Children zip back to past to celebrate completion of reading challenge

More than 800 Manukau children took a trip back in time last week to celebrate completing Manukau Libraries’ Zip to the Past, Zap to the Future Summer Reading Challenge.

Hosted by Manukau City Council Libraries four celebration parties were held at the Howick Historical Village on 23 and 24 January.

The children participated in a number of fun activities reminiscent of the games their great-grandparents would have enjoyed, with stilt walking and spinning the hoop proving really popular.

Storytelling and exploring the many historic buildings at the village were also met with enthusiasm from children and caregivers alike.

Manukau Mayor Len Brown took time out of his busy schedule to attend the first event on Wednesday morning. “Congratulations to all the children who completed the challenge. What a fabulous way to celebrate their achievements.

“I am so encouraged by the large number of children undertaking this reading challenge. It reminds us that the great majority of youngsters in our city lead positive, active and contributing lives. Their enthusiasm for reading and study bodes well for the future of Manukau,” Mayor Brown says.

Every child who completed the challenge was rewarded with free entry to the village, a book and a movie pass.