Grace Hall 

Director Policy and Advocacy                                                   

Local Government New Zealand

Marion has a wealth of knowledge on public libraries in New Zealand and abroad, and extensive connections with key leaders in the libraries sector and local government.

She has an incredible ability to build relationships, influence strategic change and drive towards meaningful outcomes.

All of her work is driven by a deep understanding that libraries are so much more than books and shelves – they’re vital community hubs that connect and support people, and enable our towns, cities and communities to thrive.

Dyane Hosler

Library Service Manager

RedlandCity Council

Queensland

Australia

Marion has had over 40 years in public sector leadership and management roles, thereby accumulating extensive expertise in the workings of local government across different size Councils. Her professional trajectory encompasses pivotal roles across various councils including Auckland, Tauranga, Whangarei and Upper Hutt and most recently in her Advisory role at Local Government NZ.

Marion has strong leadership and management skills and brings people along on the journey including for library strategy and policy development, library infrastructure projects and facilitation of operational enhancements.

Marion has an in depth understanding of the evolving public library landscape and how best to navigate the future. She has shown effective communication and engagement with stakeholders across all levels, from Councilors and Chief Executive Officers to library managers and front-line staff.

Marion is well respected in the New Zealand library environment and has been recently recognized by her peers with a Fellowship in 2021. Her energy has extended to various governance realms, including serving on national bodies including Public Libraries of New Zealand as well as Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa.

I have enjoyed my professional experiences working alongside Marion over the years. She has the energy and drive to deliver on projects and is inclusive.

Mike Ryan​​​​                                                  

Director Community Services

Upper Hutt City Council

Marion Read was employed as Upper Hutt City Libraries Manager from September 2015 until November 2021.

Marion showed outstanding leadership of the Upper Hutt Libraries team during this time. Marion was always looking to improve and develop library services and under her stewardship Upper Hutt City Libraries abolished overdue library fees, replaced a mobile library vehicle and added a further vehicle to the mobile service (New Zealand’s first Electric powered mobile library vehicle) and accessed external funding for various pilot library initiatives.

The team culture within the Upper Hutt City libraries, the focus on customer service, collaboration, fun and a one team approach to all that was done in the libraries was a testament to Marions positive leadership and management of the libraries team. This outstanding leadership of the team was clearly evidenced through the COVID -19 lockdowns and restrictions and the closure of the Upper Hutt Central library for a year for seismic strengthening. The ability of Marion and the staff to adapt, improvise and be customer and solution focused through what were some difficult times was truly inspirational.

Wayne Guppy​​​​                                                  

Mayor

Koromatua

Upper Hutt City

I have known Marion for a number of years as Upper Hutt City Council’s Library Manager and in her position as Library Advisor at LGNZ.

My dealings with Marion is that she is very professional, and is a leader in the ideas and concepts of the library world. Marion is not afraid to embrace and manage change.

She is certainly a leader in her field.