Māori culture gifts

Tawhirimatea, blow winds blow, Ra, warm us up with your sunshine glow. Papatuanuku, we plant seeds in you. Ua, rain, helps new life come through... Read and sing along to this catchy Matariki song celebrating Earth, sky, seasons and whanau. Singer/songwriter June Pitman-Hayes wrote this waiata for the children at the Montessori School where she was teaching music. With its...

Mihi is a simple book to share with babies, allowing them to explore their whānau and their place in the world. With repeating colours and shapes, it illustrates the connections between waka, mountain, iwi, through to māmā, pāpā, and the baby reader. This book serves as an introduction for children of any age to their own pepeha—and to the concept...

This board book introduces your little reader to the lives of extraordinary Rebel women from around the world. This board book adaptation of the New York Times bestselling Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls introduces your little reader to the lives of extraordinary Rebel women, past and present, from around the world. Welcoming new Rebels into the fold, Good Night...

A heartwarming story about aroha, whānau, passing down traditional knowledge, and welcoming in the new year - an English translation of the original Nga Kupenga a Nanny Rina. Nanny Rina's Amazing Nets introduces Nanny Rina, an amazing weaver who can make all kinds of nets! When Haeata te Kapua asks what special creation Nanny will weave to welcome in the...

This remarkable book is about everything from echidnas to evolution, cosmology to cooking, sex and science and spirits to Schrödinger’s cat. Tyson Yunkaporta looks at global systems from an Indigenous perspective. He asks how contemporary life diverges from the pattern of creation. How does this affect us? How can we do things differently? Sand Talk provides a template for living....

Once Were Warriors is a New Zealand classic, a raw and powerful portrayal of Māori in New Zealand society. This classic has been released in the Popular Penguin format to mark 50 years of publishing in New Zealand. The format reaches further back to 1935, when Allen Lane founded Penguin Books with a clear vision: 'We believed in the existence...

Matariki The Maori New Year by Libby Hakaraia is a captivating exploration of the Matariki star cluster—known in other cultures as the Pleiades or the Seven Sisters. Rooted deeply in Maori tradition, Matariki's rising before the sun in late May or early June signalled the commencement of the Maori calendar, celebrated with great festivals. This celestial event was not just...

Maori Myth and Legend by A. W. Reed is an enchanting exploration into the rich and vibrant world of Maori folklore. This classic, bestselling book offers an extensive collection of some of the most significant and beloved tales from Maori tradition, all meticulously retold for the general reader. It provides a captivating journey through a world where the divine and...

These elegant wooden bookmarks feature gorgeous Māori lettering and designs. Their charming simplicity makes these an amazing gift or little treasure for readers. The bookmark is 3.8cm wide x 13cm tall x 2mm thick. Made of plywood. These wooden bookmarks are part of the New Zealand brand, providing you with Aotearoa and Kiwiana designed products.

Meet Dame Whina Cooper, the kuia who championed Māori rights, women's rights, and led a famous hīkoi for positive change - te reo Māori edition of Mother of the Nation, translated by Stacey Morrison. A Māori-language, illustrated true story for children about Dame Whina Cooper, one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most exceptional leaders - a courageous and outspoken wahine toa...

Witi Ihimaera's first published book—Pounamu Pounamu—translated into te reo Māori. Published in collaboration with Kotahi Rau Pukapuka. E rima tekau tau ki muri, ka puta mai a Pounamu Pounamu hei kai ma te ao pānui reo Pākehā. Ko te whakataunga a ngā mana mātauranga o Aotearoa o taua wā, he pukapuka tēnei mā ngā tamariki i ngā kura o te...

Witch's Garden describes over 50 of the world's most powerful magical plants and their uses, mythical and proven. Wise women, apothecaries, witches, herbalists: whatever you call them, those who cultivate plants for their fabled mystical and healing properties have existed for thousands of years. From the screaming mandrake to calming St John's Wort, the history of esoteric species is often...

A lively story with stunning illustrations that reveals the tradition of Matariki. The Astromancer is looking for four new apprentices to learn about Matariki and the Maramataka calendar. She chooses three boys and an orphan girl, Aria, who will come only if she can bring her smelly dog. Aria, though, is bored by the lessons, and she doesn't want to...

A full-colour illustrated chapter book for readers 6 years plus that returns to the exciting magical world of the Astromancer! Will headstrong Aria manage the impossible climb up to the stars and free Te Kokorangi from Ruatapu's clutches before time runs out? Enter the exciting and dangerous world of the Astromancer... This epic magical adventure inspired by Māori mythology is...

It's not beautiful, not at all, when it's there in front of you, but writing transforms. Makereti stands at the foot of her mounga and pays careful attention to tohu. With her tupuna at her elbow, she casts around for home, meets taonga in museums, and writes her way towards her father. She walks through the darkness with others, in...

The Wild and Windy Stars of Matariki by Miriama Kamo is a captivating tale about the adventures of Te Rerehua and Sam at Te Mata Hapuku, a wild and windswept place where the stones tell stories and the stars shine bright. One night, they spot mysterious fires on the beach and quickly become entangled in a trick played by the...

Join Sam and Te Rerehua as they prepare a Matariki feast! It’s the day before Matariki, and a big feast has been prepared. Eeling took place months ago, and Te Rerehua and Sam are excited to give thanks to Tupuanuku and Tupuarangi, the stars connected to food grown in and above the ground. But one night, those sneaky Patupaiarehe return...

This fascinating look at Matariki in New Zealand and around the world is now retold in te reo Māori. The Matariki constellation (or Pleiades) is known by many different names and is seen and celebrated by many cultures around the world. This beautifully illustrated book features 18 stories: 9 of which highlight the Māori Matariki stars, while the others reference...

The Girls in the Kapa Haka by Angie Belcher is a delightful read-aloud book that celebrates the Maori performing art of kapa haka. Join in with the chant: "Tahi, rua, toru, wha!" This beloved New Zealand story is perfect for whanau to enjoy together, highlighting the cultural significance and joy of kapa haka. These are the poi that circled and...

A beautiful picture book retelling of Witi Ihimaera's bestselling novel The Whale Rider, illustrated by Bruce Potter. Witi Ihimaera's bestselling novel The Whale Rider is retold in a beautifully illustrated picture book format for young readers. From the time of her birth, Kahu is destined to become the leader of her tribe in the East Coast village of Whangara. But...

Dr Hinemoa Elder's bestselling Aroha, translated into te reo Māori. Published in collaboration with Kotahi Rau Pukapuka. Kia ora. Nau mai ki Aroha. He mātāpono tenei mea, te aroha, no te ao Māori, no mai ano. He taonga te aroha no te whatumanawa, e rongo ai te tangata i te hononga ki te ao wairua, ki te ao kikokiko, ki...

Niho Taniwha equips educators with culturally responsive practices to better serve and empower Māori students and their whānau. The book is centred around the Niho Taniwha model in which both the learner and the teacher move through three phases in the teaching and learning process: Whai, Ako and Mau. Educational success for Māori students is about more than academic achievement—it...

In mid-winter, Matariki rises in the pre-dawn sky, and its observation is celebrated with incantations on hilltops at dawn, balls, exhibitions, dinners, and a vast number of events. The Matariki tradition has been re-established, and its regeneration coincides with a growing interest in Māori astronomy. Still, there remain some unanswered questions about how Matariki was traditionally observed. These include: What...

Te Pakanga a nga Maunga / Battle of the Mountains by the iconic author and illustrator Peter Gossage tells a captivating legend from New Zealand's central North Island. This story explores the dramatic clash and rivalry among some of the region's most famous mountains. Through Gossage's vivid retelling, readers are transported to a time when these majestic peaks were not...

Snuggle up with the Taniwha Whakamā by Miriama Grace-Smith, your new soft and cuddly companion. This playful taniwha is ready to be your new best friend with its unique design and playful spirit. Perfect for snuggling and cuddling, it's the ultimate companion for all your adventures (and naps)! 50cm long 100% polyester Not suitable for kids under 3 years

Children will love reading and singing along in both English and Māori to these favourite and familiar songs with a Kiwi twist. Five bestsellers now in one bumper hardback compendium!

Koro is a warm and universal board book in te reo Māori about a day with grandad. The bond between grandfather and child is shown through big, beautiful images and simple Māori text. The child and their koro explore the day—they go for a walk, collect food from the garden, eat, tell stories, and snuggle up for a rest to...

A sequel to Taming the Sun and Riding the Waves, Gavin Bishop's latest stunning book contains four more Māori myths, including two well-known legends (Ranginui and Papatuanuku and Hinemoa and Tutanekai) and two less well-known legends (The battle of the birds and Kae and the whale). Aimed at children 3-10 years, these myths are simply written and yet powerful. They're...

The Whale Rider, by Witi Ihimaera, tells the timeless story of how the courage of one girl in standing against the tide of tradition enables her tribe to reconnect with their ancestral life force. The Whale Rider has become one of Witi Ihimaera's best-loved stories, capturing readers with its universal themes of conflict between generations and genders, respect for nature,...

Because I'm Māori He Māori Ahau is a delightful pukapuka for young tamariki that inspires cultural pride. He pukapuka rawe mo nga tamariki nohinohi e whakakipakipa nei i te whakahi ahurea.

Tama and the Taniwha by Melanie Koster is a delightful children's book that blends Maori folklore with a heartwarming story about courage and friendship. The story follows a young boy named Tama who encounters a mythical creature, the Taniwha. Their unexpected friendship leads Tama on an adventure filled with excitement and valuable life lessons. This beautifully illustrated book not only...

Nuku is a powerful and important snapshot of Indigenous wahine today. Through wide-ranging voices, this ambitious social documentary showcases diverse representations of leadership, systems change, and success. Readers obtain authentic insight into life as an Indigenous woman in a way like never before. The 100 stories recorded here are of incredible wahine who seek to influence the world around them....

Ringakoreko is a beautifully written and illustrated children’s book by Josh Morgan and Sacha Cotter. Delve into the heartwarming story that reflects the rich culture and enchanting landscapes of New Zealand. This tale brings together vibrant illustrations and an engaging narrative that captivates both young readers and their caregivers alike. The story follows a young hero on a journey of...

The Taniwha Whakamā Hand Puppet, designed by Miriama Grace-Smith, is the perfect play partner. Slip your hand inside and watch this mischievous character come alive with personality. Great for storytelling, imaginative play, or bringing a bit of Māori folklore magic to your puppet theatre. Whether you're entertaining tamariki or adding a touch of whimsy to your collection, this delightful puppet...

The Taniwha Awhi Hand Puppet, designed by Miriama Grace-Smith, is the perfect play partner. Slip your hand inside and watch this mischievous character come alive with personality. Great for storytelling, imaginative play, or bringing a bit of Māori folklore magic to your puppet theatre. Whether you're entertaining tamariki or adding a touch of whimsy to your collection, this delightful puppet...

How can we celebrate Matariki? Let's look to the stars! Maumaharatia: Remembering our past Tiakina te taiao: Caring for our environment Te whakawhanaungatanga: Connecting with our people Me pēhea tātou e whakanui i a Matariki? Tirohia ngā whetū! Maumaharatia te onamata Tiakina te taiao Te whakawhanaungatanga ki ō tātou iwi Explore the nine stars of Matariki in rich, detailed imagery...

How to Make a Piupiu provides simple, step-by-step instructions on creating a piupiu, the traditional Māori flax skirt or kilt. The book includes detailed colour photographs and easy-to-follow guidance for each stage of the craft process. Learn how to select the right frond, cut and prepare it, dye the flax, and bind and strengthen the waistband. The book also covers...

Nga Tai Korero means 'the currents of speech', a reference to the Maori tradition of oral storytelling. In this colourful book, Warren Pohatu retells in simple form fourteen Maori stories and myths that have been passed down over centuries - including old favourites like 'Maui and the Fish', 'Paikea and the Whale', 'Tutanekai and Hinemoa', 'Ngatoroirangi', 'Rona and the Moon',...

Beautifully illustrated, with maps of each tribal area, this book is ideal for those who want to know more about Aotearoa and the people who live here. Now with updated census data and information and designed & priced for the visitors' market, Maori Tribes of New Zealand New Edition combines great photos of scenic New Zealand with maps, Maori art,...

• Celebrates New Zealand’s bilingual heritage with puzzles incorporating both languages.• Crammed full of great activities to keep children challenged.• Learn about such things as New Zealand inventors, places and traditional Māori culture.• Expands vocabulary and knowledge of te reo.• Hours of fun and incidental learning!  

This photograph-rich book shows and describes the process of carving, covering the types of materials and tools used, the carving strokes and surface patterns, and different regional styles. It highlights the range of items carved, from meeting houses to musical instruments, waka (canoes), storehouses, weapons, and ceremonial items such as boxes and staffs. The book provides detailed information on the...

Queenie Rikihana Hyland brings together a collection of her favourite Maori myths and legends—from the creation and the ever-popular mischief-making of Maui, to the great love stories of Hinemoa and Tutanekai, and Turongo and Mahinarangi. The stories are brought to life by the vivid illustrations of Patrick Puru. Illustrated Maori Myths and Legends is a stunning addition to any bookshelf,...

Peter Gossage's much-loved retelling of this famous Maori myth is now available as a sturdy board book. Faced with very short days and very long nights, Maui comes up with a plan to slow the Sun's passage through the sky. Peter Gossage's captivating tale in How Maui Slowed the Sun has enchanted young children for generations.

An exploration of New Zealand’s Maori cosmology and how it relates to classic ancient symbolic traditions around the world. Decoding Maori Cosmology shows how Maori myths, symbols, cosmological concepts, and words reflect symbolic elements found at Göbekli Tepe in Turkey. It demonstrates parallels between the Maori cosmological tradition and those of ancient Egypt, China, India, Scotland, and the Dogon of...

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls 2 showcases 100 brand-new bedtime stories of incredible women throughout history and around the world. A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER This sequel to the sensational New York Times bestseller, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, presents 100 brand-new bedtime stories of incredible women throughout history and across the globe. In this book, readers will...

A powerful memoir of redemption and the remarkable journey to find one’s purpose amidst adversity. Stan Walker, one of the most celebrated musicians to emerge from Australia and New Zealand, invites readers into his life story with Impossible, an unflinching memoir that is as captivating as it is inspiring. Growing up in a tumultuous environment where love and violence coexisted,...

Maori Philosophy by Dr. Georgina Stewart offers readers a profound exploration into the rich and intricate philosophical traditions of the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa, New Zealand. This captivating book delves into the symbolic systems, worldviews, and core philosophical issues pivotal to Maori thought, such as the notions of the self, the world, and epistemology. In doing so, it seeks to...

The maunga of Tamaki Makaurau are worried. The natural world is changing – rivers are polluted, forests are shrinking, and the birds' waiata are fading away. While Kohukohunui and his fellow maunga keep watch, Naana gets her mokopuna onto the case. She teaches them about the mountains' korero – stories spoken through the wind, sung by the birds, and shared...

Learn about the wharenui through hands-on experience. This Build Your Own Wharenui set contains labeled parts and activites that you and your children can do. As you construct the building, you can learn about the different aspects of a marae and the meanings. Contains a booklet that gives you valuable information of these sacred buildings. The full product in packaging...

Enter the realm of the Astromancer... In this award-winning illustrated series for younger fans of Percy Jackson, Māori myths and monsters come to life! Join the Astromancer and her apprentices on a time travel adventure to Hawaiki and meet Ruapakanga and his albatross warriors! 'An epic fantasy quest' - Magpies 'Chock full of danger, heroes, old wisdom and new blood'...

There is a bright new star in the winter sky—Puanga, cousin to the Matariki sisters. Each year, she appears to the people of Aotearoa, a special sign for those unable to see Matariki, that winter and the Māori New Year are coming. A new addition to Scholastic's popular Matariki range, this time introducing readers to the Puanga star, which is...

The Wonky Donkey, a long-time Kiwi favourite, has been published in more than 40 countries around the world. Now, for the first time, this global bestseller has been retold in tongue-twisting te reo Maori by award winning translator Pania Papa, who has translated classics, such as The Lion King into Maori.

This is the story of how Paua came to have his colours. Paua is sad and lonely. The other sea creatures mock his slowness and unattractiveness. Tangaroa, god of the sea, takes pity on him and gives him a dazzling shell of many colours. But the jealousy of the other sea creatures results in Paua still being miserable, so Tangaroa...

Ko Ngā Whetū Hauhau, Ko Ngā Whetū Tarakaka o Matariki (The Wild and Windy Stars of Matariki – Māori Edition) by Miriama Kamo tells the enchanting tale of Te Rerehua and Sam, who adore the wild and windswept land of Te Mata Hapuku, a place where stones whisper stories and stars shine brightly. One mysterious night, they discover strange fires...

Kia ora! Join hands with us and explore this country we call Aotearoa. Welcome to the shores of New Zealand, where you can be a Kiwi too! From the creator of Tawhirimatea A Song for Matariki comes a playful new singalong in English and Maori.

The witch and her cat fly along in this te reo Māori translation of He Wahi I Te Puruma. Three kind animals help the witch, so they ride on the broom with the witch and cat. But the broom breaks, and they tumble off—right by a dragon who wants to eat the witch. But the animals save the day, and...

A beloved Maori myth about how Maui outwitted Te Ra, as told by the iconic author and illustrator Peter Gossage. Faced with too short days and long nights, Maui comes up with a plan to slow the sun's passage through the sky. With the help of his brothers, Maui sets out for the home of the sun to catch it...

How Maui Found His Mother is a beloved Maori myth about how Maui discovered his mother, as told by the iconic author and illustrator Peter Gossage. After he is found washed up on the beach as a baby, Maui is brought up by his powerful uncle. But one thing bothers him—other children have mothers, so where is his? Determined to...

The 50th anniversary edition of this award-winning debut novel. First released 50 years ago, Tangi was Witi Ihimaera's debut novel and the first to be published by a Maori author. A landmark literary event, it went on to win the James Wattie Book of the Year Award. He was just 29 years old at the time. At the centre of...

‘There are books you encounter as an adult that you wish you could press into the hands of your younger self. Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray is one of those books – a novel that turns Australia’s long-mythologised settler history into a raw and resilient heartsong.’ – Guardian WINNER 2022 NSW PREMIER'S LITERARY AWARD INDIGENOUS WRITER'S PRIZE 2022 ABIA SHORTLIST 2021 ARA HISTORICAL...

A powerful new collection of non-fiction by contemporary Māori writers. Nga Kupu Wero brings together a bounty of essays, articles, commentary and creative non-fiction on the political, cultural and social issues that challenge us today. From colonisation to identity, from creativity to mātauranga Māori, over 60 writers explore the power of the word. Accept the challenge of the wero. Join...

It’s national kapa haka competition time again, and this Māori performing arts festival is a significant event! It requires planning, tactics, and dedication—and that’s just for the spectators! Nan is a dedicated kapa haka enthusiast, and she shares all her tricks with her mokopuna to secure the best seats, find the most delicious pāua and whitebait fritters, hunt for the...

Tikanga Māori is the authoritative and accessible introduction to understanding the correct Māori ways of doing things as they were done in the past, as they are done in the present, and as they may yet be. In this revised edition, Hirini Mead has added an extensive new chapter on mana whenua, mana moana, Māori authority over land and ocean,...

It's national kapa haka competition time again, and this Māori performing arts festival is a big event! It needs planning, tactics, and dedication—and that's just for the people watching! Nan's a hardcore kapa haka follower, and she shows her mokopuna all the tricks to get the best seats, find the choicest paua and whitebait fritters, hunt out the coolest poi,...

Te Taiao is an extraordinary exploration of Māori environmental knowledge and its deep connections to the natural world. This beautifully illustrated book is a rich tapestry woven from the wisdom of Māori scholars and elders, who convey the traditional knowledge passed down through generations. It invites readers into a world where every element of nature—weather, birds, fish, trees, the sun,...

We follow the story of Tawa, an inquisitive teenage boy. With a time-travelling shed located in his garden, Tawa takes a trip through time visiting ancient days, where he meets Mauwhare and his grandmother. Throughout the story, Tawa meets ancestors and paramount chiefs and soon realises there might be more to his grandmother and Mauwhare than meets the eye. Packed...

The author takes the reader into rural Japan in the footsteps of the much-travelled poet Basho (1644-1694). Ranging far beyond the usual tourist traps, he explores easily accessible temples and shrines, delights in Japan’s unique regional cuisine and engages with interesting people.The result is a beautifully illustrated and absorbing essay on topics such as the place of Buddhism and Shintoism...

Whiti Ora is a collection of papers presented by Sir Mason Durie that discuss Māori health in Aotearoa. They are arranged chronologically from 2000 to 2019. Topics covered include indigenous approaches to mental health, alcohol and drug misuse, psychiatry, transgenic research, diabetes, suicide, housing, and education. The papers also discuss whānau health, rongoā Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tino rangatiratanga,...

*'It's hard to imagine any group of primary-aged children who wouldn't be inspired' BOOKSELLER**'An absolute must-have for every young person's bookshelf' HUFFINGTON POST*Created by Kate Pankhurst, relative of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, the Fantastically Great Women series has inspired a generation of readers to dream big, stand proud and speak out. How will you change the world?Discover fifteen incredible true stories...

Write, read, work, and play—en Français French Workbook For Dummies is the perfect starting place for beginners who want to learn French. Packed with foundational grammar and integrated vocab, this hands-on book will set you on your way to picking up a new language. You’ll find valuable practice lessons and exercises throughout that help you learn key vocabulary and phrases,...

A must-have collection of three best-selling and favourite New Zealand wildlife and habitat stories, from deep in the day and nighttime forests of Aotearoa to out in the wild, blue moana. With a broad range of native creatures to encounter, these playful, rhyming and beautifully illustrated stories are told in both English and te reo Maori. The six books are...

Te Rerehua and Sam know that nothing in nature is identical; not the eels, not the stones on the beach... not even the twin stars of Matariki, Ko Nga Whetu Takirua o Matariki: Ko Waiti Raua Ko Waita: one looks after fresh water and lakes, the other salt water – the ocean. When they notice Waiti is looking dim one...

From singer-songwriter June Pitman-Hayes comes this rousing and fortifying new waiata for Kiwi children from all backgrounds, celebrating the strength in community, with the focus from a child’s everyday viewpoint. This book features an accompanying CD of the heart-warming song, with its catchy, easy-to-learn melody, sung in English and Māori by June Pitman-Hayes, with harmonies by popular NZ entertainer, Pio...

Inspired by the hikoi in response to the Treaty Principles Bill, this story draws on the words of resilience and resistance that have inspired generations of Māori in the determination for our land, language, and right to live as Māori and shape our own destiny. In the story, a koro and his moko join the hikoi to parliament and remember...

Pō Mārie, My Moko is a gentle bedtime journey that carries a kuia and her mokopuna through the natural world, guided by atua, ancestors and the rhythms of te ao Māori. From the maunga and ngahere to the awa and moana, the story weaves calm breathing and reassurance into a soothing night-time ritual. It closes with a loving reminder that...

The Samoan Islands are virtually unique in that tattooing has been continuously practised with indigenous techniques: the full male tattoo, the pe'a, has evolved in subtle ways in its design since the nineteenth century, but remains as elaborate, meaningful, and powerful as it ever was. This cultural history is the first publication to examine 3000 years of Samoan tatau. Through...