With over 100 books in 10 languages, Reading Warrior is igniting a passion for reading and publishers in young people, offering uplifting stories from Aotearoa NZ and the Pacific, and encouraging them to become storytellers themselves.
Currently running in five schools across Ōtara-Papatoetoe, South Auckland writer and teacher David Riley leads Reading Warrior, working with students to demonstrate that reading can be a truly engaging, fun, and inspiring adventure.
He credits support and funding from the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board being a vital boost for Reading Warrior.
Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says, “We don't have enough Pacific books: books about us, told by us, written by us. This is one way the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board is supporting to build up Pacific literature, especially for Pacific diaspora living here in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Since 2016, the board has provided a total of $30,000 in funding which helps create reading materials for youth in need and supports literacy projects that boost students' writing confidence.
Funding also allows David to gift culturally specific books to families, helping them build their own kāinga pukapuka (home library) and says, “Children with their own home library have a greater advantage in school and stronger mental wellbeing.”
With 23 years of experience in teaching English, History, Social Studies, and Drama in South Auckland, David Riley served as head of English at Tangaroa College in Ōtara for three years and led the Dance and Drama departments for 10 years.
David states, “One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is discovering new ways to support young people who are building their English literacy skills. I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by books and a love for reading, and I’m eager to pass on that gift to others.
“I hope to inspire people to believe in their potential as readers and writers.”
Reading Warrior is making waves in schools across Aotearoa with educators and students alike singing its praises.
Young published authors – thanks to Reading Warrior. Supported by Ōtara-Papatoetoe and Māngere-Ōtāhuhu local boards. Image source: readingwarrior.com.
One principal proudly highlights the stunning quality of the students' work, celebrating their transformation into published authors. Student writer Elizabeth shares, “It was a great experience for me because it was the first time I had ever wrote a book and it was fun. I had the greatest opportunity to leave a legacy for my school and to be an author at this age.”
David adds, “Young people have amazing stories to tell. They just need encouragement to know they have important things to share and the confidence to believe they can share their stories too!”
David Riley. Image source: Humans of South Auckland.
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