TE RŌPŪ WHAKAHAU Welcomes New Tumuaki: Cellia Joe-Olsen interviews Anahera Sadler.
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CJ: Nō hea koe? | Who are you? where are you from? drop your pepeha on us.
AS: Mauriora ki a tātou. Ko Anahera Sadler ahau. I hail from a small seaside village called Kaiaua on the western shores of Tikapa Moana in the Hauraki district. I also grew up in Mangere, South Auckland so my childhood consisted of both town ‘n’ country experiences – sustainable living practices coupled with a myriad of urban influences – in my opinion, the best of both worlds. I am a product of a coastal people who live on and by our beloved moana Tikapa. We absolutely relish our kai moana (seafood) and fishing. In fact, the entire community life revolves around the water. I love the water – being in it, on it and around it is always good for the soul (and the puku, depending on what you catch or gather). Our awa (river) Whakatiwai sits next to our marae Wharekawa, the birthplace of the Marutūāhu confederation, the Tainui contingent in Hauraki. Our maunga Kohukohunui sits majestically in the Hunua ranges at the back of our marae. I also have whakapapa to the Taitokerau on my father’s side – Ngāti Moerewa and Ngāti Rangi from Tautoro, a small settlement 8 kms east of Kaikohe. Our maunga is Tautoro, our roto is Kereru and our moana is of course Te Hokianga-nui-a-Kupe. Our iwi is Ngāpuhi. Our marae are Mahuhukiterangi and Te Maata. Apart from these, I have hōnonga (connections) to Pirirakau, Ngāti Ranginui (Tauranga Moana), Ngāti Uenukukōpako of Te Arawa and Ngāti Hine of the Taitokerau (Northern District). I am a ‘pā girl’ at heart and love being with my cuzzies and whānau working on marae projects, in the kitchen or out front supporting the paepae with karanga. I am so humbled and grateful for all that my whānau have invested into my life and part of honouring those gifts is to give back. |
My favourite English poet quote is John Donne’s “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main.” Does this whakatauākī ring true for you? Tell me about your mahi; your ‘piece of the Continent’; what you do; and how it fits as ‘part of the main.’
I absolutely agree with this whakataukī as it resonates with the collective way of working that I personally believe in and the collective leadership model we use as He Aka Paihere – the Library Management team at Te Aka Mauri – Rotorua Library, which has a flow-on effect to the way we all collectively work as a library team.
I am so fortunate to be a part of an exciting and innovative workplace such as Te Aka Mauri Rotorua Library that also allows my indigeneity alongside librarianship to cohabitate and grow organically. Te Aka Mauri is a whānau unit and we manaaki one another. We have a whānau working environment and each one of us is cognisant of others and how best we can support, encourage and uplift one another’s potential.
Our vision is to be: ‘an internationally recognised library model infused with a strong indigenous focus influencing innovation and positive community outcomes’. This is the mantra for my work – to ensure a strong and purposeful indigenous environment in order to create positive community outcomes while using a myriad of innovative ideas to inspire and elevate customers and staff alike. Globally, indigenous practices are gaining prominence as the world looks for environmentally sustainable alternatives to halt Climate Change and indigenous knowledge is well sought after. In fact, the demand for this knowledge will continue to increase. Rotorua Library has responded to this by the inclusion of a ‘strong indigenous focus’ in our vision statement, embedding Mātauranga Māori in all functions of our library while continuing to develop mana-enhancing relationships and partnerships with mana whenua of Te Arawa.
I currently work as the Kaiurungī Mātauranga Māori – Principal Indigenous Advisor. My role is to provide strategic direction and advice with regard to any Mātauranga Māori related kaupapa while developing innovative Māori programmes, events and collections including outreach in the community.
A unique part of my role also involves working in a team in the Rotorua Lakes Council called Te Amorangi. Māori values guide our work and our team works across council in various departments. Te Amorangi supports Council to work in bicultural ways via policies and advice to management and staff. It aims to uphold the Te Arawa partnership and ensure Council meets and maintains its obligations as part of the agreement while reducing barriers and discomfort for Te Arawa descendants and all Māori, increasing Council’s ability to work effectively with manawhenua and Māori communities. It is a very unique dual role and the changing pace and different projects are both challenging and stimulating.
CJ: People say the concept of combining the Library with a Children’s Health Hub as Te Aka Mauri, is quite unique. Who lobbied for how this holistic service will roll? Give us the skinny.
AS: We are indeed unique in that we have a Library and a Children’s Health Hub in the same building and have a collaborative working relationship. As far as I know we are the only library in the world who has this type of collaborative partnership with a regional health organisation that has a combined Health Literacy Framework, which provides the basis for joint projects and actions that help improve the overall health and wellbeing in the community.
The name Te Aka Mauri has become synonymous with a new concept in community care and outcomes in Rotorua and beyond. Partnerships have been a hallmark of Rotorua Lakes Council’s efforts to improve outcomes for its community and deliver the district’s 2030 vision.
Gifted to Rotorua’s unique library and child health services hub, the name Te Aka Mauri, reflects the nature of its overarching kaupapa, Te Aka meaning the vine or interconnection and Mauri meaning life force or essence so Te Aka Mauri refers to the shared vision to create a facility of excellence to advance community wellbeing and understanding.
A collaboration between Rotorua Lakes Council and the Lakes District Health Board, Te Aka Mauri has exceeded expectations with positive outcomes already evident in high – and increased – attendance rates for health appointments and library events and programmes. It has also contributed to wider efforts to create vibrancy in the inner city by creating a welcoming, inclusive new destination with community at its heart.
The decision to co-locate a range of paediatric outpatient services in the same space as the Rotorua District Library began five years ago. It had its genesis in a conversation between Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick and then Lakes District Health Board Chief Executive Ron Dunham who shared the board’s desire to improve outpatient child health services by creating a one-stop facility away from the hospital environment. At that time, Council needed to upgrade and strengthen its library building and the DHB was approached to consider a collaborative co-location. The DHB accepted Council’s invitation to not just become an anchor tenant in the building but to be located within the library environment and to be a full partner in the project.
Representatives from both organisations were part of the project team, involved in every aspect from design and functionality to establish how the two distinct teams would collaborate within the space. Staff from the library and the DHB worked closely together throughout, establishing how the two teams would work within the building and support one another, forming positive relationships that have contributed to the model’s success to date.
A manawhenua cultural reference group, Ngā Mahinga Toi representing iwi of Te Arawa was established to work alongside the project team to develop the cultural narrative for the building. This was an important aspect of the project and it was this group that gifted the building its name, to reflect the collaboration and nature of the services being provided within and is a reflection of the importance of the unique collaboration also sparked interest from third party funders who recognised the synergies between library services and child health services and the potential community impact it would have.
In general, groups the organisations had in common came from lower socio-economic backgrounds. They had a reluctance to use non-urgent health services and were not current library users. By co-locating the services, it was hoped the friendly library environs would have less negative connotations and prove more inviting to these families. In turn, the library would have the opportunity to engage with and promote their services to families who had not been library users in the past. The Te Aka Mauri partners are committed to sharing their journey with others looking to achieve positive community outcomes through collaboration.
Ngā Kaiwhakahau the National Council of Te Rōpū Whakahau met toward the end of Matariki, and the beginning of the new year. What plans or indeed, resolutions, do you have on the horizon for this year regarding Te Rōpū Whakahau, Te Rau Herenga, and Te Aka Mauri?
This year is going to be transformational for me in terms of all the amazing mentors, advocates and talented people in the three organisations I get to learn from and share with. I am humbled by the opportunity to learn a multitude of different skills and to have the opportunity to give back to an industry I love. In my opinion, it is vital that learning across all three institutions is increased to elevate our reo capability and capacity; enhance our collective understanding of Māori concepts; and to take into account the Maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar) when planning. The Maramataka is an ancient form of indigenous wisdom honed over many generations. It is unique to Aotearoa/ New Zealand and has relevance and significance to the way people behave and operate in the modern world – with each other and their environments. Research has been undertaken which validates the contribution of the maramataka to health and social outcomes; wellbeing; project planning; and sustainable living. Within Te Rōpū Whakahau, a number of members including Ngā Kaiwhakahau (the executive council) are aware of its impact on ventures and are working to align major events and hui in their specific regions with the Maramataka, which will greatly increase their success rates. My resolution is to continue to grow the awareness of this unique tool to enhance understanding, commitment to, and completion of projects in all three of the organisations. It will inevitably take time for this to take place and will need an Indigenous Growth Strategy to ensure it grows organically and becomes a part of the natural way in which we plan towards our futures. Raising awareness of indigenous knowledge in our industry which can then be applied to increase productivity seems the best contribution I can make and will benefit all involved.
CJ: Puku mahi katoa koe. What do you get up to in your imaginary spare time? LOL
AS: Outside of work, I spend time with my partner Destiny and baby boy Te Koha catching up with whānau and friends. I enjoy travelling, camping, collecting kaimoana, enjoying ngawha, swimming, exhibitions, theatre, wānanga and music festivals. I also devour good books – I enjoy an eclectic variety of genres. Besides that, I love good food especially Māori delicacies, great wine and a good fire with open-minded people having deep and meaningful conversations. I find each of these activities re-ignites passion and re-energises my wairua.
We’ll wrap up with a quick fire round:
Tea or Coffee? Herbal – there’s a flavour for every mood
Kina or paua? Kina
Netflix & chill or active relaxer? Active relaxer
Watercress or pūhā? Pūhā
City or country? Country ideally semi-rural
River or moana? Moana
Wine or beer? Wine…definitely wine
Poi or Haka? Poi
Cats or dogs? Dogs
Pipi or Mussels? Pipi
Night owl or morning lark? Morning lark
Boom! Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa
I absolutely agree with this whakataukī as it resonates with the collective way of working that I personally believe in and the collective leadership model we use as He Aka Paihere – the Library Management team at Te Aka Mauri – Rotorua Library, which has a flow-on effect to the way we all collectively work as a library team.
I am so fortunate to be a part of an exciting and innovative workplace such as Te Aka Mauri Rotorua Library that also allows my indigeneity alongside librarianship to cohabitate and grow organically. Te Aka Mauri is a whānau unit and we manaaki one another. We have a whānau working environment and each one of us is cognisant of others and how best we can support, encourage and uplift one another’s potential.
Our vision is to be: ‘an internationally recognised library model infused with a strong indigenous focus influencing innovation and positive community outcomes’. This is the mantra for my work – to ensure a strong and purposeful indigenous environment in order to create positive community outcomes while using a myriad of innovative ideas to inspire and elevate customers and staff alike. Globally, indigenous practices are gaining prominence as the world looks for environmentally sustainable alternatives to halt Climate Change and indigenous knowledge is well sought after. In fact, the demand for this knowledge will continue to increase. Rotorua Library has responded to this by the inclusion of a ‘strong indigenous focus’ in our vision statement, embedding Mātauranga Māori in all functions of our library while continuing to develop mana-enhancing relationships and partnerships with mana whenua of Te Arawa.
I currently work as the Kaiurungī Mātauranga Māori – Principal Indigenous Advisor. My role is to provide strategic direction and advice with regard to any Mātauranga Māori related kaupapa while developing innovative Māori programmes, events and collections including outreach in the community.
A unique part of my role also involves working in a team in the Rotorua Lakes Council called Te Amorangi. Māori values guide our work and our team works across council in various departments. Te Amorangi supports Council to work in bicultural ways via policies and advice to management and staff. It aims to uphold the Te Arawa partnership and ensure Council meets and maintains its obligations as part of the agreement while reducing barriers and discomfort for Te Arawa descendants and all Māori, increasing Council’s ability to work effectively with manawhenua and Māori communities. It is a very unique dual role and the changing pace and different projects are both challenging and stimulating.
CJ: People say the concept of combining the Library with a Children’s Health Hub as Te Aka Mauri, is quite unique. Who lobbied for how this holistic service will roll? Give us the skinny.
AS: We are indeed unique in that we have a Library and a Children’s Health Hub in the same building and have a collaborative working relationship. As far as I know we are the only library in the world who has this type of collaborative partnership with a regional health organisation that has a combined Health Literacy Framework, which provides the basis for joint projects and actions that help improve the overall health and wellbeing in the community.
The name Te Aka Mauri has become synonymous with a new concept in community care and outcomes in Rotorua and beyond. Partnerships have been a hallmark of Rotorua Lakes Council’s efforts to improve outcomes for its community and deliver the district’s 2030 vision.
Gifted to Rotorua’s unique library and child health services hub, the name Te Aka Mauri, reflects the nature of its overarching kaupapa, Te Aka meaning the vine or interconnection and Mauri meaning life force or essence so Te Aka Mauri refers to the shared vision to create a facility of excellence to advance community wellbeing and understanding.
A collaboration between Rotorua Lakes Council and the Lakes District Health Board, Te Aka Mauri has exceeded expectations with positive outcomes already evident in high – and increased – attendance rates for health appointments and library events and programmes. It has also contributed to wider efforts to create vibrancy in the inner city by creating a welcoming, inclusive new destination with community at its heart.
The decision to co-locate a range of paediatric outpatient services in the same space as the Rotorua District Library began five years ago. It had its genesis in a conversation between Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick and then Lakes District Health Board Chief Executive Ron Dunham who shared the board’s desire to improve outpatient child health services by creating a one-stop facility away from the hospital environment. At that time, Council needed to upgrade and strengthen its library building and the DHB was approached to consider a collaborative co-location. The DHB accepted Council’s invitation to not just become an anchor tenant in the building but to be located within the library environment and to be a full partner in the project.
Representatives from both organisations were part of the project team, involved in every aspect from design and functionality to establish how the two distinct teams would collaborate within the space. Staff from the library and the DHB worked closely together throughout, establishing how the two teams would work within the building and support one another, forming positive relationships that have contributed to the model’s success to date.
A manawhenua cultural reference group, Ngā Mahinga Toi representing iwi of Te Arawa was established to work alongside the project team to develop the cultural narrative for the building. This was an important aspect of the project and it was this group that gifted the building its name, to reflect the collaboration and nature of the services being provided within and is a reflection of the importance of the unique collaboration also sparked interest from third party funders who recognised the synergies between library services and child health services and the potential community impact it would have.
In general, groups the organisations had in common came from lower socio-economic backgrounds. They had a reluctance to use non-urgent health services and were not current library users. By co-locating the services, it was hoped the friendly library environs would have less negative connotations and prove more inviting to these families. In turn, the library would have the opportunity to engage with and promote their services to families who had not been library users in the past. The Te Aka Mauri partners are committed to sharing their journey with others looking to achieve positive community outcomes through collaboration.
Ngā Kaiwhakahau the National Council of Te Rōpū Whakahau met toward the end of Matariki, and the beginning of the new year. What plans or indeed, resolutions, do you have on the horizon for this year regarding Te Rōpū Whakahau, Te Rau Herenga, and Te Aka Mauri?
This year is going to be transformational for me in terms of all the amazing mentors, advocates and talented people in the three organisations I get to learn from and share with. I am humbled by the opportunity to learn a multitude of different skills and to have the opportunity to give back to an industry I love. In my opinion, it is vital that learning across all three institutions is increased to elevate our reo capability and capacity; enhance our collective understanding of Māori concepts; and to take into account the Maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar) when planning. The Maramataka is an ancient form of indigenous wisdom honed over many generations. It is unique to Aotearoa/ New Zealand and has relevance and significance to the way people behave and operate in the modern world – with each other and their environments. Research has been undertaken which validates the contribution of the maramataka to health and social outcomes; wellbeing; project planning; and sustainable living. Within Te Rōpū Whakahau, a number of members including Ngā Kaiwhakahau (the executive council) are aware of its impact on ventures and are working to align major events and hui in their specific regions with the Maramataka, which will greatly increase their success rates. My resolution is to continue to grow the awareness of this unique tool to enhance understanding, commitment to, and completion of projects in all three of the organisations. It will inevitably take time for this to take place and will need an Indigenous Growth Strategy to ensure it grows organically and becomes a part of the natural way in which we plan towards our futures. Raising awareness of indigenous knowledge in our industry which can then be applied to increase productivity seems the best contribution I can make and will benefit all involved.
CJ: Puku mahi katoa koe. What do you get up to in your imaginary spare time? LOL
AS: Outside of work, I spend time with my partner Destiny and baby boy Te Koha catching up with whānau and friends. I enjoy travelling, camping, collecting kaimoana, enjoying ngawha, swimming, exhibitions, theatre, wānanga and music festivals. I also devour good books – I enjoy an eclectic variety of genres. Besides that, I love good food especially Māori delicacies, great wine and a good fire with open-minded people having deep and meaningful conversations. I find each of these activities re-ignites passion and re-energises my wairua.
We’ll wrap up with a quick fire round:
Tea or Coffee? Herbal – there’s a flavour for every mood
Kina or paua? Kina
Netflix & chill or active relaxer? Active relaxer
Watercress or pūhā? Pūhā
City or country? Country ideally semi-rural
River or moana? Moana
Wine or beer? Wine…definitely wine
Poi or Haka? Poi
Cats or dogs? Dogs
Pipi or Mussels? Pipi
Night owl or morning lark? Morning lark
Boom! Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa
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LIANZA Council thanks Cellia Joe-Olsen, outgoing Tumuaki, for her contribution and service to Te Rōpū Whakahau and LIANZA Te Rau Herenga O Aotearoa. Cellia has worked alongside five LIANZA Presidents since 2016. Her good humour and action orientated approach have enabled the two organisations to work in the spirit of partnership. Celia recently urged library assistants in Wellington to get involved ‘Those of you who are ready - do it! Get on up in there!’ We think that is great advice! |