Posts tagged with reading role models

Te Kete Aronui Rototuna Library entrance with a welcome sign in front of the doors.

Why reading and story matter

September 9th, 2025. By Te Awhi Rito team, National Library

In August, Kate delivered public talks, visited schools and spoke to the media about the importance of reading for pleasure and why reading and story matter. She's also presenting at a number of events in September.

Te Awhi Rito news and events

Part of an event poster titled ‘Why reading and story matter’ with a photo of Kate De Goldi.

A busy start: Kate in the media, at upcoming events

July 24th, 2025. By Kate De Goldi

Read Kate De Goldi's first blog posts, see her in the media, hear her speak at public events in Motueka and Hamilton.

Te Awhi Rito news and events

Passing the Te Awhi Rito mantle to Kate De Goldi

June 9th, 2025. By Te Awhi Rito team, National Library

On 29 May, Alan Dingley passed the mantle of Te Awhi Rito to Kate de Goldi.

Te Awhi Rito news and events

Kate De Goldi named next Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador

April 17th, 2025. By Te Awhi Rito team, National Library

Kate De Goldi has been named the third Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Te Awhi Rito news and events

Alan Dingley speaking during his final pānui as Te Awhi Rito New Zealand Reading Ambassador.

Alan Dingley — Te pānui o Te Awhi Rito: Reading is the doorway

April 11th, 2025. By Alan Dingley

Watch a recording of Alan Dingley's final pānui as the second Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador.

Te Awhi Rito blog

A very tall ladder going up towards the sky.

Don’t get hung up on the rung

February 11th, 2025. By Alan Dingley

When children read what they enjoy, they are more likely to develop a positive attitude towards reading.

Te Awhi Rito blog

Event advertisement featuring logos for Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation, Te Awhi Rito and The Wheeler Centre. Includes photo of Sally Rippin and Reading Ambassador Alan Dingley.

The Need to Read: Sally Rippin and Alan Dingley in conversation

October 4th, 2024. By Te Awhi Rito team, National Library

Watch Australian Children’s Laureate Sally Rippin and Te Awhi Rito New Zealand Reading Ambassador Alan Dingley as they share their unique perspectives on the importance of reading for children and young people.

Te Awhi Rito news and events

Julia Smith and 2 students from Kerikeri High School with Alan Dingley.

A Reading Ambassador: Being the spark

September 18th, 2024. By Alan Dingley

Being a Reading Ambassador in New Zealand is a role full of joy and fulfilment.

Te Awhi Rito blog

Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador Alan Dingley speaking on stage to a group of students.

Inspiring readers around the motu

March 13th, 2024. By Te Awhi Rito team, National Library

‘Connection is key. I hope to see as many of you as possible on the incredible journey.’

Te Awhi Rito news and events

Events, awards and school sessions

November 10th, 2023. By Alan Dingley

In his latest post, Alan reflects on his busy September and October.

Te Awhi Rito blog

View of the He Ara Kotahi bridge in Palmerston North.

Te Awhi Rito out and about

August 21st, 2023. By Te Awhi Rito team, National Library

Since starting as Te Awhi Rito at the end of May, Alan has had a busy schedule of events and started a new role as Community Librarian at Te Patikitiki Highbury Library in Palmerston North.

Te Awhi Rito news and events

Inaugural Te Awhi Rito New Zealand Reading Ambassador Ben Brown with new ambassador Alan Dingley in a library.

Honouring Ben Brown and welcoming Alan Dingley

June 15th, 2023. By Te Awhi Rito team, National Library

The National Library in Wellington held a special gathering to honour and acknowledge Ben Brown as he finishes his term as Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador and to welcome Alan Dingley as the next Te Awhi Rito.

Te Awhi Rito news and events

Te Awhi Rito New Zealand Reading Ambassador Alan Dingley stands in front of a group of students.

School librarian to be the next Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador

March 29th, 2023. By Te Awhi Rito team, National Library

Alan Dingley, School Librarian at Palmerston North Intermediate School, has been named as the next Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador for children and young people.

Te Awhi Rito news and events

Ben Brown, the inaugural Te Awhi Rito New Zealand Reading Ambassador, presenting his pānui at the National Library. Photo by Mark Beatty.

Ben Brown — Te pānui o Te Awhi Rito: Te hā, te kupu, te kōrero

February 20th, 2023. By Ben Brown

Ben reflects on the power of stories and his time as the inaugural Te Awhi Rito New Zealand Reading Ambassador.

Te Awhi Rito blog

Community and Te Awhi Rito supporting ‘rito’ to engage with reading

February 10th, 2023. By Ben Brown

In this video, Ben talks about the metaphor of Te Awhi Rito, the role of nurturing and inspiring the ‘rito’ — the young shoot, the children of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Te Awhi Rito blog

View down through bush to baches next to tidal inlet.

A summertime story

November 2nd, 2022. By Ben Brown

For school students, Summer is a long holiday season. Fun in the sun. Six weeks down time from the books with the potential for a ‘summer slide’ in reading engagement.

Te Awhi Rito blog

When I was a boy

September 8th, 2022. By Ben Brown

The first in a series of posts about Ben's reading role models. Ben looks back on Joe Doyle, one of the reading role models that inspired him.

Te Awhi Rito blog

Ben Brown at Waimana School on Whakatane visit.

Te Awhi Rito: The year that was – 2021–2022

August 25th, 2022. By Te Awhi Rito team, National Library

In his first year as Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador, Ben toured Aotearoa New Zealand sharing stories and highlighting connections between storytelling, reading aloud and reading.

Te Awhi Rito news and events