It's Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori next week and the Rotorua District Library is celebrating with competitions, demonstrations, kapa haka and a special performance by Maori diva Whirimako Black.
Marketing and promotions officer Sue Heke said the library was thrilled to have the renowned singer/songwriter perform. "Whirimako is described as one of New Zealand's finest musicians so we certainly feel very privileged to have her support our Te Wiki o Te Reo celebrations."
Ms Heke said the celebrations, in conjunction with the Rotorua District Council, would follow on from a successful event in 2012 when the library was a finalist in the Kaunihera a Rohe (Local Government) category of the national Maori Language Awards.
"The highlight of last year's celebrations was definitely the twice-daily kapa haka performances by children from local kohanga reo and schools, and we're thrilled to have even more schools come on board this year. A
"After their performances the children will no doubt line up for the 'Best Pukana' photo competition we are also running, and will then take the special tour of the library being offered to all schools."