Awakeri
Awakeri is a wetland area of boardwalks, green spaces, and waterways in Takaanini, South Auckland.
Children of Kauri Flats School, right next to Awakeri, have created a book about the wetlands. Working with teacher-writer, David Riley, the young people share stories and art celebrating their very own natural reserve.
“Put your hand in the water and feel it flow right through your hand.” (Saanvi)
Believe, Become, Inspire
Students from Kedgley Intermediate worked with teacher-author David Riley to tell stories of the inspirational alumni who have attended their school. Believe, Become, Inspire features profiles of Auckland’s mayor, Phil Goff, former Black Ferns captain, Fiao’o Fa’amausili, rugby league legend, Jason Taumalolo, as well as business people, artists, activists and lots more achievers who got their start at the famous South Auckland school.
Look inside the book by clicking here:
He Moana Kirikā – Ocean Fever
Nana, why are pāua shells so colourful?’
‘Dad, why do kina have spiky shells?’
‘Uncle, how come starfish can’t walk?’
Have your children ever asked you tricky questions like that? Well don’t worry whānau – Manurewa West School has the answers!
He Moana Kirikā will tell you why kina shells are so spiky, why stingrays fly in the water and where Tangaroa got all his friends from.
It’s a book of origin stories written by children, for children. The book is written in Māori and English and features art by children too.
Read He Moana Kirikā today, be the family expert tomorrow!
In My DNA
Ten young people from Pacific Advance Secondary School worked with teacher-author David Riley to share stories of the people, cultures and places that make them who they are, bring them joy and inspire them to be excellent.
‘I appreciate those cultural teachings because they’re part of my DNA … I will always remember what my grandma taught me, wherever I go.’ (Christian Faimalo)
Look inside the book by clicking here:
Ko Au Ko e Tama Niue
I can’t wait to go back to Niue and learn more about my culture and my people.’ (Abigail Ikiua)
Fourteen Niue young people worked with teacher-writer David Riley, to bring you this book – Ko Au Ko e Tama Niue. The stories they’ve written demonstrate their immense pride in being Niue. You’ll read about a beloved ancestor, swimming in Niue, fishing with Grandpa, how to make a kahoa, and their love for their language, dance and culture! Come and share the beauty of Niue culture with them. Oue tulou!
Look inside the book by clicking here:
Mighty!
I’m proud of myself because I don’t give up (Loleni).
I’m proud of Mum because she helps me with my homework (Alisha).
I’m proud of my school for teaching us cool stuff (Georgia).
What makes you proud?
Room 22 at Māngere Central School teamed up with David Riley of the Oceania Literacy Trust to make this book inspired by that question.
We hope their thoughts make you feel proud too!
Rongomai on Lockdown
What did you do during the 2021 lockdown? Children from Rongomai School in Ōtara used the time to write a book with the help of teacher-writer, David Riley.
In Rongomai in Lockdown the children share their feelings about the lockdown, things their families did to get through it, and little moments that made them grateful.
‘I got to spend more time with my family, play with them and be there for them.’ (Jahmilah)
Look inside the book by clicking here:
Stand Your Ground
“In Iraq we are taught to be brave and always stand your ground.” (Marcella Mousses)
In Stand Your Ground young writers from Sancta Maria College in Auckland worked with teacher-writer, David Riley, to share what it means to be a young person in Aotearoa today.
The authors write about family, about culture, and about the special moments in their lives that make them feel proud.
Star Dreaming
Star Dreaming is a book inspired by the stars of Matariki.
In art and writing, young people from Sylvia Park School in Auckland share stories of family, of special places, of proud moments, of loved ones passed, and dreams for the future.
Take a look inside and be inspired too.
Happy Matariki!
Taku Toi Kahurangi
Taku Toi Kahurangi (my precious jewel) is a book inspired by the stars of Matariki.
In art and writing, young people from St Francis Catholic School in Auckland share stories of family, special places, proud moments, loved ones passed, and their aspirations for the future.
Take a look inside and be inspired too.
Mānawatia a Matariki!
Tokelau Toku Tupuaga Fakapelepele
Tokelau My Treasured Heritage
‘I’m happy I learned these things about pā and now I know my own pā is hikuuli. I can name other people’s pā too. This makes me treasure my pā even more and I always wear it with pride.’ (Puanaualowha Ioane)
Twelve Tokelau young people worked with teacher-writer, David Riley, to bring you this book – Tokelau Toku Tupuaga Fakapelepele. The stories they’ve written demonstrate their immense pride in their Tokelau heritage.
You’ll read about a beloved ancestor, a trip to Tokelau, making panikeke palu ota with Nana, and their love for their language, dance and culture.
Come and share the beauty and excellence of Tokelau with them.
Tuvalu Toku Atufenua Pele
‘I value my Tuvaluan heritage. I want to pass it on to my children in the future so they can do the same.’ (Fiesola Puafolau)
Eight Tuvaluan young people worked with teacher-writer David Riley, to bring you this book – Tuvalu Toku Atufenua Pele. The stories they’ve written demonstrate their immense pride in being Tuvaluan. You’ll read about Grandma’s weaving, kaleve, te ano, how to make a kahoa, their Olympic heroes, and their love for their language, legends, clothing, fatele and culture! Come and share the beauty of Tuvaluan culture with them.
Look inside the book by clicking here:
Ko Hoku Fonua
‘I’ve been to many countries. But there’s nowhere that gives me the same feeling as my fonua, Tonga.’ (Anisi Pulotu)
Ten Tongan young people worked with teacher-writer David Riley, to bring you this book – Ko Hoku Fonuá. The stories they’ve written demonstrate their immense pride in being Tongan. You’ll read about the importance of family and lotu, their favourite Tongan foods and clothing, their love for Tongan arts like dance and drumming, first trips to Tonga, and of course their admiration for Tongan heroes like Jason Taumalolo! Come and share some of the beauty of Tongan culture with them.
Look inside the book by clicking here:
La’u Penina Tautele
‘I will always remember the last words my parents said to me before I came here: “Don’t forget who you are.” I’m proud of who I am. I’m proud to be Sāmoan.’
‘O le ā ‘ou manatua pea ‘upu mulimuli a oʻu matua iā te aʻu ‘ae ‘ou te leʻi sau i’inei: “Aua neʻi e fa’agaloina oe.” ‘Ou te mitamita lava iā te aʻu. ‘Ou te mitamita ona o a’u o le Sāmoa.’
In La’u Penina Tautele, 11 young people from Tangaroa College in Ōtara, South Auckland, share how they stay connected to their culture, though they’re far from home.
The young writers worked with teacher-writer David Riley to select objects that represent who they are as Pacific young people, and to tell stories about them in English and Sāmoan.
You’ll be inspired to read about how proud these youth are of their identity – it’s a penina tautele to them, a pearl of great price.
Look inside the book by clicking here:
Ngā Tamaiti Rangatira
I love supporting those who support me.
I believe one day I’ll be successful.
I dream about a lot of things.
I say, ‘Live life to the fullest.’ (Rayshianah)
Ngā Tamaiti Rangatira is a collection of writing by young people from the Tipu Whare program at Panama Road School.
Working with teacher-writer David Riley, these rangatahi share their thoughts about life, their dreams and the special people they admire.
Look inside the book by clicking here:
This Special Place
“Happiness fills our street, people breathe it in like sweet air.”
“When I’m with my family, in this special place, I wish I could never leave.”
In This Special Place, children from Flat Bush School share what they love about growing up in Ōtara, South Auckland. Watch out world, these ten young authors are coming … with their aroha, commitment, passion and talent!
Check out an article by Read NZ Te Pou Muramura about the project.
Look inside the book by clicking here:
Where I Live
‘In South Auckland strangers offer warm smiles, talking to one another like they know each other. They say, “Thank you,” “Please,” and “Sorry.” That lets you know they’re being sincere and they mean it. I feel safe and I feel warm where I live, in my home in South Auckland.’
Where I Live celebrates growing up in South Auckland. In this book, 11 students from St Mary MacKillop School in Mangere East describe the things they love about their amazing community. Teacher-author, David Riley, grew up in Mangere too, and helps the students find the words to express their thoughts. Be blessed, encouraged and inspired by these young people as they highlight the beauty of their home … South Auckland.
Look inside the book by clicking here:
