children and teens are being encouraged to snap photos of things linked to rain that inspire them – anything from clouds and rainbows to reflections and puddles.

Warkworth’s Photo Store and youth photography tutoring programme Click Happy are providing prizes in two age categories and entries will be judged by The Photo Store.

To enter, tamariki and rangatahi should email their photos to their nearest library with ‘Matariki Photography Competition’ in the subject line and details of their name, age, contact details and a brief description of each photo. The email addresses are mahurangieast.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, warkworth.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or wellsford.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Entries must be received by Monday, July 25.

Other Matariki-themed library activities include a workshop by well-known Pakiri artist Ra Gossage in the traditional art of kōwhaiwhai, the ornate swirl patterns used in Maori decoration. As well as learning about the practice, children will be able to view some of Ra’s work and make their own kōwhaiwhai. The workshop will take place on Tuesday, July 19 at 10am and bookings are required – email wellsfordlibrary@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Warkworth Library activities include a Matariki yoga session with Little Yoga Warkworth, a Matariki family fun morning with Whaea Claire, pātikitiki art and star weaving, a scavenger hunt sponsored by Chocolate Brown, and a talk on the Birds of Tāwharanui with community ranger Larissa Bickers Cherrie on July 19 at 10.30am.

Mahurangi East Library will have a range of special Matariki arts and crafts activities, as well as special story-time sessions.

And all libraries will have a new Matariki-themed reading challenge, where kids and teens can log their reading and completed activities to earn badges and go in the draw for prizes.

Info: https://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/Pages/school-holidays.asp