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Title: 12 Huia Birds/12 Manu Huia Author: Julian Stokoe Illustrator: Stacy Eyles ISBN: 978-0-947506-78-0 RRP: $22.99 Specs: 270 x 210 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 14 July 2020 For orders from outside New Zealand, email: sales@oratia.co.nz Previously published in hardback in English, this popular book is now back with Māori text in a quality paperback. The Listener named the first edition one of its Top 50 Children's Books of 2016, and called it: “A striking reminder of the many ways this beautiful bird was wiped out.” 12 beautiful huia birds play and sing in the forest. But is that a canoe arriving? A rat sniffling? A ship on the horizon? One by one, the huia start to disappear – what will remain? 12 Huia Birds is a captivating celebration of one of our loveliest birds. Through gentle rhyme and colourful imagery it subtly conveys an environmental message – and includes links to a 12 Huia Birds app, educational resources and games. -
Title: A Spirit Companion: Celebrating the first 50 years of the Spirit of Adventure Trust Author: Roger McDonald ISBN: 978-1-99-004251-5 RRP: $60.00 Specs: HB, 220 x 170mm portrait, 344pp, 2 colour Published: 14 November 2023‘All a trainee needed to feel — could not help feeling — was that their feet were on the decks of something pretty big, and change was happening all around them just by the motion that happened when the wind blew.’ For 50 years, people from all walks of life have stepped aboard first the Spirit of Adventure, and today the Spirit of New Zealand Te Waka Herenga Tangata ō Aotearoa, for a voyage of personal discovery. They’ve had fun, made friends, and been given a taste of expanded possibility. Distinguished author Roger McDonald captures stories from over 70 people who have made ‘the Spirit’ part of their lives — from those who have worked and sailed for the Spirit of Adventure Trust to the young people whom it has introduced to sailing and self-recognition. This attractive cloth-bound hardback is illustrated with drawings by Sue Fisher, which combines with writing of the highest standard to make this an ideal memento for anyone who has ‘sailed the Spirit’ or loves the sea. -
Series: Moana Oceania Title: Alagā’upu Fa’asamoa ma Uiga mo Tamaiti Samoan Proverbs for Children Author: Tauanu'u Perenise Tapu Sitagata Illustrator: Ani Huia Ligaliga ISBN: 978-1-99-004270-6 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Publishing: 6 May 2025, in association with Auckland Libraries – Ngā Pātaka Kōrero o Tāmaki MakaurauDistinguished educator and translator Tauanu’u Perenise Tapu Sitagata joins with artist Ani Huia Ligaliga to present 30 Samoan proverbs for children in the original language, alongside translations and explanations in English. Each proverb is presented in Gagana Sāmoa and English above an illustration, with bilingual explanations below. Traversing themes from family, leadership and education to the environment and spirituality, Alagā’upu Fa’asamoa ma Uiga mo Tamaiti adds a valuable Pasifika resource for children and families everywhere. -
Title: Auckland: The Twentieth-Century Story Author: Paul Moon ISBN:978-1-99-004235-5 RRP: $45.00 Specs: 240 x 160 mm portrait, PB, 360 pp, b&w Published: 5 April 2023 Auckland in 1999 would have been unrecognisable to the city’s residents at the beginning of the twentieth century — the result of dramatic changes in populations, cultures, beliefs, aspirations and senses of itself. Auckland: The Twentieth-Century Story journeys through the mosaic of cultures and lifestyles, anxieties and hopes, disasters and triumphs, virtues and vices that led to this transformation. Drawing on diaries, oral history, newspapers and other media, Paul Moon explores themes including housing, gardening, the harbours, tangata whenua struggles, shopping culture, the immigrant experience and the pervading sense that Auckland was simultaneously at the edge of the world yet at its centre. Readers across New Zealand will experience many ‘Where were you when …?’ moments as they explore the changing landscapes of our largest city. Moon’s crisp writing gives readers everywhere a sense of a city that has felt triumph and failure but continues to develop so its citizens can proudly call it home. -
Title: Bedtime, No Playtime! Author: Lawrence Schimel Illustrator: Elina Braslina ISBN: 978-1-99-004206-5 RRP: $14.99 Specs: Board book, 150 x 150 mm, 16 pp, colour Published: 17 August 2021 Click here for companion book Early One Morning A young girl is getting ready for bed when her puppy tries to play. First Rex brings his ball over, but that doesn’t work. Then he crashes story time, and she still doesn’t give in! Finally, as a last resort, Rex steals her teddy and the chase is on! Under the table, over the chair, her daddies race and, at last, rescue the bear. Now it’s really time for bed! Goodnight, Rex. An adorable rhyming board book that will have pre-school readers coming back, and the representation of a family with two dads makes this a meaningful addition to every bookshelf. -
Title: Blimmin’ Koro: Kātahi rā, e Koro e! Author: Jill Bevan-Brown Illustrator: Trish Bowles Translator: Māhaki Bevan-Brown ISBN: 978-0-947506-87-2 RRP: $25.99 Specs: 270 x 210 mm portrait, 32 pp, colour Published: 7 September 2021 For Teacher Resource: click here For orders from outside New Zealand, email: sales@oratia.co.nzKotukū notices her grandfather is becoming forgetful. He hides things around the house and has trouble talking. Is Koro sick? Step by step, Kotukū and her whānau learn about dementia and help Koro to adjust to the changes in his life.This bilingual story tells the story Koro’s changes and how his family adapt to look after him. What doesn’t change is their unwavering love for their grandad. Trish Bowles’ watercolour illustrations sensitively trace the family’s journey and help show dementia doesn’t mean the end of life.
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Title: Bullies and Warriors Author: Tim Tipene ISBN: 978-0-947506-30-8 RRP: $25.99 Specs: 198 x 129 mm portrait, PB, 100 pp Published: July 2012; reprinted in Oratia Books March 2017 The Book: Going to school is a misery for Sean. Whatever he does to avoid the school bully, Mark Thomas and his mates always catch up with him. Then the students join Warrior Kids, a programme that teaches leadership and self-control. So begins a journey for Mark and Sean that has a predictable outcome for one boy and a surprise for the other. In this novel for children aged 8–12, Tim Tipene depicts the reality of bullying and strategies to address it for those on both sides of the problem.E-book available from
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Title: Captain Cat Author: Joan Joass Illustrator: Bob Darroch ISBN: 978-0-947506-86-5 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 3 June 2021 For Teacher Resource: Click here For orders from outside New Zealand, email: sales@oratia.co.nzAn adventurous tale of two mischievous cats that find themselves in a predicament — their love for fish leads to an unscheduled journey in their owners’ dinghy. Will anyone notice them floating into the estuary?
The owner of the boat might not be on to it, but the neighbourhood kids are! Spying Fluff and Scout floating about, one of them posts on the Internet: ‘Do you know whose cats are these?Get in touch and HURRY please!’
Thank goodness Mum uses social media. Scout and Fluff are saved when the Joneses jump in their kayaks and set off to save their moggies.
Bob Darroch’s vibrant and jam-packed illustrations hilariously depict Fluff and Scout’s adventures at sea, and the efforts of the Jones family and friends to bring them back to shore.
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Cover Story 100 Beautiful, Strange and Frankly Incredible New Zealand LP Covers Author: Steve Braunias ISBN: 978-0-947506-89-6 RRP: $49.99 Specs: 312 x 312 mm, PB, 168 pp, colour Publishing: 26 October 2021 REPRINT IS IN STOCK NOW!Music is a key to culture, no matter where in the world you are from and New Zealand is no exception. In the decades from 1957–87 the LP was king of New Zealand recorded music. To sell the music cover art was needed, and the book showcases 100 of the best examples at full LP size. Divided into themes, Cover Story brings Braunias’ inimitable wit and empathy to bear on the artistic flair, fashion and occasional gaudiness these album covers represent. Based on interviews and his own experience collecting over 800 albums from op-shops around the country, he reflects on what they say about our popular culture. Several hundred words accompany each of the albums — from Bill & Boyd to Tina Cross, Christian music to punk — while Katrina Duncan’s sharp design lets the art leap from the page. This is a big book in every sense, one that is a visual delight and full of quirky information, but that doesn’t take its subjects or itself too seriously. -
Title: Duffy and the Bullies Author: Jeff Szusterman Illustrator: Ant Sang ISBN: 978-1-99-004256-0 RRP: $25.99 Specs: 229 x 160 mm portrait, PB, 88 pp, colour Published: 6 August 2024 From the pen of one of New Zealand's finest comic artists, in tandem with the creative brains behind the Duffy Books in Homes theatre programme, comes this graphic novel that speaks to kids from upper primary school through to junior high school. Adapted from a play that confronts bullying, Jeff Szusterman’s story — superbly illustrated by Ant Sang — shows the popular Duffy (a Māori kid who captains the rugby team) coming to the aid of 11-year-old Marama, victim of physical and psychological bullying by the jealous Ashlee. With Kiwi-as characters, lots of rugby and familiar school and home settings, Duffy and the Bullies is a gripping read that will make a difference to kids. -
Title: Early One Morning Author: Lawrence Schimel Illustrator: Elina Braslina ISBN: 978-1-99-004207-2 RRP: $14.99 Specs: Board book, 150 x 150 mm, 16 pp, colour Published: 17 August 2021 Click here for companion book Bedtime, Not Playtime! A young boy and his cat are awake before his mums and sister. It’s too early to make a sound, but his rumbling tummy needs to be fed. The boy and his cat finish their breakfast just in time to say ‘Good morning!’ to the rest of the family. Delightful illustrations and a simple story will have pre-school readers coming back. The cadence of this adorable rhyming board book will delight readers young and old, and the representation of a family with two moms makes ita meaningful addition to every bookshelf. -
Title: Easter Bunny needs a NEW BUM! Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird ISBN: 978-1-99-004278-2 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 13 March 2025 Easter Bunny has arrived to hide the Easter eggs in our hero’s garden … but something doesn’t look right … I’m looking … I’m looking … What do I see? Oh … there’s nothing at all where his tail should be! Red pants boy has another bumergency on his hands in this hilarious addition to the New Bum series. And of course, he has an eggselent idea to help Easter Bunny. ‘Hoppity hoppity, cannot stoppity. Tickety boo! Tottle-oo.’ Together they race around the garden to hide the eggs before the family wakes up – but will they sort out Easter Bunny’s bum issues? Dawn McMillan’s playful rhymes and Ross Kinnaird’s vibrant drawings bring an exciting Easter adventure to New Bum fans around the world, continuing the success of this globally bestselling series. -
Title: Events in the Life of Phillip Tapsell Editor: Jonathan Adams ISBN: 978-0-947506-92-6 RRP: $45.00 Specs: 240 x 160 mm portrait, PB, 252 pp, b&w Published: 6 May 2021 The Book: Hans Falk, born in 1790 in Copenhagen, took to the sea as a lad, changed his name to Phillip Tapsell, and after many adventures settled at Maketū in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty. There he became the key trader for local iwi and married into the highest levels of Te Arawa, while helping other tribes to defend themselves against invasion from northern tribes. He was, in other words, one of the original Pākehā-Māori. Yet Tapsell’s life of daring is not well known today, and the memoirs he dictated to Edward Little shortly before his death were only ever published in newspaper form. Brought together, these make an important contribution to the history of the countries of his birth and death. Meticulously researched and edited by Dr Jonathan Adams, this book presents the original manuscript with close editing and annotation. Part 1 discusses Tapsell’s life and identity as a Pākehā-Māori; Part 2 reproduces his reminiscences as recorded by Little; and Part 3 summarises the key events in the story, examines the manuscript as an artefact, and includes accounts of Tapsell’s life and how that has been interpreted in Denmark. -
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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Title: Food Atlas Discover All the Delicious Foods of the World Author: Giulia Malerba Illustrator: Febe Sillani ISBN: 978-0-947506-51-3 RRP: $39.99 Specs: 370 x 270 mm portrait, HB, 72 pp, colour Publishing: 3 October 2018 The Book: An international phenomenon, this large-format hardback guides young readers and adults on an illustrated voyage into the foods and ingredients of the six continents – with New Zealand, Australia and Fiji representing Oceania. Gorgeous, illustrated maps show in detail the most typical fruits and vegetables, meat, fish and cheese, cereals, beverages, herbs and spices for each region. One country at a time, the world of food takes shape, and children have fun exploring the gastronomical wonders of the Earth, discovering all of the differences along the way. Originally published in Italian by Dalcò Edizione in the foodie city of Parma, Food Atlas has sold over 150,000 copies worldwide in 18 languages. Oratia is proud to bring an English edition to whet young appetites Down Under. -
Title: Footprints on the Land How Humans Changed New Zealand Author: Richard Wolfe ISBN: 978-1-99-004220-1 RRP: $45.00 Specs: 250 x 185 mm, PB, 184 pp, b&w with colour sections Published: 12 October 2022 The Book: Richard Wolfe eloquently summarises this book’s scope in his Introduction: For upwards of 800 years, humans have made New Zealand their home, modifying the landscape to suit their needs. Although there can be no going back to the land’s original pristine condition, an awareness of the history of these changes will provide both a background and surely improve understanding of our present circumstances and challenges. Footprints on the Land tracks those changes — from early settlement and wars through to state building, with railways, species introductions, milling, mining and farming. Later chapters recount the impacts of urbanisation, draining and flooding, and the car, before considering the threats and opportunities that now face New Zealanders as a result. Wolfe’s timely tour of the human place on these islands is distinguished by art and photography that display what we’ve created and what we’ve lost. -
Title: Freyberg A Life's Journey Authors: Matthew Wright ISBN: 978-0-947506-72-8 RRP: $45 Specs: 234 x 153 mm portrait, PB with flaps, 232 pp, b&w Published: 6 October 2020 The Book: Bernard Freyberg was a legend while alive and is an iconic figure today, commemorated in the naming of schools, squares and swimming pools across the country. But how much do we really know of the man behind the myth? And what enabled a humble immigrant child in Wellington to become a hero in two wars, friend to literary giants and politicians, very private father and husband, and very public governor-general? In this fresh account of one of the 20th-century’s great New Zealanders, Matthew Wright approaches Bernard Freyberg the man rather than the more widely known figure of a military leader. Freyberg: A Life’s Journey is the most accessible biography on ‘Tiny’ Freyberg yet, with numerous black and white photos. -
From Silence to Voice: The Rise of Māori Literature Author: Paola Della Valle ISBN: 978-0-947506-41-4 RRP: $49.99 Specs: 210 x 148 mm, 288 pages, PB, b&w Published by Oratia Books: April 2017 The Book: Before the 1970s, Māori existed in New Zealand literature as figures created by Pakeha writers. The Māori renaissance of the 1970s changed all that. Fiction writers led by Ihimaera and Grace challenged earlier stereotypes and inherited literary forms, creating a new body of writing that has redefined the Māori in literature. From Silence to Voice portrays the early ‘silence’ of Māori in New Zealand literature – characterised in caricature by colonial writers, then in increasingly sympathetic portraits from the likes of Frank Sargeson, Janet Frame and Noel Hilliard – through to the new and challenging works presented by Māori writers themselves. In an academically brilliant yet easily read analysis, Della Valle also stresses important links with the literature and culture of Italy.E-book available from
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Title: Gallipoli The New Zealand Story Author: Christopher Pugsley ISBN: 978-0-947506-07-0 RRP: $49.99 Specs: 240 x 170 mm portrait, PB + flaps, 400 pp, b&w Published: October 2014 SIXTH REVISED EDITION OUT ON 8 APRIL 2022 The Book: The definitive account of New Zealand’s role in the disastrous 1915 Gallipoli campaign, when a British-led expeditionary force met the Turkish army in an attempt to wrest control of the Dardanelles, comes alive in an updated edition, liberally illustrated and brilliantly analysed by the doyen of Kiwi military historians.This sixth edition builds on a revision of New Zealand troop numbers at Gallipoli to reassess the campaign, with extensive updates and a new preface. It shows us Gallipoli through the eyes of those who fought there — in their letters and diaries, illustrated with an abundance of original photos.
Gallipoli does justice to the reality of this epic campaign, and deserves a place on the shelves of any history enthusiast.
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Title: Greenstone Carving: Techniques and Concepts in Pounamu Author: Len Gale ISBN: 978-1-99-004216-4 RRP: $39.99 Specs: PB, 250 x 185 mm portrait, 84 pp, colour Publishing: 15 June 2022 This helpful practitioner’s guide takes the reader from the origins of pounamu/greenstone through the basics of design, tools and techniques, leading on to popular styles like hei tiki, toki, pekapeka, mere and patu. Illustrated with helpful drawings and photos of work in progress, this new edition also features photography of finished work from leading studio Moko Pounamu, Ōtautahi/Christchurch. -
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. -
Title: He Iti te Kupu: Māori Metaphors and Similes Author: Hona Black ISBN: 978-0-947506-91-9 RRP: $39.99 Specs: 210 x 148 mm portrait, PB, 232 pp Published: 4 February 2021 WINNER: NZSA New Zealand Literary Heritage Awards 2021, Te Reo Māori section The Book: He Iti te Kupu contains nearly 500 sayings that draw a comparison between something (often the natural world) and people, events or contexts. Written in Māori and English, this accessible guide explains the use, meaning and context of a host of the principal figures of speech in te Reo.Divided into themes, including birds of the land and sea, parts of the body, acknowledgements, animals and insects.
The title derives from the proverb, ‘The words are small, yet their meanings are substantial,’ highlighting the importance of these sayings in the landscape of Māori language learning and speaking.
This volume will prove to be an invaluable resource for beginning and advanced learners of te Reo Māori.
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Audiobook available from
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He Puna Iti i te Ao Mārama A Little Spring in the World of Light: Towards an Indigenous Māori Theology Author: Pā Henare Tate ISBN: 978-1-99-004203-4 RRP: $80.00 Specs: 240 x 160 mm portrait, PB, 320 pp Published: November 2012 NEW EDITION PUBLISHED 10 NOVEMBER 2021 The Book: How to reconcile the deeply held Christian beliefs of Māori with the indigenous world view that they have inherited and are in many cases rediscovering? This far-reaching work attempts to develop the foundations of an indigenous Māori theology. In Pa Tate’s opinion, the traditional Christian message has fallen short of speaking intimately and powerfully to Māori experience in Aotearoa. Māori are crying out for a form of Christianity that is ‘theirs’. This book offers one response and contribution to this call by attempting to develop a theology that Māori can call ‘ours’. -
Title: Heke Tangata: Māori in Markets and Cities Author: Brian Easton ISBN: 978-0-947506-43-8 RRP: $29.99 Specs: 234 x 153 mm portrait, PB, 130 pp, b&w Publishing: 15 May 2018 The Book: Heke Tangata can broadly be translated as ‘migration of the people’, and in this book economist Brian Easton tracks the major relocations Māori have made into the cities and market economy since 1945. The book’s first part provides a narrative of the post-war Māori experience while the second part gives the statistical basis, covering areas including criminal justice, demography, education, employment, health, housing, incomes and wealth. The picture that emerges is stark: Māori remain a generation behind Pākehā in economic well-being. Commissioned by Te Whānau o Waipareira, Heke Tangata is a concise, clear overview for policy discussion and general understanding of Māori economic participation in contemporary Aotearoa/New Zealand. -
Title: Hickory Dickory Kick Author: Peter Millett Illustrator: Bob Darroch ISBN: 978-1-99-00-4225-6 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 1 August 2022 Hickory Dickory Slick, the halfback pulled a trick. He hid the ball behind the maul … HICKORY DICKORY SLICK! What’s not to enjoy about men of a certain age galumphing around a footy field, slipping in cow pats and tripping over Granny’s knitting? Add in Buck the dog chasing the ball, and there’s chaos. All the action between the black and gold teams plays out to the tune of 'Hickory Dickory Dock' in this jam-packed read for fans of rugby and riotous fun. -
Title: Holy Socks Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Philip Webb ISBN: 978-0-947506-44-5 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: October 2013 REPRINTED OCTOBER 2017 The Book: ‘One Christmas Eve, some years ago, a ginger kitten wandered along a street on the far side of town. He was hungry, and cold and wet.’ Bertie McGinty finds the kitten and christens him Holy Socks. Soon the pair are inseparable. Even after Bertie’s death, Holy Socks sticks by his master and takes up home in the church near his grave. Captivated by Holy Socks as she sits in church, young Christie calls out, ‘Can I keep the cat?’ Father John, by way of answer, tells everyone the story of Holy Socks. A heart-warming tale with beautiful illustrations. -
Home Child A child migrant in New Zealand Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Trish Bowles ISBN: 978-0-947506-58-2 RRP: $27.99 Specs: 270 x 210 mm portrait, HB, 40 pp, colour Published: 9 April 2019 For Teacher Resource: click here The Book: ‘Tears were close as I talked to the class about where I had come from. The way I spoke, my accent, the words I used, made me different from everyone else.’ Home Child is the true story of Pat Brown, whose father made the heart-wrenching decision in 1950 to send his children from London to New Zealand for a better life. The four kids enjoy their ship voyage from Britain, not knowing that they will never be going home again — nor that only Pat and her sister would be staying together when they are adopted by Kiwi families. In these pages Pat (now resident in Nelson) retells the story of making a new life in New Zealand to her granddaughter Sarah Rose, hauntingly capturing the experience of young children consigned to a strange but welcoming country. In 2010 Pat represented New Zealand at the British Government’s official apology to child migrants. This is her story. -
Horouta The History of the Horouta Canoe, Gisborne and East Coast Author: Rongowhakaata Halbert ISBN: 978-0-947506-20-9 RRP: $125.00 Specs: 280 x 210 mm portrait, HB, 496 pp, b&w Published: November 2012 The Book: Horouta is the definitive history of the descendants of the voyaging canoes that brought the first settlers from Polynesia to the lands that stretch from East Cape to northern Hawke’s Bay. Assembled through painstaking historical and genealogical research over more than 70 years by Rongowhakaata Halbert and his family, this outstanding work of scholarship is destined to serve the needs of all New Zealanders, and especially the peoples of Gisborne and the East Coast, for generations to come. -
Title: Hundertwasser in New Zealand The Art of Creating Paradise Author: Andreas J. Hirsch Translated by Uta Hoffmann ISBN: 978-1-99-004214-0 RRP:$70.00 Specs: 260 x 190 mm, portrait, 240 pp, colour, cloth cover with tipped-on art, reading ribbon Published: 16 August 2022; reprint now in stock‘New Zealand is for me a kind of promised land.' Austrian-born artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser arrived in New Zealand in 1973, seeking refuge from a world out of kilter with nature. After travelling and exhibiting, he settled at Kaurinui, the land he bought and restored in the Bay of Islands. Wishing to unite ‘nature and art, art and life’, he was ‘never nearer to this unity than in New Zealand’. Hundertwasser in New Zealand is a richly illustrated and accessible account of the artist’s love of Aotearoa, his interaction with the people and land, and the influence these had on his work. Andreas Hirsch explores in superb, lucid prose the artist’s trajectory in New Zealand, including the art, philosophy and architecture he created here, along with public projects like the Koru Flag and the Kawakawa Public Toilets. Illustrated with an array of paintings, drawings, sketches, photographs and the artist’s writing, this book is itself an artistic statement that will connect with readers of all kinds and truly enshrine Hundertwasser as a New Zealand icon. -
Title: I Need a New Bum! AS READ BY THE SCOTTISH GRANNY ON FACEBOOK Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird ISBN: 978-0-947506-18-6 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: September 2012 For orders from outside New Zealand, email: sales@oratia.co.nz The Book: I need a new bum! Mine's got a crack. I can see in the mirror a crack at the back. What to do when you need a new bum? Should you get one that’s blue or yellow spotted? A rocket bum that’s all fire and thrust, or a robo-bum? The options are endless – but wait, Dad’s bum crack is showing too? Maybe this is contagious. I Need a New Bum! is a multiple bestseller in New Zealand and has gained a legion of fans around the world. I Need a New Bum! is available in New Zealand through this website and good booksellers. It’s also in the fun collection I Need a New Bum! and other stories: http://oratia.co.nz/product/i-need-a-new-bum-and-other-stories/ For orders from outside New Zealand, email: sales@oratia.co.nz For the US edition I Need a New Butt! (Dover Publications): http://store.doverpublications.com/0486787990.html For Australian orders, John Reed Books: https://www.johnreedbooks.com.au/p/children-s-books-i-need-a-new-bum--2?barcode=9780947506186 For the UK edition, Scholastic UK: https://shop.scholastic.co.uk/products/I-Need-a-New-Bum-9781407196015 For the Chinese edition (CITIC Press): https://www.amazon.cn/%E6%88%91%E8%A6%81%E4%B8%80%E4%B8%AA%E6%96%B0%E5%B1%81%E8%82%A1-%E5%94%90-%E9%BA%A6%E5%85%8B%E7%B1%B3%E8%8E%B2/dp/B071VCT9Z6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499929058&sr=8-1&keywords=%E6%88%91%E8%A6%81%E4%B8%80%E4%B8%AA%E6%96%B0%E5%B1%81%E8%82%A1E-book available from
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Title: I Need a New BUM! Activity Book Authors: Betsy Ochester and Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird ISBN: 978-1-99-004246-1 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 48 pp, b&w Published: 5 November 2024The newest addition to the global phenomenon of the New Bum! series, here’s a book that will keep the kids busy and laughing for hours on end. Responding to popular demand from families around the world, this activity book offers amazing mazes, word games, bum puzzles, drawing challenges, code crackers, jokes and more. Author and illustrator dream team Dawn McMillan and Ross Kinnaird partnered with US puzzle expert Betsy Ochester to bring this fun-packed book to bum fans around the world. With the zany drawings and silly humour of the New Bum! series, this activity book will keep the kids — and the whole family — entertained. -
Title: I Need a New Bum! and other stories Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird ISBN: 978-0-947506-32-2 RRP: $29.99 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 96 pp, colour Publishing: 9 November 2017 The Book: Bum problems ... Naughty seagulls ... Mysterious smells ... This collection from the fun team of Dawn McMillan and Ross Kinnaird brings three favourite stories together in one fantabulous volume: I Need a New Bum! —What to do about that crack? Seagull Sid and the naughty things his seagulls did!— How can the seagulls reclaim their beach? Doggy Doo on my Shoe — Who’s to blame for that awful smell? Hilarious rhymes and zany drawings make this a book to treasure. -
Title: I've Broken My Bum! Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird ISBN: 978-0-947506-64-3 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 9 October 2019 For orders from outside New Zealand, email: sales@oratia.co.nz What should you do when you fall off your bike and your bum breaks into pieces? Collect them up, take them home and glue them together, of course!But then what happens when the pieces get stuck to the tray on which you’re making the repairs?
Join the popular character from I Need a New Bum! as he discovers the joy and fun that can be had when you have a tray stuck to your bum! You can slide like a boss, you can be an ace at paintball, you can be a superhero, you can ride a geyser — and imagine how good you can be at surfing …
Dawn McMillan’s rollicking rhyme is accompanied by Ross Kinnaird’s reliably hilarious images, pulling the story along to a conclusion that encourages children to embrace and celebrate their differences.
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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. -
Series: Moana Oceania Title: Island Toes/Tamatama'i Vae o Motu Author: Christin Lozano Illustrator: Mariko Merritt Translator: Suzie-Jo Rasmussen ISBN: 978-1-99-004245-4 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 4 July 2024Flipper toes, jandal toes Swimming underwater toes... This colourfully illustrated book takes young readers on a journey around the South Pacific — no shoes needed!A fun celebration of the different toes we have and the adventures they get up to, from clean toes to highchair toes, tan toes to pale toes, snorkel toes to buried-in-the-sand toes.Translated for Samoan readers by Auckland teacher Suzie-Jo Rasmussen, the New Zealand edition of this hit Hawaiian book will be a great read and read-to for everyone who loves toes and the islands! -
Title: I’m a Submarine Author: Nigel McHardy ISBN: 978-1-99-004280-5 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 3 April 2025A seagull is a seagull, and a whale is a whale. Seagull knows a thing or two about sea creatures and submarines. But after meeting Whale, Seagull learns that things are not always what they seem! Whale works hard to convince Seagull that although he/she looks like a whale, what Seagull is actually seeing is a submarine! In this highly original debut book, designer and nature enthusiast Nigel McHardy takes young readers on a fun journey that might just lead them to question what they see. That is, if they stop laughing!
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