Te Rau Herenga o Aotearoa LIANZA 2025 Conference will be every bit as amazing as LIANZA2023. LIANZA2025 is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together from across our diverse library and information sector. The conference will be held September 23 – 24, 2025 at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre in Pōneke Wellington.
We are very excited to announce the 2025 LIANZA Conference committee. From a strong group of 20 EOI’s we have a committee of ten people.
Renata White (Ngāti Kahungunu, Patuharakeke ki Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Tama) is the Pou Takawaenga in the Māori Outcomes Unit at Auckland Council Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau. Renata will be the bicultural convenor on the committee bringing event management and Te Tiriti comprehension to his role on the committee.
Aimee Lowe is a library advisor at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. Aimee wants the conference to help positivity and optimism grown in the library sector.
Asilika Aholelei is a Regional Manager for Statistics New Zealand and is based in Auckland. Asilika is the LIANZA Pacific Information Management Network (PIMN SIG) representative on the committee.
Alexis McCullough is a Whānau Learning Specialist at Auckland Libraries and chair of the LIANZA Standing Committee on Climate Action.
“I’d like to see the conference show LIANZA as an exemplary Tiriti o Waitangi partner, honouring mātauranga Māori and Te Ao Māori, and working effectively with local mana whenua to showcase their cultural practices and stories. I’m the chair of the LIANZA Standing Committee on Climate Action and I’m really interested in helping to increase the visibility of the key role that libraries can play in addressing the climate crisis at the conference.”
Vicki Hughes is a Collections Librarian at Kāpiti District Libraries. Vicki wants to see a focus on sustainability and cultural inclusivity for the conference.
Diana McMahon-Reid is the Subject Librarian at Manukau Institute of Technology and co-chair of the LIANZA Tertiary Education Librarian special interest group. Diana says,
“I would like to see the conference affirm the value and contribution of libraries to society and to demonstrate the support and strength that individual members can access from the wider library community. We are librarians and we are awesome, let’s get the message out there.”
Amy Chiles is a Libraries Leaning Specialist at Christchurch City Libraries and was a key committee member for the 2023 conference and brings that experience to play in 2025.
Anne Goulding is Professor of Library and Information Studies at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington
“Given the tough few years we have been through it would be great if the conference can support attendees to engage with each other and become re-energised, supporting a re-invigorated sense of purpose and enthusiasm for the work we do. I am also keen for students and those early in their careers to understand the breadth of the profession and the exciting developments taking place in many different organisations.”
Megan Ingle is a Facilitator for the National Capability Team, Services to Schools at National Library Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa. Megan will take the role as conference programme co-ordinator. Megan has previous experience with LIANZA 2009 and VALA 2020 in Melbourne.
“With a biennial conference model, our LIANZA conference needs to sustain people’s professional inspiration and nourishment for two years, and I’m keen to be part of a team that provides a “if you see it, you can be it” professional development experience, as well as a “be inspired by new ideas” collection of interesting keynote speakers.”
Maia Bennett (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) is the District Collections Librarian for Queenstown Lakes Libraries. Maia was the Convenor of Judges for the NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults in 2024 and is a previous school librarian.
LIANZA Council member Hana Whaanga (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raakaipaaka) will represent the LIANZA Council on the committee alongside LIANZA President-elect, Mark Crookston.
