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Everything from detection dogs and earthworms to wētā and wastebusting are on the menu at local libraries during the current school break.
Starting Tuesday, April 11, the theme for this holiday programme is Eco Warriors and there is a wide range of creative activities on offer that focus on reusing, recycling and minimising the things we would normally throw away.
There are also conservation crafts and a special visit to the Warkworth RSA to mark Anzac Day, plus an eco-themed reading challenge with prizes to be won.
Holiday highlights in Warkworth include a visit from Peter Caccia-Birch and his wētā hotel, where bug fans can learn all about these native NZ insects and make their own bug hotel to take home.
There’s also the chance to make balls made of recycled paper and packed with seeds that can be planted straight into a garden or pot, or gifted to friends and family.
At Wellsford, there are NZ wildlife puzzles hidden throughout the library and chances to upcycle old toys and T-shirts into new objects.
There will also be a visit from some four-legged friends, when one of Auckland Council’s pest detection dog teams pays a visit to explain how the hounds help with protecting the region’s biodiversity.
Dogs are also a focus at Mahurangi East Library in Snells Beach, where local knitting lady Sharon Dooney will be running a project to make blankets for rescue dogs at the Country Retreat animal sanctuary in Pohuehue.
There’s also a morning with ‘garden wrigglers’ – a chance to get up close to earthworms and learn all about what they do in the soil.
What’s happening and where …
WARKWORTH
Tuesday, April 11, 10.30am
Mahurangi Wastebusters
Join the Mahurangi Wastebusters team to learn about reducing waste
Wednesday, April 12, 10.30am
Seed Balls
Making seed balls from recycled paper to take home and plant
Thursday, April 13, 10.30am
Wonderful wētā
Learn about wētā and make your own bug hotel
Friday, April 14, 11am
Eco warrior Amazing Race
Race around the world in teams (booking essential)
Monday, April 17, 10.30am
Koinobori craft
Creating a Japanese koi fish windsock with recycled materials.
Tuesday, April 18, 10.15am
Warkworth RSA visit
Meet at the RSA in Neville Street for Anzac Day stories, activities, a tour and biscuits
Wednesday, April 19, 10.30am
LEGO time
Building and play session with brick blocks and more
Thursday, April 20, 10.30am
Upcycled T-shirt bags
Bring along an old T-shirt and make a new bag with it
WELLSFORD
Tuesday, April 11, 10.30am
Eco warrior dog team
Visit from one of Auckland Council’s pest detection dog teams
Wednesday, April 12, 10.30am
Wastebusting warriors
Games and eco-info from the Mahurangi Wastebusters team
Thursday, April 13, 2pm
Eco toy workshop
Turning old dolls and soft toys into Eco Warriors
Friday, April 14, 10.30am
Eco warrior medals
Making medals from recycled materials
Monday, April 17, 2pm
Kiwi bookmarks
Creating cute kiwi bird bookmarks
Tuesday, April 18, 10.30am
Tuna eel puppet
Using damaged books to make eel – or tuna in Maori – puppets
Wednesday, April 19, 2pm
Penguin Eco Warriors
Looking at the Penguin Place conservation project and making model penguins from recycled materials
Friday, April 21, 10.30am
No-sew bags
Making tote bags from old T-shirts
MAHURANGI EAST
Tuesday, April 11, 10.30am
DIY reusable bag
Bring along an old white or light T-shirt, use it to make a new bag and dye it
Wednesday, April 12, 10.30am
Garden wrigglers
Seeing earthworms up close and learning what they do
Thursday, April 13, 10.30am
Mahurangi Wastebusters activity time
Meet the Wastebusters team to learn about what happens to waste and join in fun activities
Friday, April 14, 10.30am
Blankets for dogs
Making and knitting blankets for Country Retreat Rescue Dogs, with Sharon Dooney
Monday, April 17, 10.30am
Nga Piwakawaka O Mahurangi Waiata
Fun te reo waiata singing session with Fleur & Friends
Tuesday, April 18, 10.15am sharp
Anzac Storytime at Warkworth RSA
Family tour and Storytime with local veterans
Wednesday, April 19, 10.30am
Construction zone
Build your own LEGO creations for display in the library cabinet
Friday, April 21, 10.30am
Blankets for dogs
Making and knitting blankets for Country Retreat Rescue Dogs, with Sharon Dooney
