Imagine a world where every child is excited to pick up a book and dive into a story!

The impact of Pānui Mai at Te Mata School has been awesome to see. Students gain greater confidence in their reading, expand their vocabulary, and form meaningful connections with adults who share their passion for learning. The programme aligns with our English curriculum, which encourages younger students to read for pleasure and older students to develop a positive reading identity. By creating a fun, low-pressure environment, we are nurturing lifelong readers who see books as a source of joy and discovery. 

At Te Mata School, we are fostering a love of reading through the Pānui Mai programme, which pairs students with a dedicated reading buddy. In 2025, we have expanded to 10 students from our Year 3 and 4 middle school classes, building on the success of 2024, when 8 students took part. The programme runs during Terms 2 and 3, with students meeting their Pānui Mai volunteers once or twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays for 30-minute reading sessions. These volunteers, known as their reading buddies, come from a variety of backgrounds, including high school students, retirees, and professionals who take time out of their lunch breaks to share the joy of reading. Our students love the programme! "I like reading with my buddy because they help me with tricky words," shares one enthusiastic Year 3 student. A teacher notes, "It’s incredible to see the confidence grow in our Pānui Mai students. They look forward to their reading time and are proud to share their progress."

Pānui Mai is not just a Te Mata initiative - it is part of a wider movement, with 18 schools participating across Hastings, Havelock North, and Napier. The programme has strong community support, including a partnership with Wardini Books, which provides training sessions for volunteers to deepen their understanding of different genres, reading strategies and of course great books. Safety and student interests are top priorities, ensuring each child is matched with the right volunteer and enjoys their reading time in a comfortable setting—whether in the library, a classroom, or even outside under a tree.

Want to get involved? Pānui Mai is always looking for new volunteers who want to make a difference. Volunteers receive full training from education specialists, a selection of books to use in their sessions, and go through a thorough compliance process, including police vetting. If you're interested in joining this inspiring initiative, visit the links below:

Pānui Mai Facebook
Pānui Mai Website

Article added: Wednesday 26 February 2025