We were very lucky to have the first New Zealand Reading Ambassador Te Awhi Rito, Ben Brown, visit some of our classes last week....

           Ben Brown spoke to Year 10 students, some Year 12/13 English classes and took a writing workshop with students from all year groups.  From my point of view it was an amazing experience, ka mau te wehi! This is how the students found the event....

"Powerful, he wasn't afraid to be himself and express himself" "I really enjoyed listening to Ben and got some good tips for my writing" "He helped us really understand why Maori words are important"  "He was down-to-earth and told it as it is"   "I loved it and the exercises were fun, this helped me get more inspiration for writing"

"I was engaged the whole time - the hour flew"  "I enjoyed his stories and insights - he is a great storyteller" "He made very clear points and went right back to basics on how words are important and powerful" "Very humorous. I could see engagement from top students and the next day they said they could make lots of connections and loved it. I took lots of notes." "I gained insights from his experiences of working with young people especially those in the Youth Justice system"  "There was a power in his words and in his sharing of his past experiences"  "Lots of connections for my learning" 

                          "If nobody listens then nobody will know" - Andre                                (from 'How did I get here? Soliloquies of youth. The YPs of Te Puna Wai o Tūhinapō Youth Justice Residence. Edited by Ben Brown)

Our appreciation for sponsoring this event goes to: Read NZ Te Pou Muramura, with support from Creative NZ,  #writersinschools,  Tracey Fowler from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi and National Library Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa.