Conversations with my Bestie - We Read Auckland 2026: K.J. Holdom

In this episode we chat with associate curator heritage collections Melanie Kung about a recent project related to the United Nations Publications collections here at Auckland Libraries.

Explore the stories of Avondale Racecourse through a self-guided audio walk around the racetrack. Or, listen in your own space and experience the sounds and voices of this important community space in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Akinki Manukau describes why growing food is her passion. She talks about alternative moon calendar, organic growing, how she wants to grow food that will nurture people. Akink also highlights the indigenous communal aspect of growing your own food.

Jarcinda Stowers-Ama talks about how difficult was to find traditional Cook Islands food in New Zealand, like specific types of taro. She recalls traditional Christmas Cook Islands’ recipes and Asian markets as a source for her ingredients.

Sue Gee remembers how enthusiastic her dad was when he had a new cooking inspiration. Explains cooking processes like soaking octopus two days in advance. She recalls having mostly Chinese cooking when her granddad was around.