Winners in three main categories have been found in the Warriors Community Foundation’s 2024 League in Libraries programme.

Almost 1000 entries from 100 schools nationwide were received for the long-running literacy initiative.

“We are thrilled to see the tremendous growth of League in Libraries, thanks to the unwavering support of partners like the Wright Family Foundation,” said Warriors Community Foundation CEO Lincoln Jefferson.

“Their commitment to promoting literacy and educational opportunities for our youth is invaluable.

“This programme not only encourages a love for reading but also instils values that will benefit these young people throughout their lives. It was great to also have three female supreme winners for the very first time.”

Jefferson said winning authors Kate Vireak (Parnell District School), Chloe Sturgess (Beachlands School) and Siraya-Grace Taukiri (Te Waka Unua School) “demonstrated exceptional creativity, understanding and passion for reading.”

Their success was celebrated last week with a special experience when they attended the One New Zealand Warriors’ captain’s run at Go Media Stadium before their match against Canterbury Bankstown.

As part of their prize, the three young authors also had the opportunity to open their books for the very first time at Blue Star.

During this memorable experience, they participated in a workshop where they witnessed how their stories were illustrated and received valuable support to edit and refine their work. This hands-on experience provided them with insights into the publishing process, further fuelling their passion for storytelling.

The Warriors Community Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to the dedicated partners whose support has been essential to the success of League in Libraries:

Wright Family Foundation (long-term principal partner)
Autex
One New Zealand Warriors
Blue Star
Go Media
Reap Creative
Kurawaka Studio
One Foundation
Accor
Stuart Lipshaw (Penguin Random House NZ)
Ty Campbell (Pioneer Pies, Global Games, WOW)
Wendy’s

Their contributions have enabled the Warriors Community Foundation to expand the reach and impact of League in Libraries, creating meaningful experiences that enrich the lives of young readers and future leaders in the community.

For more information on League in Libraries and partnership opportunities, please visit https://warriorscommunity.kiwi/programs/creative-writing or contact Lincoln at lincoln@wcf.kiwi

2024 Supreme Leagu in LIbraries winners

Supreme winners

Category: Intermediate
Publication title: Chasing Waitā
Author: Kate Vireak
School: Parnell District School
City: Auckland

Category: Primary
Publication Title: The Footy Balls Adventure
Author: Chloe Sturgess
School: Beachlands School
City: Auckland

Category: Te Reo Māori
Publication Title: Rapu Ngā Warriors
Author: Siraya-Grace Taukiri
School: Te Waka Unua School
City: Christchurch

About Warriors Community Foundation

The Warriors Community Foundation, the charitable arm of the One New Zealand Warriors, is dedicated to leveraging the power of sport to drive positive social change. Through innovative programmes like League in Libraries, the foundation aims to empower youth and strengthen communities across Aotearoa.