Andy was proud to attend the event with several other librarians from right across the motu and he felt inspired to write about the experience:
Kia ora,
It was an honour and a pleasure to attend Sue Fargher’s retirement function. The Central Hawke’s Bay Council hosted a wonderful evening with some well-researched and remarkable tributes. It was a phenomenally ‘on-point’ acknowledgement of one of Waipawa’s very special people.
Afterwards, a few of us returned to her home to celebrate with her whānau and friends. Sue was overwhelmed by the attention and recognition, although at the same time, I think she loved every bit of it! Her whānau were immensely proud of her and, as I learned from the CEO’s presentation, clearly a tremendous support crew and labour resource.
The whole District was proud of Sue for receiving the LIANZA Fellowship in 2019 and it was read out to the audience. The fellowship is the highest level of professional attainment awarded by LIANZA recognising those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, shown teaching or research qualities, contributed to the sector, and helped advance librarianship or information management.
It was terrific that Marion Read (who was also awarded a Fellowship that same year) was at our ‘librarians’ table beneath the stage along with LIANZA President, Kim Taunga. The tributes flowed all evening not just from the CEO and MC for the evening, Doug Tate, but also the Mayor, Alex Walker, a good friend and colleague, Mary Kippenberger, and on behalf of our library sector, Marlborough District Libraries Manager, Glenn Webster.
Initially, Sue said she didn’t have a lot to say, but was subsequently teased for saying quite a lot once given an opportunity with the microphone. It was gorgeous positivity — she acknowledged several people and wise counsel that made a massive difference over the years. One piece of advice was to serve on as many committees as possible so you understand what’s going on and have the opportunity to influence, share, and give. She mentioned that the introduction of technology to her library was significant: from the early adoption of PCs (a big deal in the 90s), library systems, and online subscriptions, to modern digihubs and community engagement capability. Sue observed that she’s retiring knowing the library is well-placed to serve its community.
We heard that over the years Sue’s special gift was delivering new services, programmes and lots of author events. She also looked out for those that needed looking out for and made sure the big organisations in her sector understood the needs of the smaller ones. I have held similar values myself — our companies deliver technology and services to those that would struggle to implement it themselves, whether because of size or capability. Our friendship grew around us both being the kind of person that gives far more than what their job description requires, purely for the betterment of our communities.
I was delighted to hear the Council will continue to access her skills moving forward in a part-time capacity. I suspect she will be busier than ever! 😊
Ngā mihi,
Andy Fenton
Make sure you read LIANZA’s article about Sue Fargher in the December issue of Library Life!
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