Matariki at St Francis
This term I’m working with some inspiring children and their whānau at St Francis Catholic School in Auckland. We’re making a book about Matariki – how it inspires them in their lives.

This term I’m working with some inspiring children and their whānau at St Francis Catholic School in Auckland. We’re making a book about Matariki – how it inspires them in their lives.

This week we’re launching a beautiful book written by Rotuman children to celebrate Rotuman Language Week. Did you know that Rotuma has a really close relationship with Fiji? This is Marieta and she writes about how her Grandpa drinks kava, sings Fijian songs, and supports the Drua super rugby team! #rotumanlanguageweek2023
“Thank you to former MC student & Author Extraordinare David Riley for the gift of boxes of new books to families in South Auckland so they can start, or add to their own kāinga pukapuka – home libraries. The books are culturally specific e.g. a box of Maori books for a Maori family, Samoan books…
“Hi David. Just thought I would let you know about a mum who came in this morning to tell me about her son last night. He normally kind of grunts when she asks him about his day but last night he followed her around the house to relive your talk pretty much word by word. …
I was invited to attend the World Final of the Kids Lit Quiz today. Canberra Grammar (Australia) won the final. In the evening we had a dinner and I sat with one of the Australian families. The dad went to buy us a drink and I began talking with the mum. “What kinds of…
“I cant believe that I’m now an author.” “My favourite part was writing my own thoughts about the topic.” “I’m so excited that my piece of writing can go worldwide.” Some of the thoughts of children at Kauri Flats School who I worked with to publish a book called Awakeri. We launched the book at…