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Title: Illustrated Māori Dictionary Māori–English Essentials Author: A.W. Reed Illustrated by Roger Hart ISBN: 978-1-99-004213-3 RRP: $34.99 Specs: 210 x 148 mm portrait, PB, 144 pp, b/w Published: 16 August 2022 In compiling this dictionary A.W. Reed set out to entertain as well as educate. Its succinct entries encompass modern and traditional Māori language and customs, as do the fine illustrations by Roger Hart. These Māori to English definitions delve into a variety of associated meanings and derivations — providing interest for either beginning or more advanced speakers of te reo. The new Illustrated Māori Dictionary preserves the retro feel of the 1965 original — including its early adoption of macrons to mark long vowels, and indication of transliterated words. The text has been updated to reflect modern scholarship and language use. Not only a handy reference work, this corrected facsimile edition represents a classic of Kiwi publishing. -
He Atua, He Tangata Author: A.W. Reed Revised by: Ross Calman ISBN: 978-0-947506-88-9 RRP: $65.00 Specs: 240 x 160 mm, HB, 400 pp, b&w Published: 6 October 2021In this updated edition of the Reed Book of Māori Mythology, esteemed editor Ross Calman comprehensively revises the core stories of gods (atua) and people (tangata) and the many other beings that sit on the continuum between the two. Divided into themes, this elegantly produced volume starts with traditions of the creation of the universe, and the separation of Rangi and Papa, then reviews the pantheon of atua (gods), the overworlds and underworlds. Next are the demigods and supernatural peoples, then legends of earth, ocean and sky, tohunga and makutu, and finally legends of love and endurance. He Atua, He Tangata presents different versions for stories, with sources identified where possible. Calman has modernised the language to give stories a contemporary feel, incorporating updates to the reo, making this timeless work ideal for twenty-first century readers. -
Legends of Rotorua and the Hot Lakes Author: A.W. Reed Illustrator: Dennis Turner ISBN: 978-0-947506-57-5 RRP: $29.99 Specs: 210 x 148 mm portrait, PB, 164 pp, b&w Published: 20 March 2019 The Book: First published in 1958, this is the classic collection of myths relating to that cradle of Māori culture, Rotorua – with relevance across New Zealand Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s most visited cities. It is impossible to avoid the area’s Māori history and, in this book, it is easy to learn about the most popular legends of the area. These include Ngatoro the Fire-Bringer, whose avoidance of fire demons left them raging underground to make the famous geyser and mudpool formations in the Rotorua area; and Hatupatu, who bravely escaped from the birdwoman, who would have him as her slave. A.W. Reed is renowned for his telling of Māori stories; his list of published works in this area is long and his popularity has rarely waned. The Dennis Turner beautiful illustrations are reproduced unaltered, speaking to the era of the book’s original publication. -
Title: Māori Place Names: Their Meanings and Origins Author: A.W. Reed Editor: Peter Dowling ISBN: 978-0-947506-08-7 RRP: $34.99 Specs: 210 x 148 mm portrait, PB, 152 pp, b&w Published: 5 July 2016 The Book: Pronounce and understand Māori place names with the new fourth edition of A.W. Reed’s classic guide to meanings and origins of names across New Zealand. From Ahaura to Whitianga, this handily sized book is the definitive guide to the most common and notable Māori names on our land. Why do Whangarei, Tauranga, Motueka and Timaru have the names they do? Why all the fuss about the spelling of Whanganui and Rimutaka? What are the original names for Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin? Māori Place Names gives concise and clear answers, as well as taking in curiosities like the world’s longest place name (pictured). The new Māori Place Names includes maps on the inside covers showing principal names, and also reproduces the illustrations from the original 1950 edition by renowned artist James Berry. For bookshelf, glove box or backpack, this is a must.E-book available from
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Favourite Māori Legends Author: A.W. Reed; edited by Ross Calman ISBN: 978-0-947506-22-3 RRP: $29.99 Specs: 210 x 148 mm portrait, PB, 160 pp, b&w Published: June 2013 The Book: Māori myths and legends have an important role in transmitting and regenerating traditional knowledge. Yet as Ross Calman points out in his introduction to this new edition, they are also simply great yarns – reflective of a time when telling and listening to stories was a key leisure activity in Māori society. Favourite Māori Legends is an invitation to enjoy over 30 of the most memorable legends, grouped into themes of the spirit world, patupaiarehe (ghosts), taniwha, supernatural creatures, heroes and deeds of daring. Concise yet complete, these stories are enlivened by the fine illustrations of Roger Hart.E-book available from
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