Inspiring readers around the motu
‘Connection is key. I hope to see as many of you as possible on the incredible journey.’
Alan presenting to students at Stanhope School in Auckland in 2023. Image credit: Photo by Crissi Blair. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Travelling and connecting
A love of reading, people and travel is a must for Te Awhi Rito.
Alan recently worked out that he has driven well over 3,000 km and made connections from the top to the bottom of Aotearoa New Zealand.
He has spoken to over 1,200 people at schools, community events, libraries, and conferences like the SLANZA and LIANZA conferences in 2023. He was also presented with a Teacher Award for Services to Literacy.
My highlights have come in different forms.
School visits are my favourites without doubt. Some I was only at for 15 minutes, and some I spent the whole day! Around the country, I’ve talked to amazing young people, some who need the distraction and welcome escape of reading more than ever.
— Alan Dingley
Alan kick-started 2024 with a visit to schools in Gisborne and Wairoa in February. In March, he visited schools and attended a SLANZA event in Northland.
His calendar is already filling up with plans for Storylines tours and visits to schools in the North and South Islands.
I want to thank all of the schools, libraries, and communities that have hosted me so far. And I implore any out there who knows a school or group that could benefit from me turning up, to turn up the heat on their reading journeys — just holler!
You can read more about Alan’s mahi in recent articles including Kia Ora magazine and The Post.
He is also writing a series of posts exploring and recommending books. The first of the series looks at Books as balm.