Imraan leaves his “second family”2 min read

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Since July 2013, Imraan Ali has been a familiar face at Onehunga Library. Almost eight years to the day he took on the role as library manager, he said goodbye to the Onehunga community to take on a new role as the Botany Community Library Manager.

 

As part of a complete restructure, Libraries, Community Places and Arts Teams have amalgamated to form new unit-connected communities. They now operate as five new Community Hubs throughout Auckland – Te Atatū Peninsula, New Lynn, Onehunga, Māngere, and Franklin, electing one acting manager per site. All current managers had to reapply to be considered for the new position, and Jenni Heka from the Oranga Community Centre has been appointed to fill the new combined role, overseeing the Onehunga Library, Onehunga Community Centre and Oranga Community Centre.

 

While he is looking forward to a new challenge, it will be a bittersweet departure for Imraan. He has made many friends during his time in Onehunga, particularly the Onehunga Chinese Association, who have shown him love and respect throughout the years, and included him in many of their celebrations. Above all, he is grateful for the Onehunga Library team and regards them as his second family. “I have always felt privileged to be here and I adore my team. We’ve had some difficult and challenging times, but we’ve had fun along the way. Every one of them brings a little something unique, and together we are better for it. I thank them for being part of my growth, and trusting and believing in me to lead. They’re amazing,” he says.

 

Imraan has spent 20 years working within different Auckland Libraries, including Waitakere, Glen Eden, Pt Chevalier and Auckland Central. His first managerial role before Onehunga was at Glen Innes Library, another place and community he holds very close to his heart. “I will give everything I have to my new role and my new colleagues, and I am very excited about the fact that I get to work with different people, for a different community. To the Onehunga Library community, it has been my pleasure and privilege. If you’re ever in Botany, please be sure to drop by and see me.”

 

Imraan is keen for an opportunity to manage a Community Hub in the future and will continue to keep an eye on Onehunga. He supports the new hub structure, and wishes the new Onehunga Manager and team the very best of luck.

 

Imraan is sad at leaving Onehunga Library