Activities range from a Maori music to making paint.
It’s school holiday time again and local libraries are running a range of events and activities to keep kids busy, this time with the theme of Matariki and taku taiao, taku tuakiri – my environment, my identity.
Warkworth Library
If you’re quick, there might just be time to catch Warkworth’s Astronomy Night, complete with stargazing through telescopes and free hot chocolate, at the Old Masonic Hall from 5.30pm on Tuesday, July 13. Niven Brown from the Auckland Astronomical Society will be the astral guide, and bookings are essential via the Warkworth Library team.
On Wednesday, July 14, there will be fun activities celebrating Maori culture and Matariki and on Thursday, July 15 Beetopia’s Grass Eposti will talk about native bees and wasps, both at 10.30am.
Compost Collective will be at the library on Monday, July 19 at 10am to show how to make and run a worm farm – registration and a composting discount voucher can be found at https://compostcollective.org.nz/events/worm-farming-for-children-warkworth-2/
Then it’s Harry Potter Time on Tuesday morning, July 20, with dress-ups, wand-making and crafts, or you can make a hanging garden on Wednesday, July 21, with both events starting at 10.30am. Finally, on Friday, July 23, there’s a chance to make stars to take home at a Matariki craft session at 11am.
Wellsford Library
Maori music and crafts are all the go at Wellsford Library on Tuesday, July 13 from 10.30am onwards, then on Thursday, July 15 at 2pm, there’s a chance to get creative with rubbish to make upcycled fridge magnets. On Friday at 2pm, kids can create their own edible caterpillar made of microgreens, or on the following Tuesday, July 20, at 10.30am make their own collection of stickers.
It’s all about portraits at 2pm on Thursday, July 22, when you can create your own or sit for a session with artist Sisi. Then, on Friday, July 23, things will get messy when a kokowai exploration – or make your own paint – session will be held from 10.30am. This will include tips from senior students at Tomarata School, who will be sharing what they learnt when making their own paint from natural ingredients.
Mahurangi East Library
The Mahurangi East Library will celebrate Matariki during the holidays with a number of special events for children, complementing its regular programme of te reo lessons (Thursday at 10am) and Wriggle and Rhyme (Mondays at 10am).
Library manager Fleur Coleman says a wheels day for children aged seven and under will be held in the adjoining community hall on July 13, from 1pm to 3pm. The afternoon will include music and games.
On July 15 and 22, Matariki themed art workshops will be held from 2.30pm to 4pm. The first workshop will be on polymer art, while the second will be baking and kowhaiwhai making.
Highfields Donkeys manager Peter Caccia-Birch will be a special guest at a Weta Workshop on Friday, July 16, from 10.30am. Info: Warkworth, Wellsford or Mahurangi East library on Facebook.
