What's On
Big Read

A child swings through a native forest on a rope swing surrounded by native plants, wildlife, and other childrenWe are very excited to be once again team up with Upper Hutt City Libraries to offer an amazing summer reading challenge to encourage tamariki to get excited about reading this summer, have fun playing, and be in to win cool prizes!

Tamariki of all ages can pick up an age-appropriate journal for FREE from any of the eleven libraries in Upper Hutt or Lower Hutt from 1 December 2024.

We have four challenges: one for under 5s (The Little Read), one for primary-aged tamariki aged 5-12 (The Big Read), one for teens aged 12-18 (The Even Bigger Read), and one for adults 18+ (The Biggest Read).

The Little, Big, Even Bigger, and Biggest Read runs from 1 December 2024 to 31 January 2025. Entries into our prize draw close on 31 January 2025.

There are four reader groups and five booklets.


The Little Read - 1December to 31 January, under 5s. A child swings through a native forest on a rope swing surrounded by native plants, wildlife, and other children.

The Little Read | Kākano

For ages 0-5 years old!

One completed booklet is one prize draw entry, and we offer another booklet each time a completed one is handed in.

Participants complete 10 tākaro (activities).

When a booklet is completed, we give a prize draw card to the parent or caregiver.

Participants will also receive a The Little Read certificate.


The Big Read - 1December to 31 January, 5+. A child swings through a native forest on a rope swing surrounded by native plants, wildlife, and other children.

The Big Read | Pihinga | Māhuri | Kōhure

For ages 5-12 years old!

Participants read six books and complete three tākaro (activities). One completed booklet is one prize draw entry, and we offer another booklet each time a completed one is handed in.

When a booklet is completed, we give a prize draw card to the parent or caregiver.

Participants will also receive a The Big Read certificate or badge.


The Big Read - 1December to 31 January, 5+. A spray of kōwhai flowers is shown with Pūawai written below.

The Big Read | Puāwai

For ages 5-12 years old! Puāwai is an extension level for eager readers.

Participants complete any five tākaro (activities). Five completed tākaro (activities) is one prize draw entry, and we offer another booklet each time a completed one is handed in.

When a booklet is completed, we give a prize draw card to the parent or caregiver.

Participants will also receive a Puāwai certificate or badge.


The even Bigger Read - 1December to 31 January, 13+. A tui sits on a kōwhai branch with Tui written below.

The even Bigger Read | Tūī

For ages 13-18 years old!

Participants read three books and complete one tākaro (activity). One completed booklet is one prize draw entry, and we offer another booklet each time a completed one is handed in.

When a booklet is completed, we give a prize draw card to the parent or caregiver.

Participants will also receive a The even Bigger Read badge.


The Biggest Read - 1December to 31 January, 18+. A small butterfly rests on a pōhutukawa with For Adults written below.

The Biggest Read | Butterfly

For ages 18+!

Participants read three books and complete one tākaro (activity). One completed booklet is one prize draw entry, and we offer another booklet each time a completed one is handed in.


How to enter the prize draw!

  • Once a booklet is completed, it can be handed in to us at any of our sites.
  • Staff will provide a blank prize draw card for every completed booklet. Only parents or caregivers (must be over 16 years of age) can fill out a prize draw card - staff or tamariki cannot do this.
  • This information will only be used to contact them if their tamariki wins a prize.
  • Parents/caregivers do not have to fill out a prize draw card, this is completely optional and their tamariki can still get a certificate. However, they will not be in the draw for a prize.
  • Completed prize draw cards can be dropped into the secure prize draw box we have at each site.