Black Magic

2 reviews for Black Magic

1. 

   Reading Warrior – July 17, 2024

   David Riley’s “Black Magic” is a masterpiece of storytelling, weaving together ancient Polynesian voyages and the birth of New Zealand’s iconic sports uniform into a captivating narrative that will make every Kiwi’s heart swell with pride. Munro Te Whata’s stunning illustrations breathe life into the characters and events, creating a visual feast that perfectly complements David’s words. This book’s brilliant message about identity, representation, and cultural heritage is a must-read for all ages, reminding us of the power and significance behind the black jersey and silver fern that represent Aotearoa on the world stage.
   Ahorangi Professor Selina Tusitala Marsh, ONZM, FRSNZ, NZ Poet Laureate

2. 

   Reading Warrior – May 10, 2025

   David Riley is a great storyteller and, in Black Magic, he tells a great story, best summed up in his subtitle: The inspiring story of why Aotearoa sports teams wear black with a silver fern.

   The epic journey of New Zealand’s first international Māori rugby team wasn’t just an unequalled set of records—107 rugby matches in 18 months—it also introduced the key features of Aotearoa New Zealand’s sporting wear. David Riley carefully tracks the origins of the silver fern and black sportswear back to Joseph Warbrick. He was a keen rugby player who wanted to tour a Māori team to Britain. When he had to include five Pākehā, his team was renamed the New Zealand Native Football Representatives, or more simply the New Zealand Natives. They were (almost) all born in New Zealand, shared daily karakia and performed a haka before every match.

   David Riley is skilful in selecting key moments of the arduous tour, so his story flows smoothly and is always interesting. When they first see the haka, English supporters remark, Why are they dancing on a rugby field? The Natives were also the victims of the first ambush in international rugby when a local Middlesex team offered a friendly match. The team was full of ring-ins—English Scottish and Welsh international players. The organiser of the ring-ins was also the referee at a controversial match against England. When an English player’s trousers were torn in a tackle, the Natives formed a ring around him protecting their opponent’s mana as he changed. Meanwhile, an English player grabbed the ball and claimed a try.

   Munro Te Whata’s colour illustrations are a perfect complement to Riley’s fast-moving narrative. He captures the period atmosphere with moustachioed players wearing below-theknee shorts. When the Natives have to play in a snowstorm in Carlisle, the illustration shows the goal-scoring players as black silhouettes on an almost completely white background. Another picture shows each player wearing a korowai. Every picture helps carry the story of how the national spirit and its sporting imagery has its roots in this arduous tour.

   David Riley’s very readable account enables young readers to feel pride in the achievements of these rugby pioneers and their contribution to our sense of national feeling.

   Trevor Agnew, QSM, Christchurch
   Magpies. September 2024