Will our kids write?

Sometimes when you hear the phrase “the streets” it has negative connotations, especially the streets of places like Manurewa. That’s why I’ve been doing this project with children of Waimāhia Intermediate to change that perception. In this collection of writing the children write about the people, places and memories of their streets which are uplifting…

Here’s an Auckland Council story about my work with students at Ferguson Intermediate in Ōtara: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/09/empowering-minds-inspiring-young-publishers/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMPOP1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFkcWJlb3U5RlBnRmxmMHl5AR40bqrJBYeblbzDW2BtL-urahY9AR_Uu_xwXkd77MM_UxYVtcWLpvT0_j4EYg_aem_JBLEpF_PGVK4_AIgNjCwVg

Spent the morning at Flat Bush School with inspirational alumni Willie Maea, Samson Vaotuua, Greg Va’afusuaga, Jay Paniani and Dr Julienne Faletau as they returned to visit their old school. The Writers Group of children interviewed these tuakana for a book of inspiration that will be called Flat Bush Forever.

Today I visited Wesley College and spoke to the students about dreaming big and how reading helps us discover amazing things about ourselves we never knew before.

I’m working with the team at Mahi for Ukraine to make a book of encouraging messages and pictures by Kiwi young people for the Ukrainian young people who will soon be arriving in NZ with their families, fleeing the attacks from Russia. You can read a bit more and see a Seven Sharp report about…