John Green's latest novel is here

Image: PenguinRandomHouse

Sixteen-year-old Aza never intended to pursue the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Russell Pickett’s son, Davis. (Inside cover)

 You Tube: Good Morning America

Listen to the video and hear John Green discuss his new book in this interview on Good Morning America.

Just for fun - find out which Mortal Instuments character you are

Curious to know who you are most like? Check out the following tests to see if they come up with the same character. Rivetedlit  and BuzzFeed.

Rā Maumahara - Commemorating the New Zealand Land Wars

The Death of Von Tempsky at Te Ngutu o Te Manu, a portrayal of an incident in the New Zealand wars on 7 September 1868. 
By Lithograph by William Potts (1859-1947), from a painting by Kennett Watkins (1847-1933) (Image: [1]; details: [2]) [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

A national day of commemoration for the New Zealand Land Wars was first discussed in 2010. Those present identified a need to acknowledge the wars and conflicts between Maori and Pakeha during the early colonial period. Further talks took place until in 2016 when a date was set: October 28. 

The first commemorations will be held this year in Te Tai Tokerau. The commemorations will then be held in a different region each year.

Although there were other groups involved in the creation of a commemoration day, a petition by a group of Otorohanga students who gained 13,000 signatures added to its impetus. Read their inspiring story by Leah Bell (one of the students and a descendant of Elizabeth Colenso)

Leah Bell: How a campaign by school pupils led to a national day marking the NZ Wars

Take some time to browse the display opposite the library entrance as you pass by that way.

You may also like to listen to a podcast that features historians and an iwi representative discussing the Wars, their significance and the importance of remembering.  

Conservation Week

The theme this year is Love Your Backyard.

The Department of Conservation has chosen this theme to encourage us to get involved either in "our own backyard or in our big New Zealand backyard." We can all take part in helping our native birds, and protecting our wildlife and environment.

The Department of Conservation site has many ideas you can explore. Feeding New Zealand's birds is just one of these. View the video to out find how.

You Tube: Ecology Ngātahi - Feeding New Zealand's Birds.

How well do you know your native bird species?  Challenge yourself and enter the competition to win a chocolate bar. See the noticeboard opposite the library for more information.

All you need to do is identify 8 birds. Can you name them?

You might also like to vote in Bird of the Year. Go to this link.