Latest news with #Papatoetoe
RNZ News
3 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
Samoa language celebration 'like white Sunday'
De La Salle College - joined by Mr Endemann on stage Photo: Timo Morisa A student-led church service at Auckland's Papatoetoe High School celebrated the beginning of Samoan Language Week in Aotearoa. High school students have celebrated Samoan Language Week by showcasing their cultural heritage through Bible readings, prayers, singing, and dancing. Papatoetoe high school Samoan language teacher and dean, Timo Morisa, said the event was "stellar". "It felt like I was in a white Sunday service," he said. "If you think about when our Samoan communities celebrate white Sunday - you've got the decorations, you've got the amazing performances, you've got the vibrance; we also had all this food that was prepared." Morisa said it was "bigger than just the importance of the service and the opening". Fotu Jr - the younger generation of Gagana Sāmoa teachers in Fotu o Mālama Photo: Timo Morisa "There are so many defining teaching points that we are handing over to the students that are coming," he said. "One of the other, just kind of side note things, was after the ceremony, kids were in the car park - like Manurewa kids and Papatoe kids and Alfreston kids, and they were just connecting and talking and chatting. And I think that relationship building is so important." He said one of the chiefs of Samoan language in Aotearoa, Tauanu'u Tapu gave an emotional speech. Combined Aufaipese with students from Papatoetoe High, De La Salle, Sir Edmund Hilary and James Cook High. Photo: Timo Morisa "He said: 'In 10 years and 20 years and 50 years, where will our language and our culture be? And it is our responsibility." Secretary for Fotu o Malamalama Lemoa Henry Fesulua'i said parents shouldn't rely only on education systems. "Most of the time your children are right in front of you," he said. "That's the most important thing - that you're normalizing being Samoan in the home, so when they do leave the home, there's other accessibility and support in schools and churches and in various communities."
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
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
RNZ News
28-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Man arrested after 'violent' assault on woman in Auckland's Papatoetoe
Photo: A 25-year-old man has been arrested after a woman was violently assaulted in Papatoetoe, Auckland. An investigation began this month into the incident where a woman suffered a head injury in the early hours of 9 May on Sutton Crescent. "At around midnight, the victim and the offender had been walking along Sutton Crescent when an argument broke out between them," Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward said. "We do not know why this argument began but it has continued as the pair moved towards Kolmar Road." A second image of the wanted man. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police The woman tried to walk away from the man but was assaulted. "The force of the assault has caused the victim to fall to the ground," Detective Senior Sergeant Hayward said. "The offender has continued the violent assault and used extreme force on the woman." The woman was taken to Middlemore Hospital with serious injuries and was continuing to recover from her ordeal. Police obtained CCTV footage of the assault, which shows the man walking away from the scene a short time later. Police earlier on Wednesday appealed to the public for help finding the man pictured in CCTV images released. "There is no place for this extreme violence in the community, and I'm confident someone will know who this man is," Detective Senior Sergeant Hayward said earlier on Monday. In an update from police on Tuesday afternoon, Detective Senior Sergeant Hayward said a man turned up at Ōtāhuhu Police Station and has been arrested. He has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and will appear in the Manukau District Court on Thursday.
RNZ News
27-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Hunt on after 'violent' assault on woman in Auckland's Papatoetoe
A CCTV image of the man police want to speak to. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police Police are appealing for the public's help in identifying an alleged attacker in a violent assault on a woman in Papatoetoe. An investigation began this month into the incident where a woman suffered a head injury in the early hours of 9 May on Sutton Crescent. Police have has released images of a man sought in connection with the assault. "At around midnight, the victim and the offender had been walking along Sutton Crescent when an argument broke out between them," Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward said. "We do not know why this argument began but it has continued as the pair moved towards Kolmar Road." A second image of the wanted man. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police The woman tried to walk away from the man but was assaulted. "The force of the assault has caused the victim to fall to the ground," Detective Senior Sergeant Hayward said. "The offender has continued the violent assault and used extreme force on the woman." Police have since obtained CCTV footage of the assault, which shows the man walking away from the scene a short time later. The woman was taken to Middlemore Hospital with serious injuries and was continuing to recover from her ordeal. Hayward said no witnesses to the violent incident have been identified. Police have released the images in the hope of some information ftrom the public. "There is no place for this extreme violence in the community, and I'm confident someone will know who this man is. Anyone with information, can call 105 using the reference number 250509/4414. It can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
