Tamanui books take flight in Taranaki

Tamanui books take flight in Taranaki

Sixteen years after Tamanui, the last surviving kōkako in Taranaki’s Moki forest, was rescued, the story of Tamanui will return to Pukearuhe Marae on Saturday 14 November 2015, for the launch of the newly released children’s books, Tamanui: The Brave Kōkako of Taranaki and the te reo Māori edition, Tamanui: Te Kōkako Mōrehu o Taranaki.

Written by Rebecca Beyer and Linley Wellington with illustrations by Andrew Burdan, the books tell the story of how Tamanui struggled for survival in Moki Forest before being rescued and relocated to the Pukaha Mt Bruce captive breeding programme. Here he thrived, producing chicks with his new mate Mapara, while Ngāti Tama began working on a pest eradication project to make his home safe again.

Pania Tahau-Hodges, Publishing Manager at Huia Publishers, sees Tamanui’s story as a great way to excite children’s interest in the real-life drama of the kōkako and survival of the species. “At Huia we are passionate about telling stories from a Māori perspective and providing great books that will stimulate children’s imaginations. The story of Tamanui is a fascinating and somewhat scary story which reminds us, in a child-friendly manner, the important environmental work that is required. We hope that children love this story.”

Ngāti Tama will be hosting a number of guests and partners at the marae for this special project including the Mayor, staff and kaumatua from Puke Ariki, Shell, the Department of Conservation, Mimi school, the Taranaki Regional Council, Huia Publishers and others.

Following this, on Sunday 29 November from 2.00pm – 3.00pm, there will be a book reading and book signing by the authors at the Puke Ariki children’s library where a new kōkako-themed display will also be unveiled.

The book launch starts at 11.00am at Pukearuhe Marae, cnr Pukearuhe and Waikaramarama Roads, Waiiti, Taranaki.

ENDS

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