Canterbury Communities of Readers project

The Canterbury Communities of Readers project ran from late 2020 to June 2023. It is providing books, programmes and reading environments for tamariki and rangatahi in care, or on the edge of care, and their caregivers in the Canterbury region.

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Vision for the project

The vision for the Canterbury Communities of Readers project is to weave a whāriki of support to inspire a love of reading among tamariki and rangatahi in care, or on the edge of care.

The partners are National Library and Kingslea School with a hub for the project at the Arahina ki Ōtautahi School in Richmond. The partners are working with government and community support agencies in the region including Oranga Tamariki.

Kingslea School

What we are doing

Books (and bookshelves) are being distributed to Kingslea campuses in Canterbury for sharing with carers and students, to the Oranga Tamariki and Work and Income office in Rangiora, and the Gateway hub at Christchurch hospital.

Next steps include distribution of more books to these centres, provision of books for young people in residential homes, information sessions with social workers and carers, and school staff, and development of supporting resources.

Staff at the shared Oranga Tamariki and Work and Income office in Rangiora have commented on the absolute delight from tamariki and parents as they get books, and how having the books on desks and in hands are helping start conversations and interactions.

Canterbury project research report

Point and Associates were commissioned to undertake research for the community projects in Phase 1.

Read the Canterbury Communities of Readers project report

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Feature image at top of page: Book for whānau at the Oranga Tamariki and Work and Income office in Rangiora.