Star Dreaming

‘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: 

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.

Look inside the book by clicking here: 

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!

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‘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: