Oratia is an independent book publisher based in the forest ranges outside Auckland, with distribution across New Zealand and in many parts of the world.
Our multicultural team collectively has decades of experience in all aspects of publishing and a commitment to quality values in editorial, design, print and production.
In addition to our well-respected trade publishing programme, we offer our publishing, production and communications skills to organisations wanting to publish privately.
Whether it’s a great book or quality publishing services, you’ll find the right home with Oratia.
Our name comes from the beautiful forest area in which we live and work, west of Auckland in the Waitakere Ranges.
Ō-rā-tía is a Māori name that means ‘Place of long-lingering sunshine’, from a traditional story in which the wife of the West Wind paused here to sunbathe.
News
Giant wētā stars in new picture book
Koro Wētā
Heather Haylock
Illustrated by Sarah Trolle
Māori translation by Ngairo Eruera
What happens when a girl and a wētā find they both like to use the same gumboots
From bestselling children’s author Heather Haylock comes a bilingual tale of a girl and a giant wētā that will both entertain and educate young Kiwi readers.
It tells the story of a girl whose favourite footwear is her trusty gumboots. But every time she leaves them outside at night, a giant wētā decides to use them as a hiding place.
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New team members bring wide experience to help grow Oratia Books
Halfway through the year and things are humming along at Oratia Books.
Our aim is for brilliant people to work with Oratia and not for us. The company’s flat and dispersed structure reflects that, with a mix of fixed and freelance contributors, working from home in different parts of the country and world.
This year we’re pleased to have formalised working relationships with several collaborators and friends. We welcome these four publishing professionals who are helping to grow Oratia Books:
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Māori Rafter & Tāniko Designs
Classic guide to traditional Māori designs comes back into print after many years
Māori Rafter & Tāniko Designs
W.J. Phillipps
In the more than 80 years since Māori Rafter & Tāniko Designs first saw the light of day, the book’s clear text and sumptuous colour patterns have served legions of readers and craftspeople.
Now Oratia Books is bringing this classic work by W.J Phillipps back into print, enabling a new generation to access a work that until now had been hard to source.
This handy guide provides a detailed exploration of important patterns used in Māori architecture and textiles, focusing on the intricate designs of rafter carving, tāniko weaving and tukutuku panels.
With an all-new layout, updated text elements including macrons, and inclusion of new colour illustrations, this edition aims help readers easily access the designs.
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Samoan Proverbs for Children shares traditional wisdom
Alagā’upu Fa’asamoa Ma Uiga mo Tamaiti
Samoan Proverbs for Children
Tauanu’u Perenise Tapu Sitagata
Illustrated by Ani Huia Ligaliga
Out for Samoan Language Week, a new book presents Samoan proverbs with explanations for children
Traditional wisdom that can inspire and guide the kids of today — that’s the concept for a bilingual picture book that will be published in time for Samoa Language Week 2025.
Alagā’upu Fa’asamoa Ma Uiga mo Tamaiti features 30 Samoan proverbs, vividly illustrated, with translations and explanations in both Gagana Samoa and English.
Designed to introduce children to the rich cultural heritage of Samoa, the book conveys proverbs that guide family life, leadership, education, the environment and more.
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