Interview with Alex Gilbert - author & founder, I'm Adopted

Alex Gilbert. Image courtesy of Alex Gilbert | imadopted.org

Sasha Alexander 'Alex' Gilbert, whose birth name was Gusovskoi Alexander Viktorovich, was born in Arkhangelsk, Russia and placed in a local orphanage. In 1994, at age two he was adopted by his New Zealand parents.

In 2013, Alex did a search for his birth parents using social media. He eventually found them and met his birth mother and father for the first time at the end of 2013. Since then Alex has formed I'm Adopted, an organisation that helps adoptees find their biological families, and connect with other adoptees for support and advice.

Alex has written two books My Russian Side (2014) and I'm Adopted (2018). He also produces a weekly podcast I'm Adopted: The Podcast.

Alex Gilbert signing his book I'm Adopted at Rotorua Library, 10 August 2019. Photo: Ani Sharland.

Rotorua Library Heritage and Research Specialist Graeme Cash spoke with Alex Gilbert about his search for his birth parents, publishing his story and forming I'm Adopted.

What led you to search for your birth parents?
I have always wanted to know about my birth parents in Russia. Growing up I have always had an interest in where I came from. My parents were always open and honest about it too with both my brother and I. It was never something that was a secret in our family. I am grateful for that. I wanted to do a search for them when I was 21. I felt like this would be a good time to do a search myself. I thought about doing a search back in High School which I did try, but I had no luck. The timing when I was 21 seemed to have worked perfectly with me.

How did you make contact with your birth parents?
At the start of 2013 I did some research on Russian social network websites, which I didn't really know about. After I pulled out my adoption documents, I was able to try and do a search. I managed to find information on my birth mother first. I found a contact of hers through a community group who had the same last name as hers. My birth mother herself doesn't use social media, but people who know her did and so I managed to get in touch with them. With my birth father I wasn't able to find information on him. I learnt later that he didn't know about me and the name on my adoption papers was not real. He only knew about me when I sent him a message for the first time when I did a search in 2013.

Can you talk about the use of social media and the Web as tools for one finding their birth parents?
For social media it is very useful. It's helpful with this day and age as there are contacts out there that might know someone. It is different for everyone of course, every story is different. With I'm Adopted its helpful because it's mostly run through social media. People that might want to do a search can reach out to the community or if they want to talk to other adoptees, they can also reach out. It's important for that. Social media and the internet plays a huge role.

Alex (far right) with his parents Mark and Janice Gilbert and brother Andrei (also adopted). Image courtesy of Alex Gilbert | imadopted.org

Can you describe the experience of meeting your birth parents for the first time?
I was extremely nervous. I got in touch with my birth parents at the start of 2013 to then going to Russia at the end of 2013. The year had a lot of planning involved and for me, I had never been back to Russia and so I didn't know what to expect. Meeting them for the first time was an incredible experience. I got to Moscow first, then driving to see my birth mother the next day. It all still feels like yesterday. We were both nervous about the entire meeting. Even though it was a lot of planning, it all went very fast. It was a life changing experience. Meeting my birth father was again another surreal experience. It was a special moment for me. He was soon meeting this son of his that he never knew existed. It changed his life and mine, not to forget his entire family.

How do you maintain contact and develop a relationship with your birth parents from New Zealand?
I don't keep in touch with my birth mother as much as I would like to, but I keep in contact all the time with my birth father. We use social media, phone call and skyping to keep in touch. It's incredible how much technology has improved over the last few years with communication. It has made things a lot faster in the way of reaching out to my birth family in Russia. I have also been learning the language as well as having friends who translate for me too which is useful.

Alex and his parents Janice and Mark Gilbert with his birth mother Tatiana and birth father Mihail. Image courtesy of Alex Gilbert | imadopted.org 

What inspired you to publish your story?
I had so much I wanted to write about from my story. A lot was all like a timeline in my head that I really wanted to put into a book. I wanted to write this book so that it can help others adopted or even parents who have adopted children themselves. Of course it talks about my own personal life and ups and downs that everyone gets from time to time. The book is me and its about my story of my adoption and how it really changed my life with meeting my birth parents to now creating I'm Adopted.

I'm Adopted (2018, Alex Gilbert)

Can you explain what the I'm Adopted project is and how it began?
In mid 2015 I wanted to create an online project that helps adopted people reach out to each other. Open a community online using social media so that we can all talk to each other with. It's all for anyone around the world who is adopted, inside their country or overseas, it's for all of us. I knew that if this project was around when I did my own search in 2013, I may have been able to prepare a little bit more before going to Russia. I didn't have a community like I'm Adopted around to reach out to. It's a support network and along with a beautiful community. People can share their stories or join private groups and reach out there. I also run a podcast weekly for the project that is published every Wednesday. It's overall an awesome project.

What have some of the challenges with running the project?
Where do I begin. I guess keeping it running is a big one. Keeping it going strong while I do have a full time job, I want to always keep helping with I'm Adopted. I enjoy doing what I do wit it but of course it's all my free time that I spend with it. But every moment is helping is important. I think it's most likely when I get the odd anonymous Facebook message from someone who is asking for my help but there is no information. I share the stories for people if they would like that or people can reach out to the group. Sometimes I also reach out to some of the contacts overseas who might be able to help specific people too. But it's a completely rewarding project and I would never change anything I have done with it. I am proud of what it has become.

Alex at first birthday celebration for I'm Adopted. Image courtesy of Alex Gilbert | imadopted.org

What has been the most rewarding moment for you?
The most rewarding moment is definitely when people reach out to me simply saying thank you. Or thank you to me for doing what I do. People who watch my YouTube channel reach out to me often, just thanking me. People have said that they have been able to find information with the help of I'm Adopted. I have a few adoption resources online that I have written that can help people with any searches that they might want to do. I have to keep the website and Facebook page running all the time, so I am always doing what I can with it. Overall I'm Adopted is a rewarding project.

Earlier this year you published a Russian version of your book I'm Adopted, can you tell me about that experience?
Back in 2017 I got to go to Russia to meet with an organisation in Moscow who help parents who have adopted children inside Russia. I know one of the organisations very well who actually let me to stay with their family in Moscow while I was there. I also revisited my orphanage for the first time at the end of 2018 (second time was at the end of 2018 for the gifts) too along with meeting the Children's Rights Minister in Moscow, who works with their President. I can say, it was a really productive visit to Russia. The organisation reached out to me who help parents and adopted teenagers when I got back from Russia. They asked if they could translate and publish my book inside Russia. It was more of a free giveaway for charities and organisations inside Russia, but overall, it was fully funded and printed. It was incredible. Took well over a year to plan, but seeing the finished translated version was something. I sent a signed thank you note to my birth mother with the book for them too.

Alex meeting Anna Kuznetsova, Children's Rights Commissioner for the President of the Russian Federation. Image courtesy of  Alex Gilbert | imadopted.org

This year you have launched a podcast and currently have a TV show Reunited in development can you tell me about those projects.
I have always had an interest in podcasting and how that all works and so I wanted to create a Podcast for I'm Adopted. It's because with Spotify and music streaming services, it is a lot easier to create a podcast these days. I couldn't believe how easy it actually was. Of course I need to create the content, but I love what I do with this and so that was the least of my worries. It's called I'm Adopted: The Podcast. I interview adoptees and just talk about specific topics each week. It's an important podcast to listen to and what's great about Podcasts is, if you want to playback an old episode, you can at anytime!

For the TV show I can't talk too much about that unfortunately, but a small team of mine at work have been developing this new TV show that is based on the I'm Adopted project for awhile now and we will be starting production on it very soon. Something I would love to talk about more of course, but when we start the stories I can talk about that more.

What advice would you give to someone beginning their search for their birth parents?
Don't give up. Be patient and always prepared for anything. Be honest with your close friends and family and do it when you feel it's right in your heart. That is the advice I always give to those who want to search.

Alex speaking at Rotorua Library, 10 August 2019. Photo credit: Ani Sharland.

Alex Gilbert spoke at the library on Saturday 10th August 2019 as part of August Family History Month. A copy of his book I'm Adopted (now signed) can be found at 362.734 GIL NZ.

To learn more about Alex and I'm Adopted visit:

imadopted.org

facebook.com/imadoptedOrg

alexgilbert.co.nz

facebook.com/nzalexgilbert

Te Aka Mauri Heritage Day

So today is Te Aka Mauri Heritage Day. One of the activities on offer today is “The Library that was” tour (11.30-12.30 and 2.30-3.30). We'd love you to come join in and see how things have changed. Maybe you can add your memories as we walk and talk.

Below is a brief history of the building know as Te Aka Mauri, Rotorua Library. We hope you come and make your own memories in this special place.

The former government building between Haupapa and Arawa Streets was renovated and opened to the public on 16 December 1991 as Rotorua Public Library.

In 2008/9 the library building was extensively renovated, adding 1000sq metres of floor space for the library.  A cafe was incorporated into the entrance design and an extra floor was opened up to accommodate the growing collections.  Three meeting rooms were created as well as a secure browsing area for some of the library's special heritage collections.  The entrance door was also moved to face out to Haupapa Street.  At that time, the library's name changed from Rotorua Public Library to Rotorua District Library.

In 2016 the library building was extensively renovated again in collaboration with the Lakes District Health Board which is what you see today.The aim is to provide a one-stop hub for children and their families with a range of services and amenities that contribute to well-being and learning.

Children's Area, Tiered Shelving (Front Entrance)

This was where the front entrance to the library was. On either side were stained glass artworks by local artist, John Skudder. The windows are now located on the 2^nd floor outside the Don Stafford Room.

Jean Batten Park (Drive by Book Returns, driveway & parking)

On the eastern side of the building there used to be a driveway and parking which was installed in 1991. You could also return your books from your car using the drive through returns box which was installed in 2009.

Walk-bridge

There was an overhead walk-bridge here that linked the two buildings. This building (Te Aka Mauri) was where several Government departments were housed. The other building (Māori Land Court) was where the Māori Affairs Department was. The bridge was removed at the end of 1990, when construction on the library building began.

Community Meeting Room

The library’s mobile bus was housed here from 1991 to 2009. The space was also used by library staff to create and decorate floats for the Santa parades.  The space was then re-used as a café (Library Store Café) from April 2009 to April 2016 and had a beautiful mural by artist Mark Spijkerbosch.

Community Pride Wall and Magazine space

This space was used as the children’s area where activities were held and stories told from the carved wooden throne installed in 2010 and carved by Jamie Tereimana Tahiata. A fantasy mural by Marc Spijkerbosch used to cover this wall where the screens are. Local graffiti artist ‘Antz’ created a mural on the wall behind the fiction close to the men’s toilets of a taniwha.

1^st floor non-fiction area 

This area was where the teens area was. Local graffiti artist Ant Haines created the ‘gurl’ and ‘boi’ murals on the walls by the windows.

1st floor non-fiction area

The adult non-fiction was arranged in Living Rooms, categories of books in similar fields, close to each other

Discovery Space

The archives, hidden from public view, were in the front corner of the now Discovery Space

What was the staff room is where the Heritage & Research Desk and computers now reside.We welcomed and said farewell to many staff and recognised each other’s achievements.

On this floor prior to the 2008, the 2^nd floor was also used by Waiariki Polytechnic as teaching classrooms.

Don Stafford Room

This was part of our staff work space where our new library books were processed. It was also where we ran the library business from day-to-day.

The corridor beside the Reading Room 

The reading room was where the Don Stafford room was located. The space leading to the meeting rooms is where Information Services desk was located. The heritage collections stood where the Makerspace and iMac computer suite are.

Wishing Te Aka Mauri a wonderful 1st birthday.

This blog compiled by Trish. Many thanks to staff and ex-staff for photos and memories

Halloween in Rotorua

Trick or Treating, Jack-o'-Lanterns, haunted attractions, bobbing for apples, candy apples, candy corn are all traditions associated with Halloween. The idea of celebrating Halloween or specifically Trick or Treating begun gaining popularity in New Zealand in the 1970s and 1980s. This blog post looks back at how Halloween has been celebrated in Rotorua over the years, and how we are celebrating it in 2018.

1983 - Waterbed World uses Halloween for a sale. Source: The Daily Post, Monday 31 October 1983, p. 4.

1985 - Lymore Primary School teacher Mrs J. Angell with Katie Spence, 6, left, and Johnny Johnson, 6. Source: The Daily Post, Thursday 31 October 1985, p. 1.

1994 - Renee Brierly, 10, the friendly ghost. Source: The Daily Post, Tuesday 1 November 1994, p. 1.

2008 - Halloween Fright Night at the Library, Friday 31 October 2008.

Halloween has not always been a positive affair in Rotorua. In 1995 the Daily Post run with the headline ‘Children ‘hold up’ woman’.  Mrs Merilyn Farrant reported that she opened her door to two youngsters armed with a toy long barreled shotgun and a crow bar.

In 1999, a Lynmore woman reported being terrified by a group pounding on her door demanding lollies. Police reported receiving no complaints but the following year they reported that they received five complaints regarding Halloween trick or treaters and three complaints about young people using fireworks.

Also in 2000 the two Lorraines (they did not want their surnames known) distributed Halloween-Free House signs. In 2002 the Salvation Army also offered Halloween-free signs for a donation.

Salvation Army corps officer Ian Gainsford with one of the Halloween-free signs. Source: The Daily Post, Thursday 31 October 2002, p. 3.

The Blood Bank cleverly cashed in on Halloween in 2001 with ‘Night Bleed’, a special blood bank recruiting drive held on the night following Halloween.

Also in 2001 students from Rotorua’s Seventh Day Adventist Primary School used Halloween to start The Daily Post’s Christmas hamper appeal.

Upcoming family friendly Halloween events

Hell-O-Wheels Halloween Roller Derby Spectacular is on at the Southern Trust Sportsdrome on Saturday 27th October. Doors open 6pm.

On Sunday 28th October between 11am and 3:30pm is the Halloween Pool Party at Rotorua Aquatic Centre. Entry is $7.

More FM is hosting HolloWin on Tuesday 30th October in Jean Batten Square outside Rotorua Library from 3:30pm – 5:00pm. The family event is a free and safe alternative to Trick or Treating.

There is an outdoor movie screening of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events at OGO Rotorua on Friday 2 November. Movie starts 8pm.

Halloween quilt window display at Cottage Flair, 1127 Fenton St.

If you have any photos or memories from past Halloween celebrations, Light Parties in Rotorua please add them to Rotorua Kete, our online community space.

This post was written thanks to The Daily Post.

This post was written by Graeme.

A look back to October 1895 in Rotorua.

Rotorua Library c.1895 from the Hot Lakes Chronicle. 

Library and Reading Room, Annual Subscribers Meeting, 11^th October 1895 in the Institute.

Report as printed in the Hot Lakes Chronicle 16^th October 1895.

“Mr C. Malfroy, president, occupied the chair. Mr Malfroy expressed his regret at seeing so comparatively few present, but at the same time signified his delight in meeting amongst the number so many who had been for many years identified with the town”

There follows a reading of the seventh annual report in which a number of concerns are outlined “Your committee very much regret that during the past year no concerts or other entertainments have been given in aid of the Library funds, nor has there been any material receipts from the sale of publications, both of which sources of revenue have been of great assistance in previous years, and taking this into account as well as general financial depression which necessarily reacts on the Institution they have been unable during the past year to order any new books for the Library. They regret this the more, in view of the constant enquiries made by members on the subject, and would earnestly urge on you the duty of individually endeavouring to secure additional subscribers”

The report goes on to say “during the early part of the year the roof of the building was repaired, and your Committee would return their thanks to the Town Board for bearing a portion of the cost… and an application made to the Government for funding to paint the front of the building and repair window frames was granted.

“The quarter acre section formerly occupied by the Government Agent’s office in Arawa Street., has been granted by the Government as a site for a new Library, free of cost, but it is not yet gazetted. It rests with the members, and the general public of Rotorua as to what steps shall be taken to utilise it”

The income for the year is noted as £79 14s 5p and their expenditure is also £79 14s 5p. So no money is wasted!

Later in the report of Mr Malfroy he records the following “in regard to the new Library site he was pleased to find that the Surveyor-General had seen fit to keep all the Government buildings, so far, on the one block. The site set apart was in his opinion, one of the best in the town and he hoped means would soon be forthcoming to build an institute which would be a credit to the place”

The Institute mentioned here is, not the Victoria Institute building into which the Library moves into by November 1898, it is the Library building at Ohinemutu which had been opened officially on 10^th April 1889 in what was described as an old building next to the Comet Store. The Victoria Institute was situated on Arawa Street was the next location for the Library, this building also included Rotorua’s first museum. 

Between 1898 and 1940 many additions and changes occurred and on 14 October 1940 the new library in the Municipal Building was opened with approximately 2000 items (books and magazines). The children’s library stayed at the Victoria Institute until the collection was moved in 1941. 

To read an overview of the Rotorua Library history 1889 to 2009, click here

125 year Celebrations, Rotorua Library 

Here are a few Local News and Notes published in the Hot Lakes Chronicle 2^nd October 1895:

 “Mr W. Rogers has just received a consignment of prime Canterbury potatoes at his store.”

“The Town Board notify water consumers in arrears with their fees that unless same be paid by the 15^th inst. the supply will be cut off”

“The telephone posts for the service between the old and new townships are now being erected, and as soon as the wires are stretched the instrument will be fixed in Mr Lakin’s shop”

“In looking over a map in the Courthouse the other day the eye fell on a place called Ngapepeangaowaiwhakanga, situated on the shore of Lake Okataina. Ngapepe-&c., ought to be utilised as a name for one of our streets.”

“Mr H. Kirk opened the new butcher’s shop which has been erected for him on Fenton Street…. The fittings and general appearance of the shop reflect the greatest credit on the contractor. The walls of the office are of mottled Tawa which bears a strong resemblance to English Oak and the ceiling is of Rimu from Messrs Kusabs yards. The ceiling of the shop, which is very lofty, is composed of alternate planks of black and white varnished Tawa and a pretty pattern of paper covers the walls.”

“…Mr Clarke (C.A.C. Clarke) is a deft manipulator of all that is enticing in the way of harmless ‘refreshers’, the knowledge of which fact opens up a vista of happiness for even the most rabid Prohibitionist during the coming sultry summer months.”

And last but not least J

“The Library Committee handed in an estimate of the cost of renovating the building. A sum of £7 was asked for, but it was explained that this would only meet urgent requirements as three times that amount could be spent to great advantage” 

Moving Day, from our 21 year tenancy of the Masonic Building
to 1127 Haupapa Street. November 1991. 

With thanks to Papers Past for online access to this Rotorua Newspaper.

This blog post compiled by Alison.

Church Time Line Rotorua 1831-1981

Rotorua Churches 1831-1981

• Missionaries 1831-1880
• Te Koutu Mission Station c.1835. Anglican/CofE
• Mokoia Island Mission Station c.1838. Anglican/CofE
• Te Ngae Mission Station c.1843 Anglican/CofE
• Te Mu c.1845-1861– Anglican/Church of England.

• St Joachim c.1847 - Roman Catholic, Pukeroa Hill

• Te Mapou, Tapuaekura  (Lake Rotoiti) c.1850-

• St Faith’s c.1880 – Anglican, Muruika Peninsula

• Baptist Mission, Te Wairoa 1882-1886

• St Michael’s c.1890 – Roman Catholic, Ohinemutu /St Michael's – new church built around old one Feb 1964- see Photo News 15 Feb 1964 pg. 3
• New school built behind Convent c.1903. 

• Salvation Army c.1891-1955 – Arawa Street approx.  80 Arawa Street  (becomes new Palace Tavern c.1966)

• Red Shield Hut c.1914-1943, Soldier’s Institute – Arawa Street, possibly 81 or 83 (new McGill’s 1954)
• Salvation Army c.1956 - 271 Old Taupo Road
• New Citadel 1987 a Lockwood Building at 271 Old Taupo Road.

• St Joseph’s c.1892 – Near Taheke

• St John’s c.1896-1988 – Pukuatua Street, Presbyterian 
• Trinity Presbyterian Church c.1901– current at Mamaku 
• Trinity Presbyterian Church c 1950 – 13 School Rd, Ngongotaha.
• St John’s in the City – c.1989-2017 Cnr. Ranolf & Victoria Streets 
• St John’s on Fenton c.2017- at 276 Fenton Street (to be rebuilt Cnr. Ranolf & Victoria)

• St Luke’s c.1899-1973 – Haupapa Street, Anglican
• St Luke’s c.1975-Present – Cnr Pukuatua & Amohia Streets
• St Andrew’s-St David’s Presbyterian, c.1958-c.2014. Cnr Devon and Old Taupo Rd.
• Also known as St Andrew’s on the Roundabout.

• St Mary of the Cross c.1904 – Whakarewarewa, Anglican. – Renamed Te Arawa Church.
• Church of the Immaculate Conception c.1904 – Whakarewarewa, Roman Catholic.

• Bainbridge Memorial Church c.1906-1982 Hinemoa Street, United Methodist.
• Bainbridge Methodist Church c.1986- Old Taupo Road
• Methodist at Mamaku,  see c.1908.
• St Joseph’s at Owhata (Roman Catholic Church) c.1907, and St Joseph’s at Mamaku.
• Father Kreymbourg built these two churches himself.
• St Michael’s at Mamaku c.1912, 1925. St Joseph’s (1933-1986) The Catholic Church at Mamaku is blown off its piles in a severe storm. DP 11.7. 1986.

• Methodist Church at Mamaku c.1908- Mr Souster and his brother-in-law build the first.

• St Peter’s on the Rock c.1911-2017 – Mamaku, Anglican.

• Church of the Immaculate Conception.  c.1915–c.2012. 27 Taui St, Ngongotaha.  Used by Oasis Church c.2008-2012. Church demolished c2013.

• St Barnabas c 1924– (16 School Road) Ngongotaha [initially used by all denominations needing a church hall in Ngongotaha.]

• Chapel of Ease c.1926-c.1959? At the St Joseph’s Convent – Ranolf Street
• See St Mary’s Church 1954.
• New Convent on Carnot Street opened 1959.

• Devon Street Hall – c.1928- Cnr. Fenton & Devon Streets – Church of England
• St Chad’s (c.1982-Present.  St Chad’s Charitable Trust.)

St Chad's c.1920's  Cnr. Devon and Fenton Streets.
Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 4-6217' 

• St Peter’s c.1933 - Owhata Marae, Anglican

• Bethesda Chapel c.1934-1955 – 36 Eruera Street, Brethren
• Ranolf Street Gospel Chapel, c.1957-1970 – Ranolf Street.
• Fenton Park Gospel Chapel, c. 1970- Cnr Ward & Hilda Streets. [Fenton Park Bible Church]
• Roosevelt Road Gospel Chapel – c.1969 - 5 Roosevelt Road, Western Heights.
• See New Heights c.2005-2007. Reverts to Roosevelt Rd Bible Church.
• Mamaku Brethren c.1960's-2008/09?

Fenton Park Gospel Chapel in construction
Rotorua Photonews 9 May 1970 pg.2

• St Paul’s c.1935 – 28 Church Road, Ngapuna. (Anglican) Consecrated by Bishop of Aotearoa 30th June 1935.

• Baptist c.1939 – a visiting Minister from Putaruru came to Rotorua to hold services until…
• 1^st Church, officially opened c.1945 – 100 Malfroy Road.
• Baptist (new church) next to old one, opened 9.2.1978 see Daily Post for story.

• Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) c.1930's – New church opened c.1960 - 10 Rimu Street.

• St Mary’s Catholic Church, 1954-1984 - Ranolf Street.
• New Church plans, for a new building/renovation of the 1954 church in 1984.

• St Mary’s Anglican Church, c.1954 at Horohoro Marae.  Either Kearoa or Rongomaipapa

• Kingdom Hall c.1956-2004–Jehovah’s Witness – 303 Fenton Street.
• Kawaha Point Kingdom Hall 1995-
• Ngongotaha Congregation c1990-
• c.2004- Kingdom Hall – moved out of Fenton street to new church 250 Vaughan Road.

• St Columba Presbyterian Hall, c.1958-c.1993 at 155-157 Clayton Road. [A church was to be moved here from Tauranga in 1982.]

• Wesleyan Methodist Church c. 1959-1980. At 219 Clayton Road [church used by other denominations since 1980]

• Methodist Church – 1962 - Ngongotaha (see also previous one at Mamaku 1939) 

• The Apostolic Church : (also known as Bethel Temple) – c.1961-1984. 70 Malfroy Road (included Bible College c.1966)
• Rotorua Apostolic Life Centre 1984-c.1995: 1 Maisey Place
• 46 Hinemoa Street  c.1996 - Cnr Tutanekai & Pukaki Streets c.1998 - Lake City Church 
• Destiny c.2005-

• Christian Science Society c.1961 – does not have own building until c.1972-1977. Cnr Old Taupo Rd and Konene Street.

• St David’s Presbyterian c.1963-current at Reeve Road, Owhata.

• St Francis Church c.1963-1970's is used by Western Heights Play Centre 1970's, 13 Thomas Crescent (Anglican)
• St Francis Whanau Aroha Day Care.  c.2000-current at 13 Thomas Crescent.   

• All Saints Hall c1963–sold-c2017. 223 Malfroy Road, Anglican. [also used by other denominations for church services.]

• Lutheran Church c.1967–c1999 89 Sunset Road [now a Daycare Centre]

• Church of the Good Shepherd c1970– Awahou – non denominational - Ngati Rangiwewehi Marae.

• Seventh - day Adventist c.1950- 6 Tilsley Street – school opens 1965.
• Seventh - day Adventist, c.1970-current. (New church) 311 Fenton Street.
• Samoan-Tokelauan Seventh-day Adventist c.2016-current, 274 Old Taupo Rd
• Maranatha Seventh - day Adventist c2014-current, in Old St Andrews Church, Old Taupo Road

• Baha’i Faith - c.1975-c.1979, 1984-current.  

• Assembly of God, c.1972-1992 – 14 Gibson Street, Fenton Park.
• Assembly of God c.1986-current at 20-40 Biak Street 
• Samoan Independent Assembly of God. c.1977–2006.  274 Old Taupo Road.

• St Paul’s c.1975 – Ngakuru (was St Bride’s from Auckland) Presbyterian - becomes Christ’s Church (shared between Anglican, Roman Catholic and Presbyterian congregations). Services were held in the School Hall c.1927 and 1950's.

• Bible Baptist Church.  c.1978-current 55-71 Pukehangi Rd. [Church built c.1980's]

With thanks to the Don Stafford Collection, Papers Past and Rotorua Library Photonews collection, Who's Who in Rotorua and Rotorua Phone Directory collections.

Matariki 2018

Matariki is here again and this year, as with the last few years, 

Rotorua Library has a number of events planned to celebrate and share.

All the above graphics designed by Rotorua Lakes Council and

printed in the Winter Events Guide available from the Rotorua Library.

Some cool resources held by Rotorua Library on Matariki :

These titles are also held in the Don Stafford Room on the 2nd Floor.

• "The Astrological knowledge of the Maori" by Elsdon Best 520 BES. Maori Collection 1st Floor.
• "Matariki the star of the year" by Rangi Matamua. 394.2614z MAT. Maori Collection 1st Floor.
• "Puanga : star of the Maori new year" by Sam Rerekura. 520z RER. Maori Collection 1st Floor. See also a review of this title in a previous blog post.
• "Work of the gods : tatai arorangi : Maori astronomy" by Kay Leather 520z LEA. Maori Collection 1st Floor.
• "Stories from our night sky" by Melanie Drewery. 398.2z DRE. Maori Collection 1st Floor.
• "Matariki the Maori new year" by Libby Hakaraia. 394.2614z HAK. Maori Collection 1st Floor.
• "Celebrating the southern seasons" by Juliet Batten. 398.33z BAT. Maori Collection 1st Floor.
• "Matariki education resource" Museum of New Zealand. 394.2614z MAT. Maori Collection 1st Floor.
• "Matariki" New Zealand Language Commission. 394.2614z MAT. Maori Collection 1st Floor.
• "Maori and the natural world : Te Taiao" by Jennifer Garlick. 305.8994z TE. Maori Collection 1st Floor. 

There also lots of books for children and teens on the ground floor, see our "What's On" June 2018 Newsletter for some titles.

Watch out for the timetable for the School Holiday Programme, there will be some Matariki themed events and crafts to take home.

Christmas in Rotorua a special time of year

Rotorua Library loves being in the Parades

Rotorua Library's first ever Santa Parade entry was our NEW Mobile Library Bus in the 1988 Parade with a big red Christmas ribbon around it's middle.

Then in the Rotorua Public Library Centennial year of 1989, staff members, Joanne & Mary Ellen volunteered to stand on the float as pictured below.

Christmas parade 1989 our Centennial Year

Rotorua Library then had a break from the parade scene until 1999 when our next NEW Mobile Library Bus was entered.  For the year 2000 the library borrowed a bus from a staff member (Lea-Ann Carter) which was decorated and ably assisted by more staff and a few of the children of Library staff and hangers on. The photograph below was taken just before heading around to Rangiuru Street to take a place in the long line of floats.

Christmas Parade in 2000

In 2001 Fletcher Tuatara made an appearance in his egg...which duly hatched in the Library...

Tractor driven by Staff Member Brent, Christmas 2001

Once Fletcher was 'born' he made a number of appearances in the Library and at some local schools. For the 2003 Santa Parade, Fletcher along with his (food) caterpillars joined the fun.

Fletcher and the caterpillars, Christmas Parade 2003

In the 2004 Santa Parade, Fletcher went along with some cute Fairy Tale Characters.

Fairy princess, Puss n Boots, Little Boy Blue and Pinocchio, Christmas Parade 2004

Rotorua Library had a year off to plan another fabulous Christmas themed float, with little angels of Library Staff and one or two staff as well.

Christmas Angels, Christmas Parade 2006

Rotorua Library Staff 2009

Christmas is always a good excuse for a bit of fun!