Sunset on careers
Leisure in each golden day
Retirement whispers
Chris is a founding and honorary life member of Te Rōpū Whakahau. Through this mahi Chris showed his commitment to the kaupapa of librarianship / kaitiakitanga within our culture, heritage, library and information sector.
Chris was also instrumental in the genesis of the International Indigenous Librarians Forum (IILF) in 1999. IILF provides a focused exploration of the significant issues facing libraries, their kaimahi. and institutions that care for indigenous and cultural information.
Chris, guide of knowledge
Indigenous tales preserved
Library whispers
From these two kaupapa you can see how his national work informed a forum of international significance. The work of the IILF feeds into the International Federation of Library Associations Indigenous Matters Section (IFLA IM) The sections main purpose is to support the provision of culturally responsive and effective services to indigenous communities throughout the world. The section seeks to work, connect and collaborate with others including, IILF.
Chris, wordsmith at pen
Pages bloom in crafted tales
Author’s world unfurls
As we know Chris is also an author, and has written many books and articles. Of particular significance is Te Ara Tika and Ka Mahi Tonu. These publications sought to promote the development of biculturalism in library services, and in the library and information profession. These publications are still relevant and are the founding reports referring to biculturalism in the Library sector.
Throughout his career, Chris has been a champion for Te Tiriti o Waitangi in whare pukapuka. He has played a pivotal role in advancing the inclusion of diverse narratives and perspectives, ensuring that the sector reflects the richness and diversity of Aotearoa’s cultural tapestry
Now the soon to be ex Chief Librarian of the Alexander Turnbull Library, and as the first Māori to hold this position, he has once again held up the standard for creating pathways for indigenous information managers, archivists and librarians to aspire to.
Trailblazing footsteps
Paving paths where none have trod
First, courage unfolds
Te Rōpū Whakahau extends our heartfelt gratitude and warmest wishes to Chris as he embarks on a well deserved retirement after an extraordinary career in libraries. We wish him a retirement filled with many walks with Billie-Jean (Black Labrador) gardening, minimal sunburn, continued exploration of book writing, and the fulfilment of new endeavours. His legacy will forever remain intertwined with the fabric of libraries, reminding us all of the transformative power of knowledge, cultural understanding, and the shared stories that bind us together. Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa.
Billie Jean’s joy leaps
Paws dance in a canine waltz
Loves melody sings
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