Western Bay Libraries Bring Nature-Themed Summer Holiday Programme

Western Bay of Plenty libraries are rolling out a nature-inspired summer holiday programme this year, centred on the theme of 'Te Taiao' (the natural world). The programme is designed to encourage tamariki to explore Aotearoa's unique wildlife through reading, hands-on activities and creative challenges. Western Bay of Plenty District Council customer services manager Valeta Duncan says the summer programme has been running for a decade and drew more than 400 registrations last year.

Younger readers can pick up a 'Raumati Rauemi - Te Taiao' activity booklet from libraries in Waihī Beach, Katikati, Ōmokoroa and Te Puke. The booklet includes a reading log where every hour clocked earns a competition entry, plus 'Missions' such as writing a nature poem or crafting a musical instrument from natural materials. For Year 7–13 students, a Book Bingo teen challenge invites participants to read books or complete activities matching descriptions on a bingo card.

Additional activities on offer include a scavenger hunt around local library grounds, take-and-make craft kits to build a Wiggly Walking Caterpillar or a felt Kiwi magnet, and a colouring competition running until midday on Saturday 24 January. Craft mornings are also scheduled at each library branch between 10am and noon, kicking off at Te Puke Library and Waihī Beach Library on 7 January, followed by The Centre-Pātuki Manawa in Katikati on 14 January and Ōmokoroa on 21 January. The programme wraps up with summer parties at Te Puke, Ōmokoroa and Waihī Beach at the end of January, where certificates will be presented.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).