Hastings first in New Zealand to launch Te Kokonga Filipiñana

About 70 people from across Hawke’s Bay attended a launch event at Hastings library last month, including Kira Azucena, Philippines Ambassador to New Zealand, 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.

The books will expand the library's existing Filipino collection, which many attendees were delighted to discover was already available for borrowing.

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 Aotearoa 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. 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."

Adding to the day, there were traditional Filipino dance performances by local students, music from members of the Filipino community, storytelling and opportunities for whānau to connect.

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.

New friendships were formed, and community members expressed pride in seeing their culture celebrated within one of Hastings' most important community spaces. Community feedback highlighted the value of the event in helping people feel connected, welcomed and represented.

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.