Friday, 30 January 2009
Judges announced for the Montana New Zealand Book Awards 2009
This year’s judging panel say the field is rich with established and new writers and there is an especially large number of beautifully produced books to consider.
‘We are looking for excellence across the whole range of New Zealand books dealing with subjects as various as art, cooking, war, gardening, and gay lifestyles. With around 215 books to read and 15 separate prizes to award, we have full reading schedules. We are advised by experts in each of the eight main categories: fiction, poetry, history, biography, reference and anthology, lifestyle and contemporary culture, illustrative, and environment…The judges’ responsibilities are collective and we shall all read and, together with our advisors, debate our judgments across the whole range of books submitted,’ says convenor, Mark Williams.
In selecting finalists and winners, judges take into account each book’s enduring literary merit and overall authorship; quality of illustration and graphic presentation; production values, general design and the standard of editing and the impact of the book on the community, with emphasis on issues such as quality, topicality, public interest, entertainment, cultural and educational values and life span of the book.
For more information about the judges and advisors.
2009 Newberry & Caldecott Medal Winners
Newbery Medal Winner - For best writing in a children's book
The Graveyard Book – Neil Gaiman
Newbery Honor Books
The Underneath – Kathi Appelt, illustrated by David Small
The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom – Margarita Engle
Savvy – Ingrid Law
After Tupac and D Foster – Jacqueline Woodson
Caldecott Medal Winner - For best illustration in a children's book
The House in the Night – illustrated by Beth Krommes and written by Susan Marie Swanson
Caldecott Honor Books
A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever – Marla Frazee
How I Learned Geography – Uri Shulevitz
A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams – illustrated by Melissa Sweet and written by Jen Bryant
For further information, go to the American Library Association website.
Thursday, 29 January 2009
PLEASE PLEASE
Although we have bought more supplies of the books, we still have an incredible demand and the waiting list continues to grow (Yes - it is BIGGER than Harry Potter).
So if your patience has run out and you have actually gone out to buy the book or books, can you please let us know to cancel your request. At the moment we have books sitting on our shelves waiting to be collected, only to discover that they are no longer needed because you have become an owner (or have borrowed a copy from someone else to read).
Thank you (again on behalf of, among others, the 1800 people around Auckland who were on the waiting list for book 3 yesterday)
Summer Reading Programme Finales

Rock Camp Rodney'09: Recruits Wanted to Rock Rodney
Talented young musicians from across Rodney are being given the opportunity to audition for an exciting training camp which will develop their skills.
‘Rock Camp Rodney’ is an innovative five day musical training programme which will offer places to between 50 and 80 young people living in Rodney. The programme is open to participants between 8 and 18 years old and applicants have until the 13 February to audition for the camp.
The Camp will be run by Nick Roberts and Mike Trent of Helensville based REAL MUSIC, who have successfully run other training projects such as "Groove Factory" (for 5 - 13 year olds) and "Band Factory" (for 11-16 year olds) for the previous 2 years. Mike and Nick also ran the very successful "Rodney Live '08.”
“Rodney Live demonstrated that there is a huge depth of young talent here in Rodney, and this has been confirmed by the fact that a number of the performers from Rodney Live have gone on to be part of Christmas in the Park,” says Mike Trent. “Through Rock Camp Rodney we want to tap into that local talent and offer participants a once in a lifetime opportunity to develop their skills by working with top professionals in the New Zealand music industry.”
The camp will offer musicians the opportunity to learn a wide range of skills, such as presentation skills and how to analyse performances. Training will be carried out by tutors at the MAINZ studios (Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand) and the participants will be placed in bands with other students at the camp, as well as meet New Zealand music legends. The camp will culminate with the musicians demonstrating their skills through a series of live shows at various locations throughout Rodney on the 24th and 25th April 2009.
The project is being supported by Rodney District Council and funded through the Auckland Regional Services fund. The funding has been held in trust by Rodney District Council since the Auckland Regional Services Trust was disbanded in 1998. Under the Local Government Act the fund can only to be used for significant art or cultural projects in Rodney.
“Rodney District Council is pleased to be able to support Rock Camp Rodney as it will provide a fantastic opportunity for our young people to develop their musical skills and help them in achieving their potential,” says Paul Green, Council’s Community Development Manager. “We are particularly pleased that the project can be supported without affecting rates as it is funded from the Auckland Regional Services fund,” he adds.
Rock Camp Rodney is also supported by Times FM with regular air time being given, and opportunities for Rodney’s young musicians to feature on-air.
Auditions should be submitted in the form of a video tape or DVD to:
Rock Camp Rodney
PO Box 119 Helensville
by 3.30pm, 13th February. The submitters name, address and age should be clearly identified.
For further information please contact:
Kiri Trent, REAL MUSIC,Ph: 021 119 1643Email: rockcamp09@gmail.com
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Author John Updike dies
He has been described as "a leading writer of his generation who chronicled the emotional drama of American small-town life with searing wit and vivid prose"
Some of his books featured the life of the fictional Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom. Two of these won Pulitzer Prizes, Rabbit is Rich, published in 1981, and Rabbit at Rest a decade later.
The full Reuters article can be viewed on this Stuff.co.nz link
Rodney Libraries hold a selection of his books which you can browse and request by viewing this catalogue link
Development Contributions Public Workshops
The details of these workshops are as follows:
- Warkworth Masonic Hall, Thursday 29th January 2009 5pm to 7pm
- Helensville Service Centre, Monday 2nd February 2009 5pm to 7pm
- Orewa Office - Council Chambers, Tuesday 3rd February 2009 5pm to 7pm
You could learn something new every day
There are several Community Education providers in and around Rodney...
Community Education West Auckland
Hungry Creek Art and Craft School
Orewa Community Education
Mahurangi East College (also adminstering the Wellsford classes for Rodney College Adult Community Education.)
NorthTec
Wellsford/Warkworth Womens' Resource Centre
Pick up brochures from your local library.
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Draft Plan sets out Vision for Wellsford
The draft Plan identifies that Wellsford, which is located at the junction of State Highways 1 and 16, is dominated by the State Highways, and there is a need to enhance the appearance of the town to capitalise on its location and create a more attractive environment for residents, visitors and businesses. The Plan identifies improvements to streets, public spaces and walking routes within Wellsford that could be made. It suggests landscape improvements to the key approaches to the town and key internal roads.
The current library is expected to be too small to be able to service Wellsford over the longer term and the Plan identifies a number of possible future locations for the library.
Council staff met with a reference group comprising of local businesses, developers and community groups to discuss issues needing to be addressed in the Plan. The group identified traffic congestion on Rodney Street as a key concern. The Plan puts forward a number of options for reducing traffic on this key road.
“We want to encourage people to take the opportunity to review the draft Plan and then tell us how they would like Wellsford to look in ten or twenty year’s time,” says Jason Evans, the Council’s Senior Policy Planner. “However it’s important to understand that the document is a draft for consultation only at this stage, and that the Council has yet to consider whether funding should be allocated towards the projects set out in the Plan,” he adds.
Copies of the draft Plan and submission forms are available from the Wellsford library and from the Council website.
Saturday, 24 January 2009
Northern Gateway: no toll payable this Anniversary weekend
In making the announcement, Transport Minister Steven Joyce said it was a great opportunity for travellers to have their first use of the road at zero cost on Sunday and Monday.
"It will also minimise any chance of disruption resulting from people not familiar with the system or how the tolling works."
The road, which provides a more direct route between Northland and Auckland, will be New Zealand's first fully electronic toll road.
Mr Joyce says the road will bring a range of significant benefits - both to the communities concerned and the country as a whole.
"Although the road ends at Puhoi at the moment - as we signalled prior to the election, the Government is committed to advancing plans for further extensions of the four-laning of State Highway One as far north as Wellsford.
"The further extension will go a long way to remedying what has been a very troublesome stretch of highway - easing congestion and enhancing safety.
"The economic benefits to Northland and Rodney will be significant as access is made easier. Reduced travel times will make these regions even more attractive for tourism and businesses looking beyond Auckland for growth opportunities.
"I wish all road users safe driving this Auckland anniversary weekend," says Mr Joyce.
Friday, 23 January 2009
Auckland Folk Festival
The festival features concerts and workshops by both national and international artists and an action-packed programme of music, song and dance will keep you happy and entertained for the whole weekend, whatever your musical tastes may be. The emphasis is on participation and everyone is encouraged to get involved in the life of the festival via the numerous singalongs, workshops, dances and informal sessions. Children are not forgotten either, with their own special events included in the programme.
Buy your tickets at the gate.
Two awards are presented during the festival.
The Frank Winter Memorial Award is presented to a talented young performer, chosen by the festival committee, to help them achieve their musical goals and/or further their musical education.
The Tui Award for the Best Folk Album of the Year.
Northern Gateway Toll Road opens this weekend!

There have been a few events along the way as well. I'm not sure if those types of things have been done anywhere else but it's an excellent way to involve the community. There were open days and the magnificent "Night at the end of the tunnel". All in all over $100,000 was raised to be distributed to Rodney youth charities and the Hibiscus Coast Hospice. Thanks to the Warkworth, Whangaparaoa and Kumeu Rotary clubs plus the many other volunteers who helped out with all the events.
When I walked the road on their open day in December I was struck by how magical it was when the road arched over viaducts. You'd look out and see the tree tops gently waving in the breeze. Sustainability and care for the environment were built into the project. That shows in the way the road lies in the landscape as well as the views over the water at Waiwera.
Now to the essential information - how much does it cost to drive the toll road and how do you pay?
The one-way fee costs $2 per car or light commercial vehicle, and $4 per truck. Motorcycles are free.
You can pay before using the road or pay within three days of using it.
Online: You can set up an online account with a balance to pay your tolls automatically. The online account set up is easy - just fill in the blue blanks. You'll need a credit card to set up your account.
Freephone: You can call 0800 40 20 20 to pay by credit card.
Cash: You can pay in cash at a payment point before using the toll road. Going North use the BP Connect at Dairy Flat. Driving South there's a stop at Titford's Bridge, off State Highway One about 1km before the Waiwera exit.
If you don't pay within three days a notice will be sent out and an additional admin fee will be charged.
The road will open after midnight on Saturday but there's no word on the official time. Not that it matters because it's sure to make a big difference to the travelling time on Monday. Have a great weekend!
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Auckland Anniversary Weekend
There's a lot going on this weekend so be careful on the roads.
HBC Outdoor Cinema
Fri 23 Jan 2009 Venue: Orewa
Make the most of the fantastic weather a great Kiwi summer has to offer by taking a trip to the Hibiscus Coast Youth Centre outdoor cinema screen. All movies begin at 8pm and run for approximately two and a half hours. This Friday's movie is 13 going on 30, PG Romantic Comedy.
Waitemata A & P show
Sun 25 Jan 2009
Venue: Orewa, Western Reserve Orewa
Fund Raising Event to promote & assist in the awareness of the Agricultural Movement.
Lots of fun; entertainment & animals. Look forward to seeing you all there!!
Whangateau Country Fair & Fundraiser
Sun 25 Jan 2009 - Sun 25 Jan 2009
Venue: Whangateau Reserve
At the Whangateau Reserve next to the hall there will be a Bouncy Castle, Devonshire Teas, Sausage Sizzle, Cake Stall, Book Stall. All the fun of a Country Fair!
Starts 8 am until 2pm.
The following events are on in Auckland.
Fire and Light Show (Friday, 23 January)
A fire and light spectacle that will light up the skies above the city. There will also be a great line up of classical and modern artists performing on stage. At the Viaduct.
The Auckland Seafood Festival (Saturday, 24 to Monday, 26 January)
From noon to 9pm, come along to this carbon-neutral festival where you can celebrate Auckland's maritime heritage and sample Auckland's finest seafood treats.
Viaduct Showcase (Sunday, 25 January)
Definitely a day for the family. There will be live, free, stage entertainment, a large outdoor screen, as well as a show put on by the NZ Navy, Army, Air Force, Police and Fire Brigade.
Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta (Monday, 26 January)
Calling sailors and spectators. Now in its 169th year, the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta brings Auckland's Harbour to life with a range of different craft including tiny optimists, centre-boarders, classic vessels, keelboats and multi-hulls, as well as the ever-popular tug boat race.
Auckland Anniversary Ports of Auckland Tours
Ports of Auckland is running FREE boat tours of the Port during Auckland Anniversary Weekend.The tours will run on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January at 11.30 am, 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm, departing on a ferry from Pier 4 on Quay Street. The 40 minute tours, which include a detailed commentary about the Port and its shared history with Auckland city, are suitable for all ages. Bookings essential.
New Zealand National Maritime Museum
Ted Ashby, the heritage sailing scow will be operating Heritage Harbour Cruises on Saturday and Sunday, at 11:30am and 2:00pm. Guided tours will also take place at 10:30am and 1:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Superheroes Read over Summer
There are still a few days of left before checkins are completed. Next week we have celebration parties and award ceremonies for all those who have completed the programme. Parents and grandparents are more than welcome to come along. We have fantastic local Rodney storyteller Stu Duval as our superhero guest which we are really looking forward to.
Times and venues for the Finale and Award Ceremony are:
Wednesday 28 January 2009
Wellsford 10.30 am - Bible Chapel, Davies Road
Mahurangi East 1.00 pm - Community Centre Rooms adjacent library building, Snells Beach
Warkworth 3.30 pm - The new Rodney Masonic Lodge rooms (accessed directly off the top level of the carpark)
Whangaparaoa 6.30 pm - At the library by Plaza
29 January 2009
Orewa 1.30 pm - Venue to be confirmed
Helensville 4.00pm - Community rooms adjacent Library, 49 Commercial Road
Kumeu 6.30 pm - At the library, Main Road Huapai
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
History Maker
Monday, 19 January 2009
Warkworth Show 2009


There are more pictures from the show on our Flickr account.
Wairau Bar
One of the team at the Bar has been keeping a blog, called "Wairau Bar blog: the return of New Zealand's first people." Part archaeology, part social history, part photo essay, it's a fascinating look at a working site. Quinn writes "Remember that Wairau Bar was not a cemetery or burial ground - it was a large and thriving settlement, permanent enough to have its own cemetery, with a whole range of everyday tasks and activities going on, like any other small town. Previous work has given us an idea of the funeral rituals of these people, but we want to know more about how they lived day-to-day."
One of the original excavators of the site, Roger Duff wrote a book about Wairau Bar in the 1950s called "The Moa-hunter period of Maori culture". Rodney Libraries doesn't hold a copy however Waitakere and North Shore Libraries do. We have a reciprocal lending arrangement with these two libraries which means that you can join either library for free. You have to abide by their library rules (which are slightly different to ours) and return your books to their libraries. If you want to join you can sign up online or in person at one of their branches. Remember to take personal identification and proof of address (like a rates or power bill) with you when you go to pick up your card.
Friday, 16 January 2009
What's on in Rodney?
HBC Outdoor Cinema Schedule
Fri 16 Jan 2009 - Fri 27 Mar 2009
Make the most of the fantastic weather a great Kiwi summer has to offer by taking a trip to the Hibiscus Coast Youth Centre outdoor cinema screen.The 2009 season begins on Friday 16th January and runs through until the end of March.There's something for every kind of cinema goer from romantic comedy to action adventure movies so check out the schedule below and come on down to the Western Reserve, Orewa. All movies begin at 8pm and run for approximately two and a half hours
Warkworth & Districts A & P Show
Sat 17 Jan 2009 - Sun 18 Jan 2009
Venue: Warkworth Showgrounds, State Highway 1
- all day trade displays
- entertainment
- competitions
- pet corner
- wine tasting
- highland dancing
- vintage cars and much more!
Saturday 17th January, Equestrian only day Sunday 18th January.
Lions Big Dig
The annual Lion's Big Dig will take place at Orewa Beach on Sunday 18th January 2009.
A fun day for all, the dig starts at 9am and will be a fun day for all ages.
Come along to Orewa Beach and join in the hunt for some magnificant prizes in the sand.There'll also be food stalls and lots of other attractions so be there for all the fun, 9am sharp, Sunday 18th January 2009.
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Royal Commission on Auckland Governance
Quit smoking - free seminars
Two free information seminars for the Quittingpoint Quit smoking programme will be held on the Hibiscus Coast at the end of January. Reserve your seat now by booking online at www.quittingpoint.co.nz or phone Brenda on 09 4284321 or 021557272.
Whangaparaoa Library, Thursday, 29 January from 5.30-6.30pm.
Orewa Library, Friday January 30 from 5.30 to 6.30pm.
Changes to Copyright law in New Zealand
Section 92A requires ISPs to disconnect a user from their internet access if the user is repeatedly infringing copyright by downloading material illegally. There has been some confusion over the exact details of when this will happen. This article by Pat Pilcher in the New Zealand Herald indicates it will run on the "three strikes you're out" philosophy. In other words, if you infringe twice you'll be warned, a third time you'll be cut off. As you can imagine this has consequences for anyone who provides internet access for public use such as internet cafes and libraries. If a customer downloads a movie that doesn't have copyright clearance then the cafe or library could find that their ISP is required to disconnect their access. So as well as a fine, the cafe owner in this article would have found himself without a business.
InternetNZ has issued a press release calling on the Government to "...urgently resolve problems with Section 92A of the Copyright Act, to prevent the cutting off of Internet access to innocent people and businesses, and disruption to business."
The Ministry for Economic Development has an information page about the new amendments on their website.
Simpson Grierson have a good overview of the changes in their May 2008 Xtech newsletter.
Despite the recent publicity I get the feeling that most Internet users in New Zealand are unaware of the law change and what it might mean for them - so tell your friends and ensure they are aware of it too.
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Te Radar returns to Helensville
The meeting will be held in the Helensville War Memorial Hall on Thursday 19th February 2009 at 7 pm and all are welcome to attend.
Te Radar’s very successful “Off the Radar” programme was based in the Kaukapakapa and Helensville area and featured many local personalities. The series followed Te Radar as he endeavoured to live sustainably off a small block of land, somewhere around Kaukapakapa.
The programme was quirky, funny, inspiring, and a good chance to spot friends and neighbours. His book, “Off the Radar”, based on the series, is available now at Rodney Libraries and book stores, and is a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the making of the series.
The presentation is being organised by the Helensville Holistic Health and Wellbeing Group and the Helensville Library.
“Te Radar is an entertaining and thought provoking person, and we are thrilled to have him speak here,” says Helensville Community Librarian Sally Hardwick.
The Helensville Holistic Health and Wellbeing Group meets each month at the Helensville library to discuss issues relating to health and wellbeing.
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Monday, 12 January 2009
The hottest book of the moment.
The Library and the Economy
When times turn tough, people turn to the library.
The newspapers are full of stories of libraries battling closure in the United States of America and budgets being slashed in libraries around the world as Councils and Regional authorities are forced to make tough decisions and where ratepayers dollars go. However in previous economic downturns, the library's popularity and patronage increased. As I said, Catch-22.
A discussion on this subject made it to the editorial pages of the New Zealand Listener last week. If you would like to read the full article go to Take it as Read from the Listener website.
And support your library.
Saturday, 10 January 2009
More What's on in Rodney

Red Beach Saturday 10 January (that's today)
Right about now the first events are underway in the 53rd annual Owen Chapman Surf Carnival. Head along to see top surf athletes from around the country plus two Australian teams here to pit their skills against the best we have to offer.. Visit the Red Beach Surf Club website for lots of great info and photos, plus a programme of today's events.
Friday, 9 January 2009
What's on in Rodney
Saturday 10 January - Omaha Beach Surf Club
Morning event for children; treasure hunt, sand castle building competition, lolly scramble, fun races, tug ‘o war, sausage sizzle. 1pm fashion show and Miss Omaha competition, live bands, April Ieremia & Glen Osborne MCs, loads of prizes, giveaways and freebies.
Dinner/dance at the surf club from 6.30pm — 1am.
PUHOI PUB WOODCHOPPING CARNIVAL
Saturday 10 January 10am - Puhoi Pub
All day woodchopping events with market stalls around the hotel and the Puhoi Bohemian Band playing. A fun, safe family atmosphere with plenty of off street parking and grandstand seating. Local wines, cheeses and oysters on offer for sample and sale. Don’t miss this annual event.
JAMM - Vehicles On The Beach
Sun 11 Jan 2009 11am - Muriwai
Get involved with JAMM - Joint Agencies Managing Muriwai Beach and learn how to enjoy the beach and be safe whilst driving vehicles. The summer safety promotional drive will begin at 11am on Sunday and continue until 6pm. Come along and learn how to drive to the conditions. The beach is our playground but it is not a race track. So slow down! Enjoy this unique environment and learn how to be safe on sand.
Thursday, 8 January 2009
Calling all commuters

The LTSA Toll Road website has gone live to help people who plan to use the toll road manage the cost of doing so. "Free-flow tolling does not use toll booths, instead motorists drive on the road with tolls automatically calculated as they pass beneath our toll point. You don't have to stop to pay or hunt for loose change on your journey. You can simply set up an account with us and we'll deduct your tolls automatically. Otherwise, to pay your tolls you will be able to use this website, call our freephone number or visit one of our cash payment points." (from the website).
The cost of tolls will initially be $2 for cars and light trucks and $4 for heavy traffic (exceeding 3.5 tonnes). Motorcycles will be free but this is subject to review. There are several options for paying tolls which can be found on the "How to Pay" page of the website. These options include opening an account, or paying as you go either via the website or in cash at one of the two payment points (Titfords Bridge just south of Puhoi or the Dairy Flat BP).
If you want to know more about the construction of this part of the motorway visit the Northern Gateway Alliance website.
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Astronomical Delight

Go to the website http://www.astronomy2009.org/ to find out more about whats happening around the world and all the different projects that people have underway. Another really cool site that you might want to bookmark and check into from time to time is the NASA website.
Closer to home, New Zealand has it's own Kiwi IYA website. It's really user friendly, without all the huge graphics on the international site, which makes it much easier to navigate for those of use that don't have a particularly speedy internet connection.
And if you are looking for books in the Rodney Library on astronomy - click on this catalogue link for all the different subject headings we have for astronomy or click here to go straight to a list of titles
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
Survey To Probe New Zealand Drug Driving
The Drug Foundation wants to know about New Zealanders' drug driving behaviours and attitudes. It wants as many Kiwis as possible to complete a new online survey, whether they've ever taken drugs or not. Data gained will help inform the development of education and prevention initiatives and give politicians good information when making drug driving policy decisions in the future.
The survey will run until the end of January 2009 and is completely anonymous.
It can be found at www.drugdrivingsurvey.org.nz and is open to anyone old enough to drive.
Encourage your friends and family to fill it out too! A large number of responses will help provide a more accurate picture of drugs and driving in New Zealand.
Every Word is a pleasure to read
Monday, 5 January 2009
WELCOME 2009
2009 is the Year of the Ox (which is also your year if you were born in 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985 or 1997). The Ox is tenacious and is the symbol of agriculture, fertility, power and muscular strength. The Year of the Ox should be stable but also teaches that the rewards you reap this year will be in direct proportion to the hard work you put in. Slow steady progress and well thought out plans rather than spur of the moment decisions will bring success this year.
If you want to know more about you stars or chinese astology for 2009 check out under call number 133.5 on the shelves (or clink on the number and it will take you through to our catalogue).
2009 is also the Year of the Gorilla and the International Year of Astronomy, but more on those two events later in the week.
Kia hari te tau hou
Saturday, 3 January 2009
Kiwi Publisher finds niche
