Alison is joined over Zoom by author Dr Bex Bell, discussing her groundbreaking book about healing Imposter Syndrome and ending self-sabotage. Dr Bex has worked with people from all walks of life and her book is full of effective strategies that will help erase the anxiety about never feeling good enough. We had some technical issues when recording…

Tupou Manapori, was a schoolteacher, former Manukau City Councillor and chairwoman of the Council’s Pacific Island Advisory Committee. Born in Manihiki, Rarotonga, she moved to New Zealand in 1968.In this recording, Tupou recounts her experiences as a young, Pacific Island immigrant, and talks about the ‘Dawn Raids’ in the 1970s. This interview was…

Frank Amoah was the manager and Social Worker at the African Welfare Service Trust when this interview was conducted. Here he talks about coming to New Zealand from Ghana at the age of nineteen and the establishment of the African Welfare Service Trust. Oral history interview, Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections OH-1252-008https://kura.auckland…

Kudakwashe Tuwe, the former President of the Waitakere Ethnic Board, describes his migrant experience of coming to NZ about 10 years ago from Zimbabwe when the political situation worsened there. This interview was conducted in 2014 by Smita Biswas. Oral history interview, Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections OH-1163-003.https://kura.aucklandlib…

In 2017 Auckland Libraries recorded the stories of the Auckland Regional Migrant Services. Bulbala (Ayesha) Slimankhil describes her life in Afghanistan under the Taliban and compares it with her new life in New Zealand. She talks about her first impressions and struggles after immigrating.Oral history interview, Auckland Libraries Heritage Collect…

In this track, we hear from Boaz Habib a committee member of Waitakere Ethnic Board. He talks about his migrant experience arriving as a teenager in 1995 after growing up in Dubai and Pakistan where he was born. He also discusses his first home, facing discrimination, and how meeting a diaspora of students from various ethnicities was important for…

Welcome to ' That’s so last Century – What we wore 1950s – 1990s'.Recorded in 2013 as part of the Dominion Road Stories Collection, Marianne Hay the owner of the specialist sewing shop Exquisite Stitch - Bernina Sewing Centre, talks with Sue Gee about her childhood sewing influences and memories. This recording was done in the shop – so you’ll hear…

Welcome to ' That’s so last Century – What we wore 1950s – 1990s'.In this track we hear from Jay Khatri, a Mumbai born tailor who migrated to NZ in the late 1980s. He worked at clothing manufactures Street Wise and then Cambridge Clothing Company before opening his own tailoring business- Island Style (Jay's Clothing Ltd) in Henderson. This intervi…

Welcome to ' That’s so last Century – What we wore 1950s – 1990s'.In 2019, Auckland Libraries hosted a Fashion Week talk on the theme of sustainable fashion. In this clip, we hear from Wayne Siu, retro fashion man about town, on why vintage fashion is important in the context of climate change. https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2019/…

Welcome to ' That’s so last Century – What we wore 1950s – 1990s'.In this track, jazz singer and follower of fashion, Wendy Moore provides her lived experience of post-war hair, makeup and clothing fashions. This was a time of poring over pattern books, searching out new fabrics, and home sewing. Recorded in 2017 with Sue Berman for the Rykenberg O…

Welcome to ' That’s so last Century – What we wore 1950s – 1990s'.In this track we hear from Wendie Wright. Wendie worked with, and later married, well-known street and studio photographer John Rykenberg. In this clip, Wendie briefly recalls her mother sewing her dresses from pictures in 17 magazine. This is followed by a description of the late 19…

This excerpt features Ellie Lim interviewed by Toni Duder. Ellie shares knowing her identity from a young age, her relationship with her queer relatives in Singapore, and coming out to her ex-partner. Ellie recollects coming out to her parents, the challenges at school, Catholicism, and her relationship with God.To listen to the complete interview,…

Luis Claudio Troccoli de Meirellis was interviewed here by Toni Duder. Luis talks about moving to New Zealand and coming to terms with his sexuality, the work he has been doing for the queer community, and his perspective on the differences between New Zealand and Brazil for a member of the rainbow community.To listen to the complete interview, cli…

This excerpt features the coming-out story of Shaun Hawthorne. The interview was conducted by Luis Meirelles and Toni Duder. Shaun talks about life in the ’80s, discovering more about himself in secondary school, coming out to his family and friends, being involved in the peace movements, moving into activism for gay rights and gender, and much mor…

This excerpt features Calvin Hona interviewed by Luis Meirellis. Calvin recollects the experience at Waikato University, the uncertainty faced when leaving home and coming out, and the story of meeting his partner.To listen to the complete interview, click on this link https://bit.ly/497lsuw and submit a request using the Comments box on this pageI…

This excerpt features Toni Duder’s story recorded by Smita Biswas. Toni recollects the relationships with friends and family, discrimination at the boarding school, and the challenges faced while coming out.To listen to the complete interview, click on this link https://bit.ly/4946Ls6 and submit a request using the Comments box on this pageImage: R…

Duncan Matthews was interviewed by Toni Duder. Duncan speaks about the challenges faced when coming out, how the decision to tell the family occurred, and relationships with the extended family.To listen to the complete interview, click on this link https://bit.ly/49gE5w9 and submit a request using the Comments box on this page.Image: Rainbow Youth…

Happy Pride!Alison is joined in the studio by two special guests, Rhi and Sebastian, who talk about some of their favourite queer reads.Celebrate Pride year-round and embrace your rainbow joy by exploring the huge and diverse range of books and resources at Auckland Libraries.Books mentioned on the show can be requested from the Auckland Libraries …

In this episode, we’re tuning in to the music making of early colonial New Zealand.We meet music librarian and curator Marilyn Portman to look at a collection of early music albums which were brought amongst personal possessions to Aotearoa, to become the soundtrack of life in the colony.To bring the soundtrack to life, we meet up with musician Pol…

In this episode, we make a connection with poetry, poets, and the Auckland Central City Library.Research Librarian Elspeth Orwin takes us on a journey beyond the poetry book collection by sharing the voices of poets who interestingly also have a strong association with Libraries.We also meet and talk with poet and artist Ta Ilui who is both a regul…

In this episode, we view a unique poster printed in Rarotonga in 1849.Liam Koka'ua talks us through how this poster, Pepa 9, helped to introduce the people of Rarotonga to the Sámi people, who are indigenous to the far north of Scandinavia.Rare Book specialist Jane Wild adds to the story with an additional exploration into the research, the origins…

In this episode, we read Beauty and the Beast through four centuries of storytelling.Rare Book specialist Jane Wild describes the look and feel of the different stories in their time, how the style of writing and illustrative formats changed, and unfolds some exquisite paper engineering.Children’s librarian Clare Cudmore-Neame adds to the story by …

In this episode, we take a trip back in time to the Victorian craze for fern collecting and how Fernmania was documented. Rare Book curator Renée Orr describes the work of Herbert Dobbie and Eric Craig who collected and documented ferns of Aotearoa in the last part of the nineteenth century. We are also joined by a contemporary print artist and boo…

In this episode, we look at old sporting magazines from 'the stack' with Heritage Collections curator Andrew Henry and gain insights into how New Zealand sport was written about by journalists in the mid-20th century. We talk also with history student Katia Kennedy who shares her findings on the sports being played at that time, how these were view…

In this episode, we explore the world of Ava through a printed text of Samoan solo and the experience of library specialists Nia Vavao and Pamata Toleafoa. We visit Anau and Todd at the Four Shells Kava Lounge and learn how Kava is integral to life across Te Moana-nui-ā-Kiwa and valued and enjoyed here in Tāmaki Makaurau.See a list of references fo…

In this episode, we find meaning and history in the Auckland Tramping Club’s newsletter Wanderlust. Archivist Sharon Smith shares her insights gleaned from reading the Wanderlust magazine in the period of publication during the Second World War. We are joined by current Auckland Tramping Club members, Ian, Anna and Dennis, on the Club’s programme o…

A plaque in Devonport marks where in October 1847, Lieutenant Snow and his family were murdered in their beds. One of the perpetrators was subsequently hung on the same site. Who would commit such a crime? Māori Rebels hoping to incite a war, or was it the result of a botched robbery or an argument? Join author and journalist Sarah Ell as she share…

Doctors With Instruments from the acclaimed ensemble Pohadka launch the Spring series with a stunning programme contrasting icy and mystical Scandinavian music with warm and upbeat Jewish tunes. The Trio will explore lesser known pieces by Nordic composers Emil Hartmann and Peter Heise. These will be contrasted with the exuberant Klezmer style cham…

The Kaha Trio brings us the Winter Wanderer - a journey through two piano trios from Felix Mendelssohn and Joseph Haydn. Haydn’s Trio in G major, is also nicknamed the ‘Gypsy’ trio . As a lover of folk music, Haydn incorporated the tunes from the Verbunko dances performed by Austrian soldiers which can be especially heard in the rondo movement of t…

In collaboration with the University of Auckland, Catherine and Jesse bring us an exciting programme which comprises four-hand piano works and solo performances, ranging from the mid-eighteenth century to the twentieth century. As a duet, they present Mozart’s Sonata in D major K.381. Composed in the Galant style, it features elegant melodies, simp…

Kotuku QuintetSimon Ansell (violin), John Seager (violin), Judith Gust (viola), Sally-Anne Brown (cello), Louise Webster (piano).The Kotuku Quintet returns with the Piano quintet in F minor, op. 34 by Johannes Brahms. Described as his greatest piece of chamber music it is probably the most frequently performed of his chamber works. Brahms was a dem…

Martin Griffiths and Polly Sussex (cellos) and Sherry Grant (piano) combine their substantial literary knowledge with musical interpretations of depth and intrigue in celebration of Katherine Mansfield's Centenary year.In 1908 Garnet Trowell, an aspiring violinist from Wellington, became the lover of Katherine Mansfield, who studied cello with his …

By 1923 the Jazz Age was in full swing in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, with a variety of venues to listen and dance to jazz. The Dixieland, Trades Hall, Cafeteria, and the Click Clack Cabaret were all popular destinations. Join us as Dr Aleisha Ward takes us on a digital tour of these venues. She will explore the bands, audiences, and scandalous behav…

Portrait of George Lewis Becke [cropped], ca. 1900, by unknown, vintage gelatin silver print, State Library of New South Wales, DL PX 158. Public Domain.Join expert Allegra Marshall as she helps us learn about the life and work of author Louis Becke. At the turn of the nineteenth century, he was the most prolific, significant, and internationally r…

In this track, we hear exhibition curators Jane Wild and Renee Orr share impressions, selections and insights into medieval manuscripts currently on display in the Gallery - Level 2 Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero | Central City Library."For most of the medieval period, from the 5th to the 15th century, books were copied out and decorated by hand. These are t…

In this session we get up close with the 15th Century French manuscript the Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius, followed by a discussion of some fragments of very early medieval manuscripts found as part of the binding of a bible printed in 1480.Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa - welcome to this podcast celebrating our Auckland Libraries Rare Book…

I o Tatau Hapori : The Voice and the People of Our NeighbourhoodThis playlist supports an exhibition on display for August 2023 at the Franklin Hub.Oral histories often include great family history content and interesting social history. In these clips we hear some examples of different types of memories and recording. 0”45 – 2”05The first recordin…

I o Tatau Hapori : The Voice and the People of Our NeighbourhoodThis playlist supports an exhibition on display for August 2023 at the Franklin Hub.In this track we hear stories of transport and places.0”45 – 3”45Sometimes it’s great to have places identified from old photos in oral history and sound recordings. In this interview we can hear the sc…

I o Tatau Hapori : The Voice and the People of Our NeighbourhoodThis playlist supports an exhibition on display for August 2023 at the Franklin Hub. Pukekohe and the wider district are best known for the rich soils for growing and agriculture. In these clips we hear voices of experience related to the business of farming and market gardening.0:45 –…

I o Tatau Hapori : The Voice and the People of Our NeighbourhoodThis playlist supports an exhibition on display for August 2023 at the Franklin Hub. Listen to a range of voices related to school and schooling. This track draws on a variety of oral history recordings. Search Kura Heritage Collections Online.Voices on this track include:0:45 - 1:45 V…

Alison is joined in the studio by author Josie Shapiro discussing her debut novel Everything is Beautiful and Everything Hurts. This beautiful coming of age story of young runner Mickey Bloom and her determination to achieve her dreams is also a love letter to Auckland.This interview was recorded for Auckland Council Libraries' We Read Auckland fes…

Alison is joined in the studio by author Dominic Hoey discussing his action-packed and darkly funny novel, Poor People with Money. A fighter with a face covered in scars, a life full of debt and a brother who has mysteriously disappeared, Avondale local Monday Woolridge goes looking for income and answers in some dark places.Poor People with Money …

Alison is joined over Zoom by author Dr. Emma Espiner, discussing her poised and candid memoir, There’s a Cure for This. From quietly perceived inequities of her early life, Espiner's stories trace her hard-won revelations as a Māori medical student and junior doctor during the Covid-19 pandemic.There’s a Cure for This can be borrowed from Bestie c…

In this track we talk with Poukōkiri Whakaaturanga Taonga Kahurangi Goulton about the exhibition of ngā mōteatea in the Kura Tūturu | Real Gold exhibition case for Hōngongoi and Matariki.Kahurangi explains how te reo Māori was originally only transmitted orally and as such Māori crafted and perfected the art of mōteatea. Mōteatea refer to all forms…

Nau mai haere mai - Welcome to a session from the Reading Room of Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero, Central City Library, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.In this podcast, we are delighted to share the recording of Greg Doran’s visit to the Auckland First Folio in June 2023. Greg Doran, artistic director emeritus of the Royal Shakespeare Company is on a tour of surviv…

Two treasures in the chamber music repertoire that involve eight players feature in this first concert of our Autumn Series - Bach’s Concerto for two violins in D minor & Mendelssohn’s celebrated String Octet in E-flat Major. Written when he was just sixteen, and as a gift to his then violin teacher, Mendelssohn’s Octet overflows with some of the m…

In this concert Christopher Everest explores the hidden world of the classical guitar and its history through works written by New Zealand composers. John Ritchie’s Whimsies reflects upon William Shakespeare, each movement a reimagining of a well known sonnet. Wellington based composer Amanda Riddell’s Vanya’s Lament, is a homage to Russian playwri…

Trio Eclectica will perform Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Trio élégiaque No. 1 in G minor and Antonín Dvořák’s Piano Trio No. 4 in E minor, subtitled “Dumky”. Both pieces Ebb and flow in character with fluctuating major and minor themes, or alternating fast and slow passages, or in tragic and celebratory themes. Trio élégiaque No.1 is a single movement pie…

Michael Cai and William Sun are both students of Richard Mapp at the University of Auckland. Michael is a Masters student who is also an accomplished percussionist, playing with the Auckland Youth Orchestra and other ensembles. William is a second year student who also plays the trumpet in a number of ensembles. Together they present a programme of…

Visiting Irish pianist, Daniel Kearney, concludes our series with an exploration of the unique and creative ways in which composers have used music and the piano to describe the sights and sounds of nature. Utilizing the perspectives of many different genres including baroque, romanticism, impressionism and folk music, the performer and listener wi…