Puke Ariki - News

No access means boutique library for Puke Ariki

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 02:58:00 GMT

A boutique library is being set up in the the Puke Ariki Foyer for a week while the next stage of the Let’s Go Brougham Street Shared Space project is carried out.

The works, right outside the main entrance, mean that there will be no access to the library from Monday 15 October until Friday 19 October. But users will still be able to borrow and return items, access the internet using the Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa terminals, visit the Taranaki Research Centre and take part in events.

“People will be able to browse through a wide selection of books in the Foyer and we will have runners on hand to retreive anything not on display. ” says Dale Cousens, Puke Ariki’s Manager Service Delivery.

“It will be business as usual for everyone – just in an unusual manner!”

A WiFi lounge is being set up in the Wall Gallery, and all normal programmes and events such as Crackerjacks, Book Groups and the Justice of the Peace library service will continue.

Any reserved books can be picked up from the boutique library.

Customers are being encouraged to return items via the drive-through drop off box in the Puke Ariki car-park, at one of the community libraries or the mobile library during this time. Books can also be renewed online at www.pukeariki.com or by phone (call 06 759 6060).

The work being done includes excavating right up to the main library doors, framework being put in place and concrete being poured to create a wide open landing, ramp and steps up to the entrance.

“ This is a very important part of the Brougham St project as it is going to give the library a welcoming and open new entranceway in keeping with the streetscape being created below.” says Carl Whittleston, Let’s Go Project Manager, NPDC.

The library itself is also going to have a minor make-over with staff taking advantage of the time to reorganise the collections and floor lay out to better serve customers’ needs. General maintainance such as carpet-cleaning will also be carried out.

For further information please contact Hannah Leahy, Manager Communications and Marketing, on 06 759 0860 or Dale Cousens, Manager Service Delivery, on 06 759 0866

Mobile Library is off the road

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 23:59:58 GMT

Recognition for Taranaki Historian

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 23:51:21 GMT

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongawera has bestowed a significant honour on a Taranaki historian.

Kelvin Day, Manager Heritage Collections at Puke Ariki, has been named an Honorary Associate of Te Papa for his outstanding contribution to anthropology in New Zealand.

The appointment comes after Mr Day was invited by Te Papa Director of Collections and Research Dame Claudia Orange to apply.

“Basically, being an Honorary Associate means that I’ll have more access to Te Papa’s archives and collections for my research,” says Mr Day.

“As there aren’t that many Honorary Associates in New Zealand, it brings a bit more mana to Puke Ariki.”

Says Manager Puke Ariki Fiona Emberton: “It’s come as no surprise that Kelvin has been acknowledged in this way. His knowledge and dedication are highly valued by not only the Puke Ariki team but more importantly out in our Taranaki community.

“He is highly respected.”

For a number of years Mr Day has been researching Taranaki collectors of taonga Māori and is currently researching Les Mackie, of Otakeho, who was a significant Taranaki collector of Māori artefacts and also a carver.

“He was unusual for a collector in that he produced work as well, such as a couple of bed-ends which were in the New Zealand part of the Wembley Exhibition in the UK in 1924/25. He was also a very keen horticulturalist and an expert in New Zealand ferns, and he had a pet yellow eel,” says Mr Day.

“While Puke Ariki does hold some of his collection, the bulk of it is at Te Papa.”

Mr Day has authored Māori Wood Carving of the Taranaki Region (2001), edited the award-winning book Contested Ground: Te Whenua I Tohea – The Taranaki Wars 1860-1881, had research about 1900s artefact dealer James Butterworth published in Te Papa’s journal, and written a number of scholarly journal articles on Taranaki archaeology and material culture.

Queen's Birthday Public Holiday

Sun, 27 May 2012 23:29:23 GMT

Puke Ariki and District Libraries are CLOSED on Monday 4 June. Puke Ariki Museum and i-SITE are open 9am-5pm.

Puke Ariki hub of NZ Music Month

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:00:51 GMT

Puke Ariki and the district libraries will be alive with the sound of music this May and beyond.

To celebrate New Zealand Music Month, more than 70 musicians and nearly 40 free events are booked in for the 2 May to June 10 celebrations, says Puke Ariki events co-ordinator Natalie Waddell.

“We have everything from classical piano and guitar though to a mini Kiwi rock festival and amazing performing arts champions,” she says.

Along with the diverse range of gigs are six interactive workshops for both adults and children.

There are drum-making sessions with Wayne Morris, a family-friendly event around taonga pūoro (traditional Maori instruments) with Hoani Eriwata and a song-writing workshop with Sticky Filth frontman Craig Radford, who also plays softer acoustic music.

Natalie says the kids are also catered for. “They can make drums and play them with Wayne Morris; for the preschoolers, we’ve got sing-along songs and they can dance to the music. And we’ve got a session where the kids can make some special instruments.”

Looking at the six-week programme, Natalie says there will be some highlights.

“Definitely the Rowan Studios reunion on 19 May because it’s a chance for everybody to get together and relive the No 8 wire era of music making,” she says.

“Alan and Janet Muggeridge were pioneers. They produced so many bands in Taranaki, including Sticky Filth. It’s going to be a real cool night. We are going to have a jam; people are going to get up on stage and do a bit of reminiscing.”

The other event Natalie believes people will find brilliant is The Sound of the Taranaki Music Scene, which is a panel of music industry experts having an in-depth discussion about the sounds of the region then, now and into the future.

“There are amazing people on this panel,” Natalie says. “But it’s not just for the panellists. It’s about the audience too. So if you have something to say, come along prepared and say something.”

One of those panellists is Anand Rose, co-founder of Singer Songwriters New Plymouth.

He is rapt Puke Ariki is hosting the New Zealand Music Month events because it draws attention to the talented musicians of Taranaki.

“It’s creating a forum for musicians to be heard, which is a vitally important ingredient because if you don’t provide a stage for the music to be heard, then it goes unnoticed. So Puke Ariki is playing a great role in facilitating this and it’s similar to what we’ve been doing at singer songwriters each month for the last seven years.”

Puke Ariki director Fi Emberton says the two-winged knowledge centre is a place where arts and science mesh and grow together.

“There’s a real need for us to engage with all age groups and while the older age group is a very dedicated membership, we like to bring in the wider demographic,” she says.

NZ Music Month is a perfect way of doing that.

“I’m really keen to develop Puke Ariki as a community hub where people see this place as their community living room where they can experience new ideas and in New Zealand Music Month that will be through music,” Fi says. “I don’t think people realise how poetry and song are very human ways of exploring the world.”

She also wants to change the perception that library services are only about providing great quiet places to think and study. “There are growing models in the rest of the world called ‘Get It Loud in Libraries’ and also the ‘lates’ – the late nights in museums events, like our recent highly successful PechaKucha night.

“The important thing people need to know about Puke Ariki is that as much as it’s to do with looking back at our history here in Taranaki, it’s as much about looking to the future, encouraging creativity and innovation going into a different world,” Fi says.

WED, 2 MAY, 6.00pm – 9.00pm, Puke Ariki Music Month Space	High School Music and Morgana Watson Kick-start NZ Music Month with a performance from talented high school music band Astral Lake from Spotswood College. Then get down and groove to some funky tunes from Morgana Watson and her band.
THURS, 3 MAY, 12.30pm, Bell Block Library	District Library Music Break – Jae’l Warbrick Playing original songs, Jae’l performs a mixture of folk, soul and religious music. Jae’l supported Stan Walker at his sold out gig in 2011 making this a performance not to be missed.
THURS, 3 MAY, 12.00pm, Inglewood Library	District Library Music Break – Penni Bousfield Expect an eclectic acoustic mix of styles and songs from veteran Kiwi ‘rock chick’ Penni Bousfield.
FRI, 4 MAY, 12.30pm, Puke Ariki Music Month Space	TPAIF! (Thank Puke Ariki It’s Friday!) – Kieran Callaghan Ease into the weekend, chill out and unwind to original folk-style music from Kieran, a talented Taranaki singer/songwriter.
SAT, 5 MAY, 1.00pm, Puke Ariki Music Month Space	Saturday Soundbite – Marie Maka Kiwi vocal percussionist Marie Maka has learnt rhythms from masters around the world. Now based in Taranaki, this global traveller has experienced the cultures of Mexico, America, Australia, Asia, Europe and few tropical islands, learning about drums along the way. Do not miss this performance!
SUN, 6 MAY, 2.00pm – 3.30pm, Puke Ariki Music Month Space	Sunday Session – Taonga Puoro An interactive workshop using Taonga Puoro (traditional Maori instruments). Families will hear the stories behind several instruments and experiment with sounds using natural resources.

ANZAC Day Closing

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:33:49 GMT

Puke Ariki Library and the District Libraries will all be closed on Wednesday (25 April) as it is a public holiday.

Puke Ariki Museum and i-SITE will be open 9.00am-5.00pm – however, a small part of the Art of Science exhibition will not be viewable as it is housed in the library wing.

Coastal Birdtrackers event CANCELLED

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:40:45 GMT

Due to an inclement weather forecast, the Coastal Birdtrackers event planned for this morning has been cancelled.

EASTER OPENING HOURS

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 22:34:12 GMT

EASTER OPENING HOURS

Puke Ariki Museum and i-SITE are OPEN every day this Easter weekend.

The Library and Taranaki Research Centre are closed on Good Friday (April 6) and Easter Monday (April 9). This means that part of The Art of Science exhibition will not be accessible as it is situated in the Library wing.

They are open on Saturday (April 7) 9.00am – 5.00pm and Easter Sunday (April 8) 9.00am – 5.00pm

All district libraries are closed during the Easter weekend ( April 6 -9 inclusive)

Taranaki Children’s Book Festival is coming!

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 20:04:11 GMT

Children all over Taranaki will be dazzled with the brilliance of books this month when eight authors and illustrators electrify the region.

For the fourth Taranaki Children’s Book Festival, on from 20 to 24 March, David Hill, Jill Marshall, Brian Falkner, Donovan Bixley, Diana Neild, Moira Wairama, Ruth Paul and Des Hunt are the special guests.

They will spend three days visiting schools around the region and then finish with a free Family Finale open to everyone at Puke Ariki on Saturday 24 March.

At this Family Finale, youngsters can enter a dinosaur cave, a mad scientist’s laboratory and an artist’s studio. There will be interactive story-telling sessions, an illustration workshop and author discussion panels, where children get to ask the questions.

Youngsters will also be able to collect badges, signatures and tattoos – but don’t worry, the ink on skin washes off in the bath.

The Taranaki Children’s Book Festival is a combined effort between the region’s three district councils and their libraries – Puke Ariki and District Libraries in the New Plymouth district, Stratford District Library and South Taranaki LibraryPlus.

The principal supporter is Origin Energy NZ and the Lysaght-Watt Trust is also a supporter.

Lynne Walker, South Taranaki Manager Libraries and Cultural Services, says the festival encourages children to experience the excitement of reading stories and learning from real-life authors.

“Reading grows the imagination and inspires children to new levels of understanding. A child who enjoys reading will explore the world through books,” she says.

Stratford District Librarian Jonet Moore feels the same.

“Stories, in words or pictures, are about sharing dreams and experiences – a way to communicate and to learn more about your own world or someone else’s. The writers and artists participating in the festival are fantastically enthusiastic communicators who encourage a similar enthusiasm in the children for telling their own stories and learning more about their world,” she says.

Ms Moore says the festival gives children the chance to meet and be inspired by a variety of talented writers and illustrators in person, regardless of where the youngsters’ live or how remote their school may be.

“The children get to see that these successful people have come from places and backgrounds just like theirs.”

Puke Ariki Manager Fi Emberton also has high hopes for the festival.

“What I’m most excited about is the opportunity for a child who doesn’t get access to books or reading at home to be inspired and engaged,” she says.

“For those children who are already keen, we hope that the authors can be inspiring coaches and mentors for these budding writers.

“I’m hoping the children’s book festival will make a real difference to Taranaki because I believe literacy is a real key to unlocking employment opportunities for the future,” Ms Emberton says.

Origin Energy NZ General Manager Chris Bush says reading is hugely important for children because there is a great body of research that shows that good readers do better in school and that leads to better employment prospects.

“Origin Energy is delighted to get behind this festival because it makes books and reading exciting for children in Taranaki,” Mr Bush says.

“Origin is not just a key economic contributor to Taranaki, but we live here too, and that is why we are delighted to be able to give something back to our community. The Children’s Book Festival is about getting in at the grassroots.

“Some of these children may not have books in their own homes, so having these wonderful writers and illustrators come to their schools could be the moment that switches them on to reading forever. Origin is pleased to be playing a part in helping to get youngsters in our community get into the reading habit.”

The eight well-known authors and illustrators will be visiting schools right round the mountain, from Mimi in the north, to Whangamomona in the east, and to Waitotara in the south.

Free buses will be put on from south and north Taranaki to bring people to the Family Finale at Puke Ariki on Saturday, 24 March.

For further details or to secure an interview with an author, or to request images, please contact Virginia Winder at winderv@npdc.govt.nz or phone 06 759 0867 or 0276 423 294. See the Taranaki Children’s Book Festival Facebook page.

Going big for Waitangi Day

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:40:49 GMT

Te Kaunihera-ā-Rohe o Ngāmotu is going big for this year’s Waitangi Day celebrations.

There will be big questions, big names, big community input and a gigantic tablecloth for the New Plymouth District Council’s communal picnic on Puke Ariki Landing.

Celebrations kick off with a Community Kōrero Workshop Series on 2 and 3 February.

These three free workshops are being held in the Noel and Melva Yarrow Education Room at Puke Ariki so people can learn about the Te Tiriti o Waitangi, how to implement it in their home and life and explore identity and growing roots in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

On Sunday, 5 February, Radio New Zealand’s Kim Hill will be hosting a one-hour panel discussion in the Puke Ariki Foyer asking the question – what does it mean to be us?

The panel will be made up of four well-known people (yet to be named) and the discussion kicks off at 1.30pm.

This will be aired on Waitangi Day during Hill’s live 8am to noon broadcast from Puke Ariki, where she will be joined by Alexander Turnbull Library Māori curator Paul Diamond for a kōrero with invited guests.

Members of the public are invited to be part of the audience for both the Sunday and Monday radio sessions, which are tied in with the Sounds Like Us exhibition now on at Puke Ariki. Entry is free for the broadcasts, but seating is limited.

The Waitangi Day events fit perfectly with the aims of the combined library, museum, information and research centre, says Puke Ariki manager Fi Emberton.

“Puke Ariki is a place for the community to hear other people’s opinions, points of view and to broaden minds,” Fi says. “That’s the business we are in and to talk about what it means to be a New Zealander now and in the future.”

From 11am to 1pm there will be a family picnic featuring a 60-metre-long tablecloth made especially for Waitangi Day and printed with 50 commonly used Māori words

The one-metre-wide cloth will be laid the length of the Landing for people to place their kai on during the shared BYO lunch.

While enjoying the picnic, people will be asked to write down answers to the question: “What is something that your family can do to honour the Treaty of Waitangi?”

There will also be musical entertainment from groups, including Soulovus and some of the top multi-cultural performers in Taranaki.

Mayor Harry Duynhoven says the events give the wider community the chance to come together for discussion and entertainment.

“The Treaty of Waitangi is at the heart of our identity as an independent nation and these events are a great way to get people talking about the treaty’s relevance and importance in our lives today,” says the Mayor.

“It’s also about celebrating being New Zealanders. I’m looking forward to seeing the landing packed for the picnic, and hearing what people have to say in the panel discussion and Community Kōrero series.”

Nau mai haere mai!

For more information about these events, visit What's On or contact Virginia Winder on 7596060 or 0276 423 294.

Funky Radio Fun

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:45:05 GMT

Lots of fun has been had at our Create A Funky Radio workshops. Check out the clever creations here on our website or see them on our Facebook page.

Myth Busting Taranaki Tikanga

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:38:41 GMT

Tikanga are Māori customs and traditions that have been handed down through the passages of time. These discussions intended to de-mystify and explain some of the protocols so studiously regarded by Ngāti Mutunga and why they are so important to their day to day life. This promises to be a revealing evening.

Add an e- reader to your Santa’s list....

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 22:42:35 GMT

Because ebooks are now available from Puke Ariki and Community Libraries!!

We have added virtual bookshelves to our collection and anyone who has a Puke Ariki library card and a suitable reading device can choose from more than 800 titles! And it is all totally free!

Ebooks are a fantastic way to take your favourite authors away with you on holiday – and there will be no overdue fees, you can’t forget to return them and they can’t get lost as the titles simply return to their virtual home automatically when the seven day loan period is over.

To be able to borrow e-books (which includes audio books) all you need is a reading device (such as an e-book reader, a computer or a mobile phone), an internet connection and your library card.

Access our virtual bookshelves from www.pukeariki.com – look for the ebook icon. This takes you to the ePukapuka Lower North Island Digital Library Group site where there are also comprehensive self-help guides on how the system works, what devices can be used, free software downloads and FAQ’s available.

Mutunga Kapahaka CANCELLED

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 07:17:12 GMT

Date: Sun 11 Dec 2011, 2.00pm

Venue: Main Exhibition Gallery, Puke Ariki

Due to unforeseen circumstances the planned kapahaka performance has been cancelled. The next performance by Te Roopu Kapahaka o Ngāti Mutunga takes place on Sunday 15 January at 2.00pm. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Free library catalogue training sessions

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:38:52 GMT

Discover the cool features our new library catalogue offers with free training sessions. Whether you are an online user or come to the library in person, these sessions will help you make full use of the new system.
They are being held at Puke Ariki at 10am on December 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 and 30. Call 7596060 or email library@npdc.govt.nz to book yourself a place!

Generous donation has huge historical significance

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:59:28 GMT

Puke Ariki has welcomed a very special addition to the collection.

The Banks' Florilegium consists of seven hundred and thirty-eight botanical prints which illustrate the plants collected by eminent natural historians Joseph Banks and Daniel Carl Solander on Captain James Cook's first voyage round the world on the Endeavour between 1768-1771.

The historical significance of Volumes 21 and 22, containing 46 prints of New Zealand plants collected during the expedition, is staggering.

“It is hard not to stand in awe in front of these volumes with their flawless drawings,” says Fi Emberton, Puke Ariki Manager. “But they are so much more than just beautiful illustrations of plants and flowers. They are the physical record of the beginning of New Zealand colonial history.”

Thanks to the generosity of Bryce and Delwyn Barnett, the prints have been given to the people of Taranaki in a donation facilitated by the Puke Ariki Development Charitable Trust (PADCT).

“Delwyn and I felt compelled to take this rare opportunity to bring these wonderful works to Puke Ariki , not only because Taranaki would be the perfect home for these botanical prints, but also because of their cultural history. It was also great chance to expand Puke Ariki’s already fantastic collection.” says Bryce

“As people who enjoy beautiful gardens ourselves and especially the results of other peoples labour in their own gardens, we believe it is a fitting treasure for the people of Taranaki to share.”

Published between 1980-and 1990 these prints are the first colour reproductions from the original eighteenth-century copperplates, which were made of the exceptional drawings done by the Endeavour’s botanical artist Sydney Parkinson. These copperplates were bequeathed by Sir Joseph Banks to the British Museum.

The Florilegium, and the amazing stories behind it, will be the subject of an exhibition next year.

I-SITE wins national innovation award

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 21:29:15 GMT

A vision to radically transform the customer experience in New Plymouth’s i-SITE has led to a national innovation award for New Plymouth District Council.

The interactive conversation tables at the visitor information facility at Puke Ariki, which allow visitors to personalise their searches for accommodation, cafes, bars and restaurants, activities and events and other services, have been announced as the winner of the ALGIM Innovation Award for 2011.

“We are delighted that our desire to use innovation and technology to provide the best possible customer service has been recognised.” says Kevin Glynn Manager Information and Communication Technology, New Plymouth District Council

“The team behind the project bought their skill, talent and determination to it and they should be very pleased and proud.”

The tables have proved to be extremely popular with both staff and customers. They utilise Google Maps with layers of information displayed according to the user’s interests, share information with the website and use a common administration system that updates information on the tables and website.

“It has been fantastic to get out from behind a desk and really interact with our customers to give them the best possible service we can. Everyone who comes in here loves using the tables to find the information they need to enjoy their visit to Taranaki and the staff like using them too.” says Karen Longstaff, Team Leader Visitor Experience Puke Ariki.

The technical project team from New Plymouth District Council worked closely with the i-SITE staff at Puke Ariki to radically transform the way customers were helped to find what they needed.

“We are delighted that the work done by the ICT team has been recognised in such a wonderful way” says Fiona Emberton, Manager Puke Ariki “The response from both staff and customers about the conservation tables has been overwhelmingly positive and they have been a great addition to Puke Ariki. We are now looking to capitalise on this investment by using the technology in other areas of Puke Ariki.”

The ALGIM Innovation Awards recognise and celebrate best practice within local government information technology and information management. They aim to encourage local authorities to be innovative and to exercise technological leadership through services to its community. The awards also promote the image of local government ICT throughout the wider community.

The Association of Local Government Information Management (ALGIM) represents the national and international interests of the information, communication and technology (ICT) sector within New Zealand’s city, district and regional councils.

Swainson-Woods project uploads 100,000 record!

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:24:42 GMT

The Swainson-Woods project at Puke Ariki has uploaded the 100,000 record to the online database!

Find out more here!

Taranaki Wars book an award winner!

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:20:43 GMT

Contested Ground: Te Whenua I Tohea, the Taranaki Wars 1860-1881, edited by our very own Kelvin Day Manager Heritage Collections, won best book in the higher education category at the Copyright Licensing Ltd Educational Publishing Awards last week.

Check out the full story!

Registration for Summer Reading Programme opens!

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 02:01:20 GMT

Sign your kids up NOW for the Puke Ariki and Community Libraries Summer Reading Programme.

Registration is open from Sunday 6 November until Sunday 4 December and places are limited. Go to your local library and make sure your children don't miss out on learning more about books, earning cool rewards and practising their reading this summer.