Introducing Geoff Chamberlain - Treasurer

"Felt it was time I got back to direct contact with LIANZA activities, and this looks like a fun committee to work with to produce an exceptionally good conference."

Introducing Kris Wehipeihana - Communications

"This will be my second stint on a conference team and my first as a team leader. I’m really looking forward to seeing how all the ideas that have been flying around come together over the 4 days that will be Poropitia Outside the Box. I'll also enjoy using social technologies to chat with people before conference even starts - finally a real reason to be on Facebook at work. :)"

Introducing Kirsty McMillan, Communications Sub-Committee Sub-Mover-and-Shaker

"Kirsty McMillan is Manager of Service Development at Manukau Libraries. She is on the Communications Sub-Committee for the LIANZA 2008 Conference.
Kirsty is new to libraries having dabbled and detoured through the arts, education, and not-for-profit organisations.
She will help us count down to conference in Library Life from December 2008."

Introducing Mark Osborne - Programme sub-committee

"Mark is the Director of Library Services at St. Cuthbert's College in Auckland. He works in online learning, teacher education and as an English teacher. Particular areas of interest are school libraries, reading, teaching and learning and thinking schools. His role on the programme sub-committee is advocacy for schools, young people, education and information technologies."

Introducing Julia Wilson - Programme sub-committee

"My library background includes experience of working in public libraries and the National Library. I recently spent ten years outside the library world - living and working in South Korea and Sydney, before returning to N Z to help run a family business in Auckland, returning to the library world about 2 years ago.
I am delighted to be part of a dynamic team organising the 2008 conference, especially the opportunity to be involved with the programme, for what will be a fantastic, inspiring, not-to-be missed conference!"

Introducing Greg Morgan - Programme chair

"I am Lifelong learning manager at Auckland City Libraries Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero. Previously I was national library manager for the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind, and had earlier managed the law and medical libraries at the University of Auckland. I'm a lay preacher in the Methodist Church of NZ - Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa, am learning NZ Sign Language and serve as a trustee on the NZ Ministry with the Deaf Trust.


What's the appeal of being involved with LIANZA conference 2008? It's the chance to work across sectors and be part of an event which excites the profession and increases its influence. The Programme subcommittee is looking to combine the successes of past conferences with fresh approaches to surprise, challenge, and energise us. Outside the Box - Poropitia will make an impact!"

Introducing Anahera Morehu - Bicultural Liasion

"Ka tu oku waewae i nga whenua o Te Rarawa me Te Aupouri
Ka mau oku ringaringa i nga whenua o Ngati Kahu me Ngati Whatua
Ko toku tuara te tahuhu o Ngapuhi
No reira, ko au tetahi uri no Te Whare Tapu o Ngapuhi
Ko Anahera Morehu toku ingoa

I have the great privilege of working for Te Tumu Herenga at Te Whare Wananga o Tamaki Makaurau. It has been a great challenge which I have absolutely adored. Being asked to take part in LIANZA Conferencer 2008 has been a task that although daunting at first, has created opportunities for me to expand horizons. I have the task of helping with the bicultural portfolio, and with the help of my esteemed colleagues, we shall provide you with some awe inspiring activities as well as get those taste buds flowing with the many delicious treats on offer. Like the eternity ring that has no beginning and no end, enjoy the freedom within your conference."

Introducing Beverly Fletcher - Conference convenor

"I’m currently on secondment to Rodney District Council’s CEO Support Unit as a Senior Strategic Advisor; before this I was Manager, Libraries for the Council as part of a varied career in libraries and a variety of roles in LIANZA and its predecessors. I’ve always enjoyed being involved in work and projects that make a difference for my communities, for my organisation, and for my staff.

I got involved in the 2008 Conference when I realised that there was only a year to go and a convenor hadn’t been appointed – I figured I knew enough people to put a good team together who would once again come up with the goods, and Sue Cooper assured me the workload was manageable and TCC was great to work with. Two out of three of these have already come true – I’m reserving judgment on the workload!

We plan to deliver you a conference with a difference – one which will challenge you, change you, and help you change libraries. "