26 July, 2026

Paper planes fly high for Matariki

Soaring… Medal winner Maddy Clifford with Willa Barry (both 8)

The annual Takapuna Library paper plane competition entered its fourth year with flying colours, as school holidayers competed for design, distance, decoration and more.
Librarian James Dunning says the competition is inspired by Ururangi – seventh star in the Matariki cluster, connected to the winds of the sky in Māori astronomy.
Often this is honoured by a kite flying competition, and Takapuna Library provides an indoor version in the spirit of the tradition, in the form of paper planes.
Eight-year-old Maddy Clifford won a clutch of medals: silver for best decorator, bronze for furthest travel and gold for the most accurate plane – the one that got closest to the designated target.
Leo Hickey’s plane took the title of highest flying plane after hitting the ceiling, a feat that organisers had earlier joked was impossible. Harvey Bridgens won the furthest travel title, and came second in the longest flight time, closely followed by Alex Wilde in third place. Dishant Singh came second in the best design category.

Harvey Bridgens (9), Dishant Singh (7) and Daniel Wilson (8).

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