Alan Dingley: Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador 2023–2025
Alan Dingley is an experienced school and public librarian, drama teacher, performer and children's book expert. During his term as Reading Ambassador, he inspired around 20,000 students, educators and librarians at schools, conferences and communities.
About Alan Dingley
Born in Christchurch and raised in Hawke’s Bay, Alan Dingley was Te Awhi Rito New Zealand Reading Ambassador from May 2023 to May 2025.
Alan has over 25 years of experience working with children and young people, almost 20 of those in school and public libraries. He is currently Library Manager at Freyberg High School in Palmerston North.
He has a deep knowledge of New Zealand children’s and young adult (YA) literature. In 2020, he was on the judging panel for the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults (NZCYA), then Convenor of Judges in 2021.
Alan teaches drama and performs with SpontaneoUS Improv group in Palmerston North. He is also in his fourth decade of playing football.
He is a lucky dad to 2 gorgeous children, Sammy and Trevor, a dog called Chaos, 2 budgies, one axolotl and 2 rats.
Alan’s blog posts and videos
Alan Dingley — Te pānui o Te Awhi Rito: Reading is the doorway — watch a recording of Alan Dingley presenting his final pānui as the second Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador.
Don’t get hung up on the rung — when children read what they choose and enjoy, they are more likely to develop a positive attitude towards reading. If children feel pressured to progress quickly through reading levels or to choose ‘more advanced’ books, their enjoyment of reading can decline.
A Reading Ambassador: Being the spark — Alan reflects on the importance of the impact of reading advocacy, the connections made and the personal growth that comes with the role of Te Awhi Rito.
Chapter quest — from the earliest steps of emerging readers to the confident strides of independent explorers, chapter books provide a bridge between picture books and more complex narratives.
Books for boys unleashed: Some tailored recommendations — books for boys … some reminders and suggestions.
Books as balm — some ‘Prescription Pad’ recommendations to help children identify and manage feelings and some tough situations.
Events, awards and school sessions — in this 2023 update, Alan reflects on his early experiences as Te Awhi Rito as he traversed the country, presenting at schools and events.
A call to action — Alan’s call for us all to create a nation of readers.
Alan in the media
Once Te Awhi Rito, always Te Awhi Rito: An interview with Alan Dingley — 14 February 2025 article in The Sapling.
School librarians of Aotearoa: Alan Dingley — March 2024 article in The Sapling.
New Zealand reading ambassador Alan Dingley visits Feilding — 17 January 2024 article in NZ Herald.
World of possibilities at Woodend Beach — December 2023 Article in The Post.
A New Chapter — November 2023 article in Kia Ora magazine.
RNZ’s The Panel (from about 20 minutes in) — April 2023 interview, Radio New Zealand.
Librarian promoted to inspire a nation of young readers — March 2023 article in Stuff.