Reading activities
11 resources. Free options are listed first.
- FreeAges 8+
Project Gutenberg
A volunteer-run library of tens of thousands of free ebooks, mostly older works whose US copyright has expired, including many classic children's novels. Books can be read online or downloaded without registration; copyright status can differ outside the US.
Visit gutenberg.org ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAges All ages
LibriVox
Free audiobooks of public domain texts recorded by volunteers, which can be streamed or downloaded. Useful for listening along with a printed or Project Gutenberg copy; some older texts contain outdated language and attitudes.
Visit librivox.org ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAges 4–10
Storyline Online
Free videos of picture books read aloud by actors, each with a suggested grade level and downloadable activity guide. Run by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation in the US.
Visit storylineonline.net ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAges 5–18
National Library Services to Schools
The National Library of New Zealand's reading engagement service, with book lists, reading-for-pleasure ideas and information for parents and whānau. Some services, such as lending, are set up for schools, so check eligibility for home educators.
Visit natlib.govt.nz ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAges 0–18
Storylines Children's Literature Charitable Trust
A charitable trust promoting New Zealand children's and young adult books. Its annual Notable Book lists, chosen by panels of authors, teachers and librarians, are a source of local titles in English and te reo Māori.
Visit storylines.org.nz ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAges 10+
Papers Past
The National Library's free archive of digitised New Zealand and Pacific newspapers from the 19th and 20th centuries, including Māori-language niupepa. Pages can be browsed by region, title and year or searched by keyword.
Visit paperspast.natlib.govt.nz ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAges 10+
DigitalNZ
A National Library search service that brings together millions of digitised items, including photographs, newspapers, audio and video, from New Zealand libraries, museums, archives and media organisations. Results can be filtered by date, collection and usage rights.
Visit digitalnz.org ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAges 8+
Te Aka Māori Dictionary
The online edition of Te Aka, a Māori–English, English–Māori dictionary with example sentences, grammar notes and entries on native plants, animals and place names. A companion app is available for phones.
Visit maoridictionary.co.nz ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAges 10+
Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand
A free online encyclopedia from Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage covering New Zealand's people, environment, history and society, with many stories also in te reo Māori. It includes the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography.
Visit teara.govt.nz ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAges 10+
NZHistory
A history website from Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, organised into people, places, events and topics, with photographs and sound clips. It covers culture and society, politics and government, and New Zealand at war.
Visit nzhistory.govt.nz ↗ (opens in a new tab) - Free + paid optionsAges 8–13
Kiwi Kids News
A New Zealand news website written for children, publishing several short national, world and sport stories each school day. Quizzes and some feature content sit behind a school subscription.
Visit kiwikidsnews.co.nz ↗ (opens in a new tab)