Dear book friends,

What a magical afternoon we shared at our woolshed last month for "Waiata in the Woolshed: In Conversation with Emma Maurice and Guests." As the summer light filtered through the old wooden slats and pigeons cooed softly in the background, I found myself deeply moved by the tapestry of voices, stories, and connections that unfolded.

Emma Maurice's journey beginning her academic path in her mid-30s reminded me that learning truly has no age limit - something I witness daily in our bookshop when readers of all ages discover new literary treasures.

Dr. Pounamu Jade Aikman's passion for nurturing curiosity in tamariki at Arowhenua Māori School resonated with my own belief that a love for learning is perhaps the greatest gift we can pass on.

What touched me most was how the woolshed - this humble, working space where Joe and I tend to our flock - transformed into a vessel for such profound sharing. Austin Haynes's countertenor voice soaring through the rafters, the wisdom in Jeffrey Paparoa Holman's words, and the moving waiata from Wahine Toa created a beautiful harmony against the authentic backdrop of rural life.

And our wonderful MC Anah Aikman wove each contribution into a beautiful whole, guiding conversations that explored our connections to place, heritage, and one another with such warmth and wisdom.

When audience members began sharing their own taonga - from a warrior's pitchfork and battle helmet to a love letter preserved through six generations - I was reminded of how stories connect us across time and place. From high country sheep shearing tales to memories of 1990s English rave culture, each narrative thread wove into the rich fabric of our community.

As we concluded with shared kai and Jeffrey signed books, I couldn't help but feel immense gratitude for this special gathering that celebrated our connection to whenua and to each other.

My heartfelt thanks to Emma, Dr. Aikman, Austin, Jeffrey, Wahine Toa, our helpers, and especially to each of you who attended and shared your stories - your presence made the afternoon truly special.

And I'm delighted to share that we're already planning another Waiata gathering for later this year, though with some delightful new elements that I think you'll find quite enchanting.

Goodbye for now,

Belinda