Hell Pizza Reading Challenge!

Hastings District Libraries are running the HELL Reading Challenge for children in Years 1-8 again this year. 

What is the Hell Reading Challenge?

Read for Pizza! What could be better? This well-established programme has been hugely successful in getting tamariki reading — with the bonus of free pizza rewards. It has even hooked many reluctant readers into books. We’re thrilled about that, and in 2026 we want to help even more young readers discover the thrill of a great book.

How does the challenge work?

Children (Years 1-8) complete the pizza wheel by reading seven books, and then go to any HELL store and redeem it for a free 333 HELL Pizza… It’s that simple!

Children come and see us to tell us about their reading and get their wheels stamped.  

But What Are the Rules?

Just follow the rules below and then happy reading will lead to happy pizza eating.

• Every child/student must read 7 books to fill up their wheel to be able to receive their free 333 kids’ pizza from their local HELL store.
• There is no limit on the number of wheels a student can fill up between March and December, provided they are stamped and signed by a Hastings District Libraries staff member. However only ONE wheel can be redeemed at any one visit.
• The child/student must redeem their free pizza in person and before the expiry date.
• Each pizza wheel features detailed rules and regulations, as well as a serial number that links it to the issuing library. 

Click on the link below to download a Hell Pizza review card to get the creative juices flowing.

Happy eating! I mean reading! Actually, BOTH!