Ngā Pātaka Kōrero - Auckland Libraries

Talitali fiefia!

From royal ceremonies to community and village life, the story of 20th century Tonga is vividly documented through the lens of photographer August Hettig.

In this episode we explore the story of the August Hettig Collection held in Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections in conversation with Pacifica Curator Pamata Toleafoa, Photographs Curator Keith Giles, and Photograph Conservator Caroline Garratt.

Read more and see images in the Heritage et AL blog:
https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2026/08/august-hettig-collection.html

Check out the Collection Record here:
https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/403681/rec/1
click on the hyperlink to explore the records online - there will be more to come!

Reference to a selection of images mentioned in the podcast:
https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/416753/rec/46
https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/416490/rec/158
https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/416579/rec/191
https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/416572/rec/255
https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/416499/rec/312
https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/416694/rec/451

Alison is joined in the studio by the author Laura Vincent to discuss her critically acclaimed novel Hoods Landing.
This book can be borrowed from the Bestie collection displays or requested from the Auckland Libraries catalogue. https://bit.ly/3TjUSv3
Other books mentioned during the interview are
The heart is a lonely hunter by Carson McCullers
Greta & Valdin by Rebecca K Reilly
The silent spring by Rachel Carson
The Lorax by Dr Seuss

Enjoyed this episode? Follow for future episodes.
Send an email to reading@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Find out more about our Bestie collections at www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

In this episode we talk with Andrew Henry from the Heritage Collections curatorial team, about a recent acquisition of New Zealand children’s books.

Totaling more than 500 items, the books have been donated to the library by passionate experts Diane & Gary Hebley, whose involvement in reading, creating, teaching and writing about NZ books for children spans decades. Diane as author and Gary as the illustrator.

They both received The New Zealand Children’s Literature Association’s 1997 Joint Award for Distinguished Services to Children’s Literature.
Diane served as the Course Writer and Director, The New Zealand Experience, National Diploma of Children’s Literature, (Christchurch College of Education, 1995-2001)

Listen in as Andrew shares about how this collection brings a new life to Auckland Libraries Children's Historical collection and shares a number of favourite examples from the collection.

To read more about access to the archive and about the collection see the Heritage et AL blog here: https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2026/07/awekura-diane-and-gary-hebley-aotearoa.html

Link to collection:
https://bit.ly/4x5IYnM

The Encore! exhibition looks at ways connection happens through live music: being emotionally moved by a performance, connections between those on stage and those in the crowd, and the feeling of being connected to others in a music community. Some featured music venues in the exhibition include the Auckland Town Hall, Powerstation, Galaxy, Temple Bar, Crystal Palace and more.

Join us for a conversation on how central Auckland venues have influenced the city over time, and what challenges and opportunities will define their future role.

This panel talk consists of some well-known names such as Taylor MacGregor, Savina Fountain, MP Chlöe Swarbrick, and will be moderated by 95bFM breakfast host Rosetta Stone. Come listen to this fascinating kōrero on the future of our music scene in the city.

Recorded Live on April 18, 2026.
This Tāmaki Untold talk was part of the 'Opening Act" programming and
was held at the Whare Wānanga, Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero | Central City Library
Introduction by Julian
Backing Track is Coffee Talk by Dusty Melody

Alison is joined in the studio by the author K.J. Holdom to discuss her recently published historical novel The End and the Beginning

This book can be borrowed from the Bestie collection displays or requested from the Auckland Libraries catalogue. https://bit.ly/3SfuiT2

Enjoyed this episode? Follow for future episodes.
Send an email to reading@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Find out more about our Bestie collections at www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz