Latest news with #MaryAfemata
Scoop
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Game Of Loans: Libraries Lend Out Board Games
Article – Mary Afemata – Local Democracy Reporter This week, 10 Auckland libraries, including Manurewa, Papatoetoe, and Mngere Bridge, launched a free board games lending service for adults. Libraries are stepping up their game – literally. This week, 10 Auckland libraries, including Manurewa, Papatoetoe, and Māngere Bridge, launched a free board games lending service for adults. It's part of a push to re-engage young adults and make libraries more social, inclusive, and fun. Chair of the Ōtara Papatoetoe local board, Apulu Reece Autagavaia, says it's an amazing initiative. 'Many of our Pacific communities have traditions of playing board games and the like, including mū or Samoan checkers. 'Card games and dominoes are also played throughout the Pacific. These games are fun and interactive, but also develop skills and strategic thinking.' Cardholders can borrow board games for free. Each person can borrow one game at a time for up to two weeks. Torisse Laulu, founder of Lalaga Card Games, says it's an 'incredible' idea. 'It's so brilliant, honestly,' she says. She believes the move is progressive and could foster deeper, real-world connections in an increasingly digital age. Laulu says screen time has taken over much of daily life, affecting how people relate to one another, and that board games could help reverse that. '[Screen time] plays such a big role in stopping real-life interactions and connections. So if … we can use board games and find more spaces to connect outside of that and in real life, I think it's nice to revert back to what makes us innately human.' she says. The pilot is part of Auckland Council's push to use libraries as community hubs that promote social connection, mental stimulation and affordable fun. Catherine Leonard, Head of Library and Learning Services for Auckland Council, says the motivation behind piloting a board game lending collection comes from the libraries seeking innovative collections. 'National and international data shows a clear trend of libraries diversifying their collections, and communities seeking new kinds of engagement with libraries. After hearing about other library systems offering lending board games collections, we were inspired to investigate a collection of our own,' she says. 'Board games offer Aucklanders a free, sustainable and technology-free entertainment option. A borrowable library collection is fantastic for those living in dwellings with limited storage space for their own board game collection.' Designed for adults, Leonard says that international trends showed strong growth in board game use among 20 to 30-year-olds. 'As this is a demographic that we see less frequently in our libraries, the decision was made to target our pilot collection at this age group, with the collection available for borrowing for any customer aged 18+.' The pilot games were chosen for their popularity, repeat playability, and appeal to a wide range of interests and group sizes. She says most importantly, playing board games brings people together. 'They present us with an opportunity to build relationships with friends and family in real life.' Borrowing a board game Cardholders must be 18 or older to borrow from the board game collection. There are no late fees. Borrowers must ensure all pieces are carefully returned in their original packaging. Games must be returned to the front desk at any Auckland library branch, not through the returns chute, as staff need to check for missing or damaged items. This may incur a fine. Locations to browse games Board games are only available at the following libraries: Botany, Central City, East Coast Bays, Glenfield, Māngere Bridge, Manurewa, Mt Albert, Onehunga, Papatoetoe War Memorial, and Waitākere Central (Henderson). Pilot and 12 month review [SUB] The pilot's success will be evaluated on checkouts by the target audience, turnover rates, and customer feedback on both the collection and related programmes. A formal review will take place 12 months after launch, with potential expansion to more libraries, additional game titles, and broader age groups considered. Each of the 10 pilot branches holds 10 different game titles. Games are reservable across the region.
Scoop
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Game Of Loans: Libraries Lend Out Board Games
Article – Mary Afemata – Local Democracy Reporter Libraries are stepping up their game – literally. This week, 10 Auckland libraries, including Manurewa, Papatoetoe, and Māngere Bridge, launched a free board games lending service for adults. It's part of a push to re-engage young adults and make libraries more social, inclusive, and fun. Chair of the Ōtara Papatoetoe local board, Apulu Reece Autagavaia, says it's an amazing initiative. 'Many of our Pacific communities have traditions of playing board games and the like, including mū or Samoan checkers. 'Card games and dominoes are also played throughout the Pacific. These games are fun and interactive, but also develop skills and strategic thinking.' Cardholders can borrow board games for free. Each person can borrow one game at a time for up to two weeks. Torisse Laulu, founder of Lalaga Card Games, says it's an 'incredible' idea. 'It's so brilliant, honestly,' she says. She believes the move is progressive and could foster deeper, real-world connections in an increasingly digital age. Laulu says screen time has taken over much of daily life, affecting how people relate to one another, and that board games could help reverse that. '[Screen time] plays such a big role in stopping real-life interactions and connections. So if … we can use board games and find more spaces to connect outside of that and in real life, I think it's nice to revert back to what makes us innately human.' she says. The pilot is part of Auckland Council's push to use libraries as community hubs that promote social connection, mental stimulation and affordable fun. Catherine Leonard, Head of Library and Learning Services for Auckland Council, says the motivation behind piloting a board game lending collection comes from the libraries seeking innovative collections. 'National and international data shows a clear trend of libraries diversifying their collections, and communities seeking new kinds of engagement with libraries. After hearing about other library systems offering lending board games collections, we were inspired to investigate a collection of our own,' she says. 'Board games offer Aucklanders a free, sustainable and technology-free entertainment option. A borrowable library collection is fantastic for those living in dwellings with limited storage space for their own board game collection.' Designed for adults, Leonard says that international trends showed strong growth in board game use among 20 to 30-year-olds. 'As this is a demographic that we see less frequently in our libraries, the decision was made to target our pilot collection at this age group, with the collection available for borrowing for any customer aged 18+.' The pilot games were chosen for their popularity, repeat playability, and appeal to a wide range of interests and group sizes. She says most importantly, playing board games brings people together. 'They present us with an opportunity to build relationships with friends and family in real life.' Borrowing a board game Cardholders must be 18 or older to borrow from the board game collection. There are no late fees. Borrowers must ensure all pieces are carefully returned in their original packaging. Games must be returned to the front desk at any Auckland library branch, not through the returns chute, as staff need to check for missing or damaged items. This may incur a fine. Locations to browse games Board games are only available at the following libraries: Botany, Central City, East Coast Bays, Glenfield, Māngere Bridge, Manurewa, Mt Albert, Onehunga, Papatoetoe War Memorial, and Waitākere Central (Henderson). Pilot and 12 month review [SUB] The pilot's success will be evaluated on checkouts by the target audience, turnover rates, and customer feedback on both the collection and related programmes. A formal review will take place 12 months after launch, with potential expansion to more libraries, additional game titles, and broader age groups considered. Each of the 10 pilot branches holds 10 different game titles. Games are reservable across the region.
Scoop
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Game Of Loans: Libraries Lend Out Board Games
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 8:04 pm Article: Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter Libraries are stepping up their game - literally. This week, 10 Auckland libraries, including Manurewa, Papatoetoe, and Māngere Bridge, launched a free board games lending service for adults. It's part of a push to re-engage young adults and make libraries more social, inclusive, and fun. Chair of the Ōtara Papatoetoe local board, Apulu Reece Autagavaia, says it's an amazing initiative. 'Many of our Pacific communities have traditions of playing board games and the like, including mū or Samoan checkers. "Card games and dominoes are also played throughout the Pacific. These games are fun and interactive, but also develop skills and strategic thinking.' Cardholders can borrow board games for free. Each person can borrow one game at a time for up to two weeks. Torisse Laulu, founder of Lalaga Card Games, says it's an 'incredible' idea. 'It's so brilliant, honestly,' she says. She believes the move is progressive and could foster deeper, real-world connections in an increasingly digital age. Laulu says screen time has taken over much of daily life, affecting how people relate to one another, and that board games could help reverse that. '[Screen time] plays such a big role in stopping real-life interactions and connections. So if ... we can use board games and find more spaces to connect outside of that and in real life, I think it's nice to revert back to what makes us innately human.' she says. The pilot is part of Auckland Council's push to use libraries as community hubs that promote social connection, mental stimulation and affordable fun. Catherine Leonard, Head of Library and Learning Services for Auckland Council, says the motivation behind piloting a board game lending collection comes from the libraries seeking innovative collections. 'National and international data shows a clear trend of libraries diversifying their collections, and communities seeking new kinds of engagement with libraries. After hearing about other library systems offering lending board games collections, we were inspired to investigate a collection of our own,' she says. 'Board games offer Aucklanders a free, sustainable and technology-free entertainment option. A borrowable library collection is fantastic for those living in dwellings with limited storage space for their own board game collection.' Designed for adults, Leonard says that international trends showed strong growth in board game use among 20 to 30-year-olds. 'As this is a demographic that we see less frequently in our libraries, the decision was made to target our pilot collection at this age group, with the collection available for borrowing for any customer aged 18+.' The pilot games were chosen for their popularity, repeat playability, and appeal to a wide range of interests and group sizes. She says most importantly, playing board games brings people together. 'They present us with an opportunity to build relationships with friends and family in real life." Borrowing a board game Cardholders must be 18 or older to borrow from the board game collection. There are no late fees. Borrowers must ensure all pieces are carefully returned in their original packaging. Games must be returned to the front desk at any Auckland library branch, not through the returns chute, as staff need to check for missing or damaged items. This may incur a fine. Locations to browse games Board games are only available at the following libraries: Botany, Central City, East Coast Bays, Glenfield, Māngere Bridge, Manurewa, Mt Albert, Onehunga, Papatoetoe War Memorial, and Waitākere Central (Henderson). Pilot and 12 month review [SUB] The pilot's success will be evaluated on checkouts by the target audience, turnover rates, and customer feedback on both the collection and related programmes. A formal review will take place 12 months after launch, with potential expansion to more libraries, additional game titles, and broader age groups considered. Each of the 10 pilot branches holds 10 different game titles. Games are reservable across the region. Find out more on the Auckland Libraries website here. © Scoop Media
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Run It Straight: What Do The Fans Think?
Article – Mary Afemata – Local Democracy Reporter The events have drawn criticism from experts and local politicians for the health and brain injury risks, with some competitors knocked out in matches. Run It Straight's viral full-body collisions are stirring controversy in Aotearoa, but fans say the competition builds people up and brings the community together. The events have drawn criticism from experts and local politicians for the health and brain injury risks, with some competitors knocked out in matches. Last week, two grassroots 'Run It Straight' events in South Auckland were cancelled. Instead, the organisers held a giveaway event at Foot Locker in Sylvia Park on Thursday night. Lines stretched into the car park as fans, from teens to grandparents, young families and babies, were amongst the crowd that turned up. Here's what the fans had to say High school teens gathered in groups, with one group of boys in uniform performing the haka. 'I watch [Run It Straight] almost every night,' says one teen. Tayla, another teen, says she watches the group with her dad on YouTube. TikTok creator Steven Setu was among the hype, taking photos with fans in store. 'I'm here to support the brothers. They're doing something amazing for the Polynesians, man. They're bringing everybody here. They're building people up. It's amazing. It's unfortunate they couldn't be at the fields.' Bernice, mother to Marcellus, 2, and Moziyah, 4, was ecstatic that her sons won $100 each for dancing in the crowd. 'We just came out for the vibes. I thought I'd bring my kids with me just to let them see what the boys from Sydney are about.' When asked about the risks, she says the injuries were one of the cons. 'But the pros are bringing the community together, and also the boys being able to use their strength and ability to earn money from it.' One guy came straight from work after seeing the event on Instagram. 'It is a dangerous sport. But they say they're doing it on behalf of mental illness, mental health, people with high rates of suicide, especially us Pacific men.' Another guy, who came with his wife and daughter, says participation is a personal choice. 'My thoughts on Run It Straight is [that] everyone has a decision to make. Obviously, there are risks with everything, risks with rugby, league, whatever you do. So it just comes down to the individual. If that person decides that's what they want to do, man, power to them.' Evelyn says her grandkids brought her to the event. When told about the collision-style concept, she says: 'Oh, that's mean… yeah, my granddaughter can do that.' 'It's like being brought up old school. You've got to learn to toughen up.' Actor and Celebrity Treasure Island winner JP Foliaki, who happened to be passing through, says everyone used to do it at lunchtime growing up – it's always been done. 'I think safety is important, so as long as everyone's being safe and enjoying themselves and having fun.' 'There's always going to be backlash' Run It Straight CEO and owner Charizma, real name Christian Lesa, pivoted from the cancelled events into a meet-and-greet pop-up. The group gave away about $15,000 in merchandise, gift cards and cash at the Foot Locker event, Charizma says. Although unsuccessful in his efforts to secure local fields to host events, Charizma says, with anything big, 'there's always going to be backlash'. 'We're creating so much noise – it's new, so I expected this. I expected a bit of backlash from the government and the councils because it's something different.' Tauanu'u Nick Bakulich, Chair of the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, confirmed the board opposed the event that was to be held at Williams Park in Māngere on public health and safety grounds. Eli Nathan, Auckland Council's Head of Area Operations, explained that permits are required for events involving large crowds or potential safety issues. He encouraged organisers to reach out to the council early to understand the requirements. Charizma says they are looking to help people with mental health struggles and inspire Pacific youth to chase their dreams like himself. 'We just got to keep continuing to grind and make sure that we prove the haters wrong.'
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Run It Straight: What Do The Fans Think?
Article – Mary Afemata – Local Democracy Reporter Run It Straight's viral full-body collisions are stirring controversy in Aotearoa, but fans say the competition builds people up and brings the community together. The events have drawn criticism from experts and local politicians for the health and brain injury risks, with some competitors knocked out in matches. Last week, two grassroots 'Run It Straight' events in South Auckland were cancelled. Instead, the organisers held a giveaway event at Foot Locker in Sylvia Park on Thursday night. Lines stretched into the car park as fans, from teens to grandparents, young families and babies, were amongst the crowd that turned up. Here's what the fans had to say High school teens gathered in groups, with one group of boys in uniform performing the haka. 'I watch [Run It Straight] almost every night,' says one teen. Tayla, another teen, says she watches the group with her dad on YouTube. TikTok creator Steven Setu was among the hype, taking photos with fans in store. 'I'm here to support the brothers. They're doing something amazing for the Polynesians, man. They're bringing everybody here. They're building people up. It's amazing. It's unfortunate they couldn't be at the fields.' Bernice, mother to Marcellus, 2, and Moziyah, 4, was ecstatic that her sons won $100 each for dancing in the crowd. 'We just came out for the vibes. I thought I'd bring my kids with me just to let them see what the boys from Sydney are about.' When asked about the risks, she says the injuries were one of the cons. 'But the pros are bringing the community together, and also the boys being able to use their strength and ability to earn money from it.' One guy came straight from work after seeing the event on Instagram. 'It is a dangerous sport. But they say they're doing it on behalf of mental illness, mental health, people with high rates of suicide, especially us Pacific men.' Another guy, who came with his wife and daughter, says participation is a personal choice. 'My thoughts on Run It Straight is [that] everyone has a decision to make. Obviously, there are risks with everything, risks with rugby, league, whatever you do. So it just comes down to the individual. If that person decides that's what they want to do, man, power to them.' Evelyn says her grandkids brought her to the event. When told about the collision-style concept, she says: 'Oh, that's mean… yeah, my granddaughter can do that.' 'It's like being brought up old school. You've got to learn to toughen up.' Actor and Celebrity Treasure Island winner JP Foliaki, who happened to be passing through, says everyone used to do it at lunchtime growing up – it's always been done. 'I think safety is important, so as long as everyone's being safe and enjoying themselves and having fun.' 'There's always going to be backlash' Run It Straight CEO and owner Charizma, real name Christian Lesa, pivoted from the cancelled events into a meet-and-greet pop-up. The group gave away about $15,000 in merchandise, gift cards and cash at the Foot Locker event, Charizma says. Although unsuccessful in his efforts to secure local fields to host events, Charizma says, with anything big, 'there's always going to be backlash'. 'We're creating so much noise – it's new, so I expected this. I expected a bit of backlash from the government and the councils because it's something different.' Tauanu'u Nick Bakulich, Chair of the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, confirmed the board opposed the event that was to be held at Williams Park in Māngere on public health and safety grounds. Eli Nathan, Auckland Council's Head of Area Operations, explained that permits are required for events involving large crowds or potential safety issues. He encouraged organisers to reach out to the council early to understand the requirements. Charizma says they are looking to help people with mental health struggles and inspire Pacific youth to chase their dreams like himself. 'We just got to keep continuing to grind and make sure that we prove the haters wrong.'
