Pam Coleman

GUIDING EXPERIENCE LEAD

Guiding Programme, Volunteer/Girl Recruitment and Support Team

Contact: [email protected]

Based: Taitoko – Levin

Work type: Full Time 

Started at GGNZ: August 2023

Qualifications:

I’m a serial student – I love learning, not for the outcome but for the process. I’m currently studying online at Te Wānanga o Raukawa, doing a Poupou Huia Te Reo 1 Certificate in Māori protocol and language for use in the home and community (Level 4)

• BA (Hons) English Literature and Language
• BA Psychology
• PGDE in Teaching (Primary)
• MA Information Studies (Library Focus)

Work history:

My background includes working for BBC Information as a researcher, a primary school teacher and then a librarian. All my roles have had a focus on community, education, information and making connections.

I’ve had various roles at the library, Children’s Librarian, Youth Services Coordinator and then Library Manager. My last role at Libraries Horowhenua involved leading a rangatahi Youth Space and a team of librarians providing services and programmes to the community from ages 0 to 101.

Additional info:

I was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland and was involved in Girl Guiding there from age 8. I was a Brownie leader – a Tawnie Owl until I left for New Zealand in 2009. Guiding gave me so many opportunities that a wee lassie from Glasgow wouldn’t normally have and some treasured friendships lasting a lifetime.  Fundamentally for me, this is what Guiding is all about, for all of us.

My partner and I have four adult children and 2 very boisterous dogs. Of course, as a librarian, I love reading. We lose ourselves in books, we find ourselves there too. I enjoy writing and have a weekly column in a local newspaper. I like hot tea and chocolate biscuits (a little too much). My dream is to write a children’s book – maybe one about guiding?