Mere Whaanga

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...

Every so often, a dolphin graces the shores of the island, near the Pathway of the Whales. This playful creature leaps and dances with the people, offering gifts and enchanting songs. Award-winning author Mere Whaanga weaves a captivating story of the land, the sea, and the changing seasons. Explore the bonds between living creatures and family ties, and discover the...

Originally published by Mahia Publishers in 1988 and then by Scholastic NZ Ltd in 1990, this is the legend of how the islands east of Wairoa came to be. Mere made the commitment to her father Te Hore (Horace) Epanaia Whaanga that this story would be published. Mere took on the role of writer and illustrator, and her father then...