Māori culture gifts

Ancient wisdom of the Māori goddesses to help you navigate the modern world Atua Wahine are the Māori goddesses who make up the world around us: earth, fire, water, the moon, and more. From the earth mother, Papatuanuku, who sustains and nurtures us, to the goddess of peace, Hineputehue, who transformed pain into beauty, and the misunderstood goddess of the...

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a graceful and illuminating study of the wisdom of the natural world, bringing together the knowledge of modern science with the teachings of Indigenous cultures. At its heart, the book explores the interconnectedness between humans and nature, offering profound insights on how this relationship can foster a deeper ecological consciousness. As a botanist...

Kia ū ki te pai, kia whai hua ai. Hold on to what is good and good things will follow. An inspirational, bilingual gratitude journal, based on the Māori holistic approach to health, hauora. Discover the four dimensions of hauora: taha tinana (physical), taha hinengaro (mental), taha wairua (spiritual) and taha whānau (family). No matter how difficult life can seem,...

Lushly illustrated book about the history and uses of many of New Zealand's native flowering plants and trees, including their significance in te ao Māori. He puāwai, he kōrero. For every flower, a story. Did you know that Aotearoa has more than 2000 species of flowering plants, and that more than 80 per cent of them are found nowhere else...

Aroha by Dr Hinemoa Elder is an enlightening exploration of timeless Maori wisdom, intricately woven into a contemporary context. This top-selling non-fiction title from New Zealand in 2021 introduces readers to 52 traditional Maori proverbs, known as whakataukī, each offering a profound lesson for every week of the year. Dr Elder, a respected Maori psychiatrist, delves into these powerful sayings...

From the best-selling author of Aroha, Wawata, Waitohu, and E Moko Dear Moko, comes a unique exploration of how to think about thinking, rooted in the wisdom of Māori culture. Dr Hinemoa Elder introduces us to a profound journey guided by Hinengaro, the Māori goddess of the mind, leading us through 23 specific rua, caves, into the unfamiliar depths of...

From sleeping giants to battling mountains, fiery sisters to adventurous trees, dig into Whenua and discover eleven tales of how Aotearoa was formed beneath our feet. Whenua takes readers back in time with each purakau, exploring the ways in which Aotearoa's land was formed and introducing children to legendary Maori figures and atua. A beautifully illustrated collection that will delight...

Māori child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Hinemoa Elder has shaped her beloved book Aroha into this special collection of whakataukī and whakatauakī for mokopuna of all ages. Bestselling author of Aroha and respected Māori psychiatrist Dr Hinemoa Elder has written a special collection of whakataukī for tamariki mokopuna. Puanga kai rau. Puanga, the star signalling a time of the year...

Wawata - Moon Dreaming by Dr Hinemoa Elder invites readers on a transformative journey through the ancient wisdom of the Māori lunar calendar. This deeply insightful book introduces you to Hina, the Māori moon goddess, who reveals a different face each night of the month, bringing with her unique energies and lessons. Dr Elder, known for her bestselling work Aroha,...

From the best-selling author of Aroha and Wawata comes a new and inspiring journal to help you make deeper connections using the energies of Hina, the Māori moon goddess, and the power of aroha. Kia ora! Welcome to Waitohu – a journal where the Māori lunar calendar invites us to write about our lives in a new way. This writing...

The amazing Gavin Bishop brings us a monster-sized book about the mythical monsters of Aotearoa! Award-winning weaver of stories Gavin Bishop retells a variety of tales about the taniwha of Aotearoa, from the guardians who accompanied waka voyages to present-day inhabitants of the whenua and moana. Taniwha are all around us. They are good at hiding or changing their shape....

Novelist, memoirist and playwright Witi Ihimaera – author of Pounamu, Pounamu and The Whale Rider – decided, at the age of eighty, to dive back into the water and spend a year full-time at Te Wānanga Takiura, immersing himself in his own language, in te reo Māori. This book tells the story of this kaikaukau, this swimmer, and his year...

Atua by Gavin Bishop is a visually stunning and meticulously researched compendium that introduces readers to the rich mythological tapestry of the Māori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand). This breathtaking, large-scale illustrated book is a treasure trove for children and adults alike, immersing them in the enthralling world of Māori gods, demigods, and heroes. Beginning with the void of Te...

Kuwi & Friends Maori Picture Dictionary is a fun, easy-to-use resource for anyone wanting to discover, learn, and use everyday words in te reo Māori. The illustrations aid comprehension, particularly for younger learners, by providing visual cues that assist with language retention and recalling spoken and written words. This book features 68 fully illustrated pages in a large format (265...

Discover the vibrant world of Aotearoa New Zealand with the richly engaging Amazing Aotearoa Activity Book by Gavin Bishop. This delightful activity book offers over 60 captivating games, puzzles, and activities that invite children to explore the heritage, culture, and natural beauty of New Zealand in an interactive and educational manner. Inspired by Gavin Bishop's acclaimed books Aotearoa: The New...

What is a New Zealander? What does it mean to be a citizen or a resident in this country? How do we understand what makes Aotearoa New Zealand complex and unique? And what creates a sense of belonging and identity, both here and in the world? Now's a critical time to be thinking about these sorts of things. So often,...

A young whale searches for the whale rider's heir and a teenager takes an epic voyage to Antarctica with a fleet of waka hourua to claim his lost inheritance, in this breathtaking return to the world of global hit The Whale Rider, over thirty years on. From the internationally acclaimed author of The Whale Rider comes a novel about the...

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents the thrilling conclusion to Graci Kim's New York Times best-selling Gifted Clans trilogy—now in paperback! Riley Oh wasn't born into her family. Instead, as she recently discovered, she tumbled down to the earth many years ago as the last fallen star. Riley Oh also wasn't born to be a witch. Like, at all—even her status...

A Pukeko in a Ponga Tree is a delightful adaptation of the classic "Twelve Days of Christmas" song, but with a uniquely Kiwi twist. In this cherished tale, a young couple celebrates the festive season by sharing a series of quintessentially New Zealand gifts, beginning with a pukeko in a ponga (tree fern) tree. As the days of Christmas unfold,...

Ignite your interest in te reo Maori with Whānau, a starting point for your language journey or a way to build on what you already know. Most of all, sow the seed of the Maori language within your home and see it bloom in the fertile soils of te ukaipo. Phrases include: Me poho kereru. Be proud. Mei kore ake...

Nau mai, haere mai ki tenei kai hakari wainene! Christall Lowe invites you to a hakari (feast) at her family table, replete with mouthwatering dishes infused with the flavours of Aotearoa, brimming with manaakitanga (hospitality), and served with wonderful tales of nostalgia. In this beautifully illustrated story of feasting, you'll find a bountiful basket of kai and korero gathered all...

The gathering of food and the gathering of people to share a meal are at the heart of Māori family life. Kai by Christall Lowe delves into this profound cultural tradition, offering readers not just a cookbook, but a journey into the essence of Māori culinary heritage. Christall Lowe, an award-winning food photographer, invites us to join her whānau table...

This bilingual board book for young children shares the meaning behind each star in the Matariki cluster, created by award-winning author Gavin Bishop. An essential bilingual board book explaining the meaning of each Matariki star, with beautiful artwork by award-winning author Gavin Bishop. When the Matariki cluster rises, each of the nine stars represents the promise of the year ahead....

A classic novel that became a classic film. 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 of a vast reading public for intelligent books at a low...

A fascinating look at Matariki in New Zealand and around the world. 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 stories about this constellation from different...

The beloved Te-Ika-a-Maui/The Fish of Maui by Peter Gossage brings the iconic Maori myth to life in a beautiful bilingual Maori-English edition, enriched by Merimeri Penfold's poetic translation. This captivating tale recounts the adventurous exploits of the demigod Maui and his remarkable feat in discovering the North Island of New Zealand, also known as Aotearoa. Denied the chance to join...

I stumble across a photo of me, aged ten. My immediate thought is: 'Who is that girl?' I remember her but I don't recognise myself in her. She was so determined. Once she knew what she wanted, she'd just head straight for it. From a childhood in rural Piopio, Jenny-May Coffin grew up to achieve international success as a Silver...

Spark Hunter by Sonya Wilson is the winner of the Best First Book Award in the 2022 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. The judges praised it, saying: 'Perfectly pitched for middle fiction readers. Making this story's light shine bright is te reo Māori blended throughout and a cast of supporting characters that are easily recognisable.' Something...

This sequel to Dawn Raid follows Sofia Savea’s family, 50 years later, as Sofia's grandson becomes involved in the quest for a government apology. INVERCARGILL, 2020 Wow, I thought I knew a bit about the dawn raids, but this is HUGE. It happened to my OWN family and I never knew! I had no idea that Granfia and her family...

A first Ikura (period) is more than just a physical change - it's a time of learning, connection, and celebration. This beautifully told story follows a young girl as she experiences her first ikura, guided by the love and support of her whanau. Rooted in a Maori worldview, this book explores the sacredness of this stage in life, the important...

Well-known journalist and presenter Mike McRoberts opens up about his experiences of reconnection to te ao Māori and learning te reo, and encourages others to do the same. For much of his life, Mike McRoberts felt burdened by not knowing his own language - te reo Māori. Growing up at a time when te reo was scarcely spoken in daily...

In Aue eight-year-old Arama was taken by his brother, Taukiri, to live with Kat and Stu at the farm in Kaikoura, setting in train the tragedy that unfolded. Arama's aunty Kat was at the centre of events, but silenced by abuse, her voice was absent from the story. In Kataraina, Kat and her whānau take over the telling. As one,...

An introduction to te ao Māori. The guide to understanding the Māori world from a 21st-century point of view. The book we've all been needing for decades – a unique explanation of the world of Māoridom for Pākehā, and all others disconnected from the Māori world. Told with simple lucidity and great expertise, Keri Opai shares the spirit and meaning...

Twelve-year-old Niko lives in Pohe Bay, a small, rural town with a sacred hot spring and a taniwha named Taukere. The government wants to build a prison over the home of the taniwha, and Niko's grandfather is busy protesting. People call him porangi, crazy, but when he dies, it's up to Niko to convince his community that the taniwha is...

Forget everything you know about alphabet books! This isn't simply a guide to letters and words; it's your bilingual dose of dynamic energy for all ages. Dive into the vibrant wold of te reo Maori, where each letter sparks an empowering, transformative experience. With stunning imagery capturing the female essence, W is for Wahine Toa isn't just a book to...

The little Kiwi is fast asleep in her burrow. A beam of moonlight shines right down into her burrow. She wakes and realises it is time. Hurrying out into the night, she wakes each of her friends from their mid-winter slumber. Kia tere! Hurry! she urges them.

Kia ora: You can be a Kiwi too - A celebration of all things Kiwi, as tamariki holiday at the beach, splash in water fountains, climb trees and toast marshmallows around a campfire – things Kiwi kids love to do, and share with newcomers ... because you can be a Kiwi too! A wide-open welcome to Aotearoa, with a catchy...

This Matariki inspired poi is made from a quality material with blue, white, and black woolen handles. The ball has been firmly sewn in place to keep it together during vigorous treatment of kapa haka performance. Features: Design: Starry night sky print, blue/white/black woolen handles. Size: 9cm dia. Handles: 49cm long x 1cm dia.

Battle of the Mountains by Peter Gossage is a captivating retelling of a cherished Maori legend about the majestic mountains of New Zealand's central North Island. Renowned for his vivid illustrations and timeless storytelling, Gossage immerses readers in a mythic world where the mountains themselves come alive with passion, rivalry, and dramatic confrontations. In this enchanting narrative, the towering Tongariro...

What happens when a grumpy tupua has to sneeze? Matihe! Achoo! is a bilingual story about the tupua Mataoho and his connection to the volcanoes of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. It comes with an action song to engage young readers! He pūrākau e pā ana ki a Mataoho me ngā puia o Takamaki Makaurau. He tupua pukukino a Mataoho e noho...

The Gavin Bishop Treasury is a very special hardback collection of 10 classic children's stories for young readers to treasure, written and illustrated by the multiple-award-winning New Zealand author Gavin Bishop. Comprising over two hundred pages of fabulous storytelling and stunning artwork, children will be spellbound by this beautiful hardback gift treasury featuring ten favourite fairy tales and original stories...

Te Hopu a Maui i a te Ra/How Maui Slowed the Sun by Peter Gossage is a captivating retelling of an iconic Maori myth that has enchanted readers for generations. In this beautifully illustrated book, readers will follow the legendary Maui as he devises a clever plan to slow the Sun's journey across the sky, struggling with the challenge of...

Better the Blood is described as 'a compelling, atmospheric page turner with an authentic insight into Māori culture' by Val McDermid. A DETECTIVE IN SEARCH OF THE TRUTH. A KILLER IN SEARCH OF RETRIBUTION. A CLASH BETWEEN CULTURE AND DUTY. THE PAST NEVER TRULY STAYS BURIED. WELCOME TO THE DARK SIDE OF PARADISE. Detective Senior Sergeant Hana Westerman is a...

Kupe's voyage to Aotearoa! Kupe found that a huge, fearsome wheke (octopus) was taking all the fish in the ocean and the people of Hawaiki had nothing to eat.So Kupe chased that wheke across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean). Finally Hine-te-Aparangi, Kupe's wife, saw land and a long white cloud: Aotearoa! Find out what happened when the wheke and Kupe...

All That We Know, authored by Shilo Kino, masterfully captures the vibrant and complex essence of contemporary Aotearoa, New Zealand, threading together the intricate relations between the past, present, and future. This compelling novel boldly explores themes of identity, love, activism, and the enduring impacts of colonisation. Meet Mareikura Pohe, a young woman teetering on the edge of great personal...

A Maori-English edition of the classic, award-winning story about a boy who makes friends with a taniwha, by one of Aotearoa's foremost artists. Trailblazing Maori artist Robyn Kahukiwa's award-winning picture book about a boy who makes friends with a taniwha is now available in this bilingual Maori-English edition. Kua whakahoa atu tētahi tama ki te taniwha kei tona awa. Kaore...

The Democracy of Species by Robin Wall Kimmerer offers a profound exploration of the interconnectedness of all living beings. Guiding readers through her rich tapestry of personal reflections, indigenous teachings, and scientific insights, Kimmerer invites us to rethink our relationship with the natural world. From the delicate balance of wild leeks in the field to the graceful presence of deer...

“Everything changes, tamariki mā,” says Grandma.“But the stars will always guide us.” Sam and Te Rerehua adore Te Mata Hāpuku, its wild winds, stony shores, and the treasures  he waves push onto the beach. But this Matariki feels different. Pōua is gone and the children miss him deeply. As they wait for the rising of the star cluster, Grandma teaches...

A pack of two magnetic bookmarks featuring a traditional Māori print and mangōpare pattern. Includes 2pcs. Size: 2.7cm W x 6cm H (folded). Designed by New Zealand Māori illustrator Ivan Tuari. This magnetic bookmark is part of the New Zealand brand, providing you with Aotearoa and Kiwiana designed products.

Weaving a beautiful narrative of heritage, culture and the enduring strength of family bonds, The Lost Words is a daughter's account of her mother's journey through the rich tapestry of te reo Māori. My Mum is collecting words. You see, a long time ago, lots of the words were left out or replaced. Slowly they were forgotten. A powerful and...

On a beach clean-up, thirteen-year-old one-legged Charlie and his half-brother, Robbie, find a ponaturi — a mermaid — washed up on a beach. An ancient grudge between the Māori gods Tane and Tangaroa has flared up because a port being built in the bay is degrading the ocean and creatures are fleeing the sea. This has reignited anger between the...

The Raupo Book of Maori Proverbs, authored by A. W. Reed, Timoti Karetu, and A.E. Brougham, is a timeless collection that delves into the rich heritage of Māori culture. This extensive volume compiles several hundred traditional Māori proverbs, or whakataukī, offering a profound glimpse into the unique philosophy, humour and pragmatism of the Māori people. Each saying encapsulates various aspects...

Celebrate Matariki: The Maori New Year! This unique colouring book is your guide to the stars. Learn while you colour and discover the powerful meanings behind each star as you colour. Features: 32 unique colouring pages representing Matariki. 32 pages. Size: 18cm x 18cm

In the Beginning introduces the captivating creation myth of Maori legend, gracefully retold through Peter Gossage’s vibrant style. This story begins with Ranginui, the father, and Papatuanuku, the mother. Gossage's bold design and concise text recount the struggles of the children of Rangi and Papa as they endeavour to part their parents and bring light to the world. Through this...

A young boy learns about the customs around celebrating Matariki from his grandfather. They watch the stars from the top of a mountain, prepare their offering of food for the gods, and the boy learns about Te Waka o Rangi and the tradition of calling out the names of loved ones who have passed away so that they can become...

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

Moana's a voyager: she knows the way. Featuring 5 songs from Disney’s Moana as well as a reading of the story, it makes for perfect listening on even the lengthiest of voyages. Little adventurers just pop the Moana Tonie on top of their Toniebox to join her on an epic quest across the seas with Maui – from wherever they...

Mahi a Atua is a Maori wellbeing framework based around storytelling. Grounded in a Maori worldview, this approach is designed to foster transformation and systemic change and indigenise practices, institutions, and personal and professional spaces. The knowledge, messages, and principles within purakau (Maori creation stories) spark conversations aimed at promoting wellbeing, consciousness raising, and healing. By drawing on the customs...

Award-winning and best-selling, Mau Moko is the closest there has ever been to a 'complete' book on moko. 'Very likely to become the definitive work on the subject . . . a big, beautiful, important book.'— Warwick Roger, North and South Taia o moko, hei hoa matenga mou . . .Take your moko, as a friend forever . . ....

An attractive kete gift bag of three stories to celebrate Matariki and explore the wonders and traditions of Māori New Year. Flit the Fantail & the Matariki Map: Join Flit and his friends, Keri the kiwi and wise old Ruru, as they explore the night skies to work out how to capture a sparkling star. The Seven Kites of Matariki:...

Manawatia a Matariki! Celebrate Matariki with this book bursting with activities and colouring-in pages. My Matariki Colouring and Activity Book is a colouring book that also includes a range of activities such as crafts and puzzles, as well as a smattering of te reo. This companion to the 2022 best-seller, Matariki Around the World, is sure to keep readers entertained...

Ranginui, Papatuanuku, Maui, Tawhaki . . . our enduring stories retold. A lively, stimulating and engaging retelling of purakau – Maori myths – by contemporary Maori writers. Ka mua, ka muri . . . Ancient Maori creation myths, portrayals of larger-than-life heroes, and tales of engrossing magical beings have endured through the ages. Some hail back to Hawaiki, while others...

Having a new baby in the family is a big adjustment for not only the parents, but existing siblings as well. Kia Ora Baby by Donovan Bixley captures this transition beautifully. The book illustrates a family expecting a new baby, then the arrival and changes at home, with the older sibling managing the shifts in attention level and expectations. This...

Immerse yourself in the profound wisdom of the Māori with Mauri Ora by Peter Alsop and Te Raumawhitu Kupenga. This enlightening book presents a collection of whakataukī—Māori proverbs—each brimming with timeless insights and cultural heritage passed down through generations. As you journey through its pages, you will discover how these succinct metaphors encapsulate deep thoughts and values with a remarkable...

Learn about Matariki while having fun! This activity book is full of Matariki themed games, colouring and over 100 stickers. Features: Size: A4. 16 pages, 100+ Stickers, Die cut board 100 GSM Wood Free Pages.

A gentle and powerful story that reclaims the sacredness of a girl’s first ikura (period) through a Māori lens — celebrating connection, ceremony and whakapapa. Rooted in te ao Māori, My First Ikura and the reo Māori translation Taku Ikura Tuatahi is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that follows a young girl’s first period, guided by the support of her...

Behind dusty orange hills, where the sky stretches down to the sea, there’s a magical, wild, windy place called Te Mata Hapuku. Sam and Te Rerehua love to visit their Grandma and Poua at Te Mata Hapuku (also known as Birdlings Flat). They enjoy listening to the stories, accompanied by the backdrop of whipping wind, flashing torchlight, and the splash...

The authors explore understandings and practices of indigenous people, grounded in the knowledge of ancestors and based on research, that facilitate healing and wellbeing. The first part of the book focuses on research findings from He Oranga Ngakau: Maori Approaches to Trauma Informed Care, which supports health providers working with whanau experiencing trauma. It discusses tikanga Maori concepts, decolonising approaches...

Kurangaituku is the story of Hatupatu told from the perspective of the traditional 'monster', Kurangaituku, the bird woman. In the traditional story, told from the view of Hatupatu, he is out hunting and is captured by a creature that is part bird and part woman. The bird woman imprisons him in her cave in the mountains. Hatupatu eventually escapes and...

Nga Pepeha a nga Tipuna by Grove and Mead is an invaluable anthology celebrating the rich oral traditions of the Maori people. This extensive collection encompasses over 2,500 pepeha—traditional sayings meticulously gathered from diverse regions across New Zealand over two decades. More than mere proverbs, these pepeha also encompass charms, witticisms, figures of speech, and boasts, embodying the eloquence and...

From a majestic mermaid to a clay woman, the creator of glaciers to the mother of gardening, discover powerful wahine and how their stories shaped the world around us. Wahine introduces readers to twelve purakau of brave, bold, and inspiring women of Aotearoa. A beautifully illustrated collection that will delight the whole whanau, from award-winning illustrator Isobel Joy Te Aho-White....

Match the magnetic Matariki stars, names and descriptions to each other to familiarise and learn about each star. This set is perfect for teachers, at home learning and decorating during Matariki. Features: Each pack includes 9 large stars, matching names, descriptions and small stars for decorating. 4 magnetic sheets total. Suitable for ages 3+.

He toi whakairo, he mana tangata. Through artistic excellence, there is human dignity. Toi Te Mana is a landmark account of Māori art from the time of the tupuna (ancestors) to the present day. In 600 pages and over 500 extraordinary images, this volume invites readers to climb onto the waka for a remarkable voyage—from ancestral weavers to contemporary artists...

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, Waitī and Waitā: one looks after fresh water and lakes, the other saltwater – the ocean. When they notice Waitī is looking dim one night, Grandma and Poua enlist the children's help...

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....