Mahjong with Mary
The tiles click, shuffle, and stir like birds in conversation this is what Mary Howard fondly calls “the twittering of the sparrows.” It’s the sound of Mahjong, a centuries-old Chinese game of skill and memory, now flourishing at Manawatū Community Hub Libraries (MCHL).
When the library was temporarily based on Goodbehere Street, Marie Willis, Community Hub Programmes Leader, received a request from the community to introduce Mahjong. There was plenty of interest but no one quite knew how to play. That’s when Mary Howard generously offered teaching sessions.Thanks to Mary’s support, the Community Hub was able to meet a need identified by local residents, transforming community interest into action by providing Mahjong sessions and creating a welcoming space for people to connect.
Mary is now retired after serving as an Office Administrator at St Joseph's School for 12 years. Since her retirement, she has generously volunteered her time over the past 18 months. She teaches beginners how to play in free, 8-week courses held every Thursday afternoon.
Mary first learned the game as a teenager from her aunty, who picked it up while on holiday in Fiji. It became a family activity, though she didn’t return to it until later in life and this time with her husband. Now she passionately teaches a group of four new learners. “It’s a mental game,” she says. “Every round is exciting. It’s all about fun, strategy, and being social.”
Mary continues to run the popular beginner Mahjong course, which is bookable at the Manawatū Community Hub Libraries (MCHL) front counter. There’s also now a Monday social group where 8–12 players meet to keep their skills sharp. With no Mahjong club in Feilding, the community hub has become the local favourite for players. Mary describes herself as a hands-on teacher, focused on building confidence. “I don’t have teaching skills,” she says, “but I love helping people learn.” It’s at the Mahjong table where Mary’s found a new rhythm in retirement, helping others discover the joy behind each tile.
At the Community Hub, it’s fantastic to see Mahjong continuing to grow and offering a welcoming, social space where people of all backgrounds can come together, learn something new, and enjoy each other’s company.
Mary Howard standing next to the Mahjong table, where she teaches beginners each week.
