Tumeke Te Kura

Awesome time sharing stories about the power of reading with children at Te Totara Primary School. Question of the day: “What’s the downside of being a writer?” Answer: Hustling to make a steady income! “I loved your presentation, David. It is so inspiring and will connect with a lot of students. I’ve just been waylaid…

Spent the morning at Flat Bush School with inspirational alumni Willie Maea, Samson Vaotuua, Greg Va’afusuaga, Jay Paniani and Dr Julienne Faletau as they returned to visit their old school. The Writers Group of children interviewed these tuakana for a book of inspiration that will be called Flat Bush Forever.

I’ve received a number of emails from librarians over the years asking if I could make some books for girls. I’m so glad I got to make some books featuring inspirational Kiwi women such as Lisa Carrington, Stacey Fluhler (Waaka) and Kamelia Lino Zarka. Here’s another 3 books to this series of remarkable Wāhine Toa!…

‘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…

I’m working on a new children’s book about Ibrahim Omer who is the first person with African heritage to be a member of the NZ parliament. Ibrahim grew up in Eritrea but then he became a refugee in Sudan before being relocated to Aotearoa. It’s an inspirational story and I can’t wait to share it…

I did a zoom sharing talk as part of the Reading Oceania conference recently. Whenever I’m blessed to do presentations I’m always proud to represent my home town Māngere, and let everyone know about the village that raised me.