LIANZA Conference 2013

We are delighted to invite you to join us in Hamilton from the 20th to 23rd October for the LIANZA 2013 Conference: Wai-Ora, Wai-Māori, Waikato.

Our theme references the most significant landmark of our region, the Waikato River. Rivers are powerful forces, relentless and enduring, giving and sustaining life: Tributaries, big and small, come together to create a diverse and connected system that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Libraries are also powerful forces, and like rivers, they must be respected, understood and well-managed in order to continue to nourish and support their communities. So please join us in October to consider the role and future of our libraries and the kaitiakitanga (guardianship and management) needed to ensure that libraries, and the benefits they bring, are strong and enduring.

The conference will start with a pōwhiri by mana whenua at Tūrangawaewae Marae, where we are Wai-Ora; pure water with the power to give life to new thinking. We arrive newly sprung and pure, waewae tapu (newcomers) and manuhiri (visitors); empty vessels ready to receive knowledge and be inspired.

From here we will make our way upriver to the wonderful new Claudelands Events Centre, a state of the art, spacious venue just over the bridge from Hamilton’s CBD. Here we are Wai-Māori – fresh water, beginning our voyage, part of a community, ready for new ideas and the rush and excitement of conference.

With a great range of keynote speakers, invited talks, contributed papers and your participation, LIANZA Conference 2013 will chart new courses of knowledge for the library and information profession.

Take advantage of all Hamilton has to offer – whether it is the vibrant restaurant, bar and café scene, the tranquil, themed Hamilton Gardens, or Te Awa at The Base - to keep the ideas and discussions flowing outside the formal programme.

And of course, the legendary LIANZA conference dinner will be, well, legendary!

There will be more information here soon about the content streams and themes to help you prepare for the call for papers in March. So mark the dates on your calendar and keep checking back here for more information about hotels, transport, keynote speakers and of course, the legendary conference dinner.