LIANZA Professional Recognition Awards 2025
Every year, LIANZA recognises professional excellence and honours the contributions made by its members to the library and information profession in Aotearoa New Zealand. In 2025, we had a bumper crop of awards to present. Image credits Ahmad Morad.
LIANZA Fellows
A fellowship is the highest level of professional attainment awarded by LIANZA. It is awarded to a personal member of the association who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, teaching or research, made a significant contribution to LIANZA, held library or information management positions for at least 10 years and as a result made a significant contribution to the advancement of librarianship and information management.
Elizabeth Jones
Elizabeth has demonstrated a commitment to the library profession over a period of more than four decades through the National Library Services to Schools and her participation in a range of complementary roles, including the New Zealand Children’s Book Foundation, the LIANZA Children’s, Young Peoples and Schools Special Interest Group, as a convenor and judge of the New Zealand Children’s and Young Peoples Book Awards, as well as a member and on the elected committee of the IFLA Literacy and Reading Section.
Through her extensive service as an advisor, regional manager, and Director of Literacy and Learning at the National Library, Elizabeth has supported, guided, managed, and promoted reading and literacy for children and young people across New Zealand. This is exemplified by the Pūtoi Rito Communities of Readers and the Te Awhi Rito New Zealand Reading Ambassador initiative.
Elizabeth is a long-term member of LIANZA and is recognised as a terrific role model, encouraging others to participate in sector professional activities fully. Her passion for school libraries and her support of SLANZA were recognised when she received life membership of SLANZA in 2012.
Elizabeth was awarded the Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal in 2024. Elizabeth is driven by the fundamental belief that libraries can make a positive difference to people’s lives through the transformative power of reading, learning and literacy. She is an excellent ambassador for libraries and librarianship, is acknowledged as an expert in her field, and is a great advocate and leader in our profession.
The awarding of a LIANZA Fellowship to Elizabeth is a worthy recognition of her outstanding contribution to the library profession in New Zealand, to school librarianship, and to literature for children and young people across New Zealand.
Richy Misilei
There are many accolades to be said about Richy: a natural leader, humble, an influencer, mentor/coach, and advocate for Pacific young people within the library community. Richy’s passion and enthusiasm for working with young Pasifika people have been the focus of his library career. As the Tupu Youth Library Manager (2012-2019), Richy created a rule requiring all staff to greet every young person by name in the library – this was also extended to whānau and aiga, brothers, sisters, and cousins, which was instrumental in engaging young people to use the library.
Richy is a great advocate for his library clients and community, ensuring he earns their trust, celebrates their wins and is always inclusive with his library community and staff alike. He is an outstanding mentor and coach of both colleagues and the community, leading a passionate and talented team.
Following his 2017 MIS research, which examined why Pasifika youth did not consider libraries as a career option, he used his findings to inform a report that established a paid cadetship programme for Pasifika youth at Auckland Libraries. This cadet programme is still operating out of Ōtara Library, supported by the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, and has given several students each year the opportunity to explore all aspects of public librarianship.
Richy has given much to LIANZA and the library profession, as LIANZA President-elect and subsequently President—the second Pasifika person to hold that post. In 2019, Richy co-convened the excellent LIANZA conference in Manukau. He was chair of the LIANZA Pacific Information Management Network and continues to make a valuable contribution to that community. He is highly deserving of the LIANZA Fellowship award.
Laurinda Thomas
Laurinda’s impressive library career encompasses numerous achievements and demonstrates consistent, unflagging dedication to the library profession in Aotearoa New Zealand. Laurinda began her library career in 1998 as a library assistant and reserve book room supervisor at Massey University, and has since worked in public, special, and tertiary libraries. Laurinda has participated in panels on information and inclusivity, media appearances in multiple channels, an unforgettable TEDx talk in Wellington, ‘The Dangerous Myths About Libraries’, and is a dedicated mentor and coach for emerging leaders as part of the Aurora leadership programme.
Laurinda’s contributions to LIANZA are significant. Laurinda was a LIANZA Council member and a former LIANZA president, and chair of the credentials committee from 2020 to 2024. She has sat on the Board of the Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa and on the Boards of the Aurora Foundation and Read NZ. She is also a member of the Library and Information Advisory Committee.
Laurinda has always been generous about sharing her knowledge and experience. She is recognised as an excellent leader who thinks and acts strategically, drawing on a breadth of professional experience. She is generous with her time and supports others in extending themselves, learning, and participating in professional activities.
Laurinda has navigated significant challenges through her career to date, including the closure of Wellington City Central Library due to earthquake risk. At all times, Laurinda leads with composure and competence, seeking opportunities for innovation and strategic progress, always inspiring those around her to give their best. Throughout her busy working life, Laurinda has continued to advocate for libraries and librarianship. She is highly deserving of the LIANZA Fellowship.
Joan Simpson
Joan Simpson’s career spans more than 40 years. Joan has made an outstanding contribution to public and tertiary libraries and at the National Library, where she has worked tirelessly to raise the profile of the Kōtui and APNK services to public libraries.
She has been a consistent supporter of LIANZA, serving on the LIANZA Aoraki Committee, the Professional Registration Board, and as a member of the LIANZA Credentials Committee.
As community librarian at Upper Riccarton, she played a leading role in establishing a new joint-use facility in collaboration with Riccarton High School, trailblazing a new model of service delivery for the sector. At the National Library, Joan has managed many changes. This has included supporting new libraries when they joined Kōtui, overseeing Kōtui’s administration board, negotiating the implementation of Chromebooks in the APNK network, and working through changes in her own team to ensure support was always available to libraries nationwide.
Those who have worked alongside Joan on projects such as the replacement of APNK devices in public libraries, which required distributing hundreds of devices across Aotearoa, have been in awe of her organisational ability. She has logical, systematic planning, and can quickly develop an understanding of operational requirements while expertly navigating administrative requirements and delivering outstanding results.
Joan exemplifies the values of LIANZA. She is a dedicated library professional who cares. Joan has the determination to bring about changes that improve library experiences for both communities and staff. She is a strong advocate for what she believes in, and a great role model with the unique ability to lead from the front while bringing others alongside.
Joan’s dedication to librarianship, the profession and her communities is exemplary, and she is highly deserving of the Fellowship award.
LIANZA Associates
The following LIANZA members received Associate Awards in 2025.
Dianne Mears
Dianne is currently the team leader at Mosgiel Library. She is recognised as the consummate library professional dedicated to public service, staff empowerment and community engagement. She is committed to her professional development and demonstrates resilience, inspiring a positive attitude that helps her effectively navigate whatever challenges come her way.
She encourages those around her to step up, embrace new opportunities and grow professionally. With a collaborative approach, Diane creates a supportive and inspiring team culture.
A long-term LIANZA member, Diane maintains her professional registration status and has served on the Professional Registration Board. She has a genuine passion for bringing information and the community together, striving to create welcoming and responsive library experiences for all and bringing about impactful changes. Dianne’s leadership, innovation, and dedication to both her team and the wider community make her a highly deserving recipient of a LIANZA Associateship Award.
Izzy Zhang
Since graduating in 2016, Izzy has worked at Te Manawa, Kumeu and Epsom as part of Auckland Libraries, and at Massey University Library, Unitec Library, and Wheelers Books as a cataloguer. Izzy is currently the Ethnic Communities librarian at Highland Park Library. Izzy is described as a professional with energy and enthusiasm, displaying a high level of responsibility, adaptability, initiative and integrity. He demonstrates patience, empathy and respect for customers and colleagues alike.
In his role as specialist for ethnic communities, he leads programming and engagement with ethnic communities at Highland Park. Using Facebook and the Chinese app WeChat, he is actively promoting the library and exploring how these channels can be used to engage the Chinese-speaking community.
Izzy has been a LIANZA member since 2017 and joined the Professional Registration Board in 2024. He demonstrates dedication and joy for lifelong learning.
Laura Caygill
Laura has a consistent record of leading high-performing teams to ensure library services are relevant and inclusive of communities. Her achievements in her previous role as Community Library Manager at Auckland Council, Community Experiences and Diversity Team Leader at Waimakariri District Council, and in her current role as Operations Manager at Selwyn District Council demonstrate her passion for empowering her teams to engage with local rangatahi and her commitment to involving parents and caregivers of young people in the use of library spaces.
Since 2017, Laura has embarked on her own te reo Māori journey and encouraged her teams to use te reo in the workplace. She completed her Level Five Diploma in Te Reo Māori in 2023.
A professionally registered member of LIANZA since 2014, Laura has shown her commitment to LIANZA through her involvement in the bid for IFLA WLIC 2022, community presentations, articles in Te Rau Ora Library Life, as the LIANZA representative on the New Zealand Book Awards Trust, and, most recently, joining the LIANZA Council as President-elect. She is passionate about librarianship and is an inspiring leader who shows care and empathy towards her staff and teams. She is not afraid to have difficult conversations.
Mathew Logan
With a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a master’s degree in information studies, Mat was awarded the Christina Beal Memorial Prize in Library and Information Studies and the Clifford Wallace Collins Memorial Trust Award. His research area focused on user experiences and the perception of gallery, library, archive, and museum convergence. These areas inform his interest and application across the GLAM sector.
From library assistant to his current, future-focused role as Culture, Content and Learning Manager at Selwyn District Council, his progression is a testament to his professional expertise and leadership potential. He has played a significant role in the development and implementation of services at Te Ara Ātea in Rolleston. He has demonstrated his understanding of current environments, including that of the wider Council organisation, industry trends, and potential partnerships.
Mat is a capable leader and manager. He has led the design and development of the Leeston Library Service Centre pop-up site, contributed to the council’s long-term plan and budget development for services.
During the initial development of Te Ara Ātea, Mat initiated and managed a public art contract, resulting in the installation of Areta Wilkinson’s Toro Atua in Rolleston's town centre. A legacy sculpture consisting of 20 pou whenua, Mat demonstrates the value of a meaningful and genuine partnership with Tangata Whenua.
Mat works hard to achieve the best results for and across his community. His commitment and application to leading others to also deliver top services are well deserving of an associateship.
Lois Haddon
Lois has worked in public libraries in Wellington, Kapiti Coast, Rotorua and in Gisborne, where she is currently the Library Service Leader at the HB Williams Memorial Library. In this role, Lois has demonstrated strong and effective leadership and a commitment to enhancing library services for the Tairāwhiti community. She has successfully led teams through change, and she encourages staff to celebrate their Māori heritage, resulting in Te Reo being spoken regularly in the library.
Over the past 25 years, Lois has demonstrated a commitment to facilitating community literacy and wellbeing. She led the establishment of an Afterschool Homework Centre at Miramar Library involving partnerships with local schools and the Ministry of Education. And Lois’s leadership was key to HB Williams Memorial Library becoming Fines Free.
Lois is currently the regional representative for the Central North Island of the Public Libraries of New Zealand and has been a LIANZA member since 1999. She has contributed to national discussions on Rainbow Storytimes, library advocacy, Fines Free Aotearoa, and digital equity. Lois’s commitment to her team, community, literacy, and her willingness to share her professional experience and wisdom make her highly deserving of a LIANZA Associateship.
Trina Schuster
Since the 1990s, Trina has had a broad and luminous career in libraries. Her strengths include adaptability, critical thinking and leadership for navigating growth and system improvement. She is a generous mentor to others within the profession.
Trina was a senior leader at Auckland Libraries for many years and is currently Head of Arts, Culture and Lifelong Learning at Selwyn District Council. She is committed to Te Tiriti, collaborative innovation, effective leadership, and team development. Deeply involved in service to the community, storytelling and lifelong learning, Trina featured in an Auckland Libraries content creation documentary, ‘Tapped in Ink’, with her own story of receiving her malu, alongside other Council colleagues.
A member of LIANZA since 2002, she is Convenor of the LIANZA Pacific Information Management Network, where she values the friendship, camaraderie, learning and support from other members. Trina was part of the successful Pacific-themed 2019 LIANZA conference and was recently appointed to the IFLA Professional Section Standing Committee – Indigenous Matters. She is also a member of the Regional Division Committee – Asia and Oceania and previously part of the INELI Oceania Cohort.
Trina’s proactive commitment to the core values of the library profession and her understanding of the needs of Pasifika people in libraries make her a deserving recipient of a LIANZA Associateship.
Melanie Brebner
Melanie said in her Associate application that ‘becoming fines-free’ is her most significant achievement to date. But there have been many more achievements since starting her career as a library assistant to her current role as District Library Manager at Matamata-Piako District Council, and her contribution to the library profession in Aotearoa.
Melanie combines a strong academic background and leadership experience in public libraries. Throughout her library journey, she has shown a commitment to professional learning by obtaining her MLIS and LLB(Hons).
While working at the Homai Special Formats Library and studying for her MLIS, she chose to focus her research project on the accessibility of public library websites for people who are blind or have low vision. This gave her a good understanding of accessibility issues and the tools available to improve web accessibility. She has applied this knowledge throughout her career and ensured, for example, that the signage at Hauraki District Libraries and Matamata-Piako Libraries complies with accessibility guidelines.
Melanie’s focus on continuous improvement is demonstrated by introducing Te Tōtara Workplace Capability Framework at Matamata-Piako Libraries. She leads by example, encouraging staff to develop their skill set and to achieve their goals.
Melanie is a current member of the Professional Registration Board. She was co-convenor of the TELSIG Journal Discussion Group from 2012 to 2019 and has been a member of the LIANZA Te Whakakitenga aa Kamai Committee. Melanie has presented at her local weekend school and at LIANZA conferences.
Natasha Morris
Natasha Morris is a dynamic and dedicated library professional who exhibits unwavering commitment to her community, stakeholders and team. In her role as Library Manager at Westland District Council, Natasha energetically advocates for the value of library services to the community, proactively seeking opportunities to centre and refresh services to meet user needs. Such community-focused initiatives include cultural programming for Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori and Matariki, adopting dementia-friendly practices in the library, and responding through the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure service continuity for vulnerable populations.
As a library manager, she demonstrates exemplary professional competence and strong communication skills with a range of stakeholders. Under her leadership, the library achieved outstanding customer satisfaction ratings, reflecting her commitment to excellence.
Natasha’s strategic leadership and collaborative approach have led to innovative service models tailored to local needs. She has led the development of an innovative partnership between Westland High School and Westland District Library, with her student-centred approach significantly improving access to library services for secondary students by integrating reading programmes and information literacy.
Natasha actively pursues professional development opportunities and fosters a culture of learning among her team.
Rachel Fisher
Rachel has qualifications in education, library and information science, as well as in health & safety, web design, and technical writing.
While at Auckland Libraries, Rachel was a Senior Library Assistant at the Helensville Library (2007-15) and a Library Assistant at the Birkenhead Library (2015-17). She participated in and led a number of initiatives, including a STEM camp for girls, the development of a board game to teach staff about the Auckland Libraries databases, managed or assisted in MakerLabs, Minecraft clubs, Code Clubs, digital drop-ins, computer tutorials and Book-a-Librarian sessions, leveraging her technical knowledge and her teaching skills.
In 2017, Rachel was appointed to the Senior Librarian/Customer Services Librarian role at the Matamata-Piako District Libraries, and in 2020, to the Team Leader role. In these roles, Rachel built on her Auckland Libraries experience. She expanded her scope to include redesigning and leading the Matamata-Piako summer reading programme, as well as restructuring, creating resources, and implementing literacy programmes.
In addition, Rachel used her technical acumen to catalogue serials using Symphony Workflows and to participate in the implementation of the Stepping Up programme. Rachel developed and implemented technology training for staff and customers, and contributed to library strategic planning, volunteer management, civil defence planning, and the implementation of the Te Tōtara workforce capability framework at Matamata-Piako.
Rachel has been a LIANZA member since 2018. She participated in organising a LIANZA Weekend School in 2024, was a guest speaker at a Weekend School in 2019, and at the LIANZA 2009 Conference.
03 December 2025
