Hastings Library has become the first in the country to partner with the Philippine Embassy to launch Te Kokonga Filipiñana, a new initiative celebrating Filipino culture, language and literacy.
Around 70 people attended a launch event (pictured, below) at Hastings Library last month, including Philippines Ambassador to New Zealand, Kira Azucena, who spoke about the importance of language, literacy and cultural connection for Filipino communities living overseas.
She also officially presented a donation of Filipino-language books to Heretaunga Hastings Libraries, expanding the library’s existing Filipino collection.
The event also featured Hawke’s Bay-born Filipino-Kiwi author, Joseph Trinidad, whose award-winning book Lucky Creatures explores Filipino identity, migration, family and belonging in New Zealand.
Hastings District Councillor and Multicultural Advisory Group chair, Nick Ratcliffe said the initiative reflected Hastings’ commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive community.
“The Filipino community makes an enormous contribution to the social, cultural and economic life of Heretaunga,” he said.
“We are proud that Hastings has become the first library in New Zealand to partner with the Philippine Embassy on this initiative, creating opportunities for people to celebrate their language, culture and stories.”
For many attendees, the event was about more than books. Families spoke of the importance of seeing Filipino culture represented in a public space, while parents welcomed opportunities for children to connect with their language and heritage.
The Philippine Embassy hopes the success of the Hastings programme will pave the way for similar initiatives in libraries across New Zealand, helping to celebrate Filipino culture, language and literacy while strengthening community connections.
