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Poutini: The Māori History of the West Coast
Poutini: landmark book documents the remarkable Māori history of the South Island West Coast
Poutini: The Māori History of the West Coast
Paul Madgwick
‘Māori have lived on Te Tai Poutini for at least as long as anywhere else on these islands called New Zealand, bound by ancient stories and a unique affinity to pounamu,’ says journalist, iwi historian and West Coaster Paul Madgwick. ‘So why is the Māori story so impoverished in a region so rich in storytelling?’
In his new 528-page book Poutini: The Māori History of the West Coast, Madgwick sets out to correct this by recording the Ngāi Tahu history of the West Coast, one of the most colourful of New Zealand regions.
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New picture book retells Rātā and the tree pūrakau
The Ever-Standing Tree
Te Rākau Tū Tonu
Tim Tipene
Illustrated by Ani Huia Ligaliga
Translated by Kanapu Rangitauira
Modern retelling of a classic story comes to life in picture book about learning respect for nature
A modern interpretation of the classic pūrākau of Rātā and the tree, Tim Tipene’s The Ever-Standing Tree/Te Rākau Tū Tonu highlights the importance of respecting and protecting nature.
In a typical Kiwi suburb, Dad cuts down the tree in the backyard – to get a better view. Overnight, the insects and birds work their magic and put it back together, leaving the family stunned.
A battle of wills between the blade and nature ensues, until Dad finally comes to realise how special the tree is.
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Correcting common errors in te reo Māori for all levels of speakers
Ngā Hapa Reo: Common Māori Language Errors
Hona Black and Te Aorangi Murphy-Fell
Bilingual addition to Oratia’s te reo reference series explains and corrects common errors in Māori
Māori language teachers and consultants Hona Black and Te Aorangi Murphy-Fell hear a lot of common errors in te reo, not only in the courses they teach but also among fluent speakers.
That motivated the pair to write Ngā Hapa Reo, making readers aware of common Māori language errors and how to right them, so that the reo can flourish in the future.
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New Nanny Mihi book shares gardening wisdom
Nanny Mihi’s Harvest
Te Hauhake a Nanny Mihi
by Melanie Drewery, illustrated by Suzanne Simpson,
Translated by Kanapu Rangitauira
Publishing ahead of Matariki, Nanny Mihi’s Harvest Te Hauhake a Nanny Mihi is the perfect book to learn about growing a garden, harvesting, and sharing food — letting tamariki (kids) and whānau (families) explore the significance of harvesting for the Māori New Year.
When her mokopuna arrive for the spring school holidays, Nanny Mihi enlists their help to plant seeds in her garden.
As they return each season, the kids see their labours bear fruit, helping Nanny harvest, cook and preserve all the produce.
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