"This is a biography of English artist Isaac Coates who painted an important series of historical Māori portraits in Te Tau Ihu/Top of the South and the Wellington area, between 1841 and 1845. The 58 watercolour portraits depict Māori men and women from chiefly whakapapa, as well as commoners and at least one slave. Coates's meticulous records of each subject's name, iwi and place of residence are invaluable, and his paintings are strong images of individuals, unlike the stereotyped art of the day. Whānau, hapū and iwi treasure Coates's works because they are the only images of some tūpuna. In He Ringatoi O Ngā Tūpuna eminent Te Tau Ihu historians John and Hilary Mitchell unravel the previously unknown story of Isaac Coates, as well as providing biographical details and whakapapa of his subjects, where they can be reliably identified. They discuss Coates's work, and the many copies of his portraits held in collections in New Zealand, Australia, US and UK"--Publisher's website.

From peacemakers and strategists to explorers and entrepreneurs, the tupuna of the North are an inspiration to the people of Te Tai Tokerau. This remarkable book by Melinda Webber and Te Kapua O' Connor introduces a new generation to twenty-four of those tupuna &– Nukutawhiti and Hineamaru, Hongi Hika and Te Ruki Kawiti, and many more. Through whakapapa and korero, waiata and pepeha, we learn about their actions, their places, their values, and their aspirations. Published in both a te reo Maori edition translated by Quinton Hita and an English-language edition, and featuring original cover art by Shane Cotton, A Fire in the Belly of Hineamaru is a call to action for Te Tai Tokerau today &– a reminder to celebrate the unbroken connection to histories, lands, and esteemed ancestors.

"As a wise teacher grows older, she encourages her students to learn from the example of famous ancestors. She gives the next generation simple messages of days gone by: getting out into nature, letting go of anger, anxiety and stress, and standing strong and tall"--Back cover.

Transgressing Tikanga is a collection of [twenty] first-hand accounts written by Europeans who were captured by Maori between 1816 and 1884. These Pakeha men and women were seized when they either committed blatant acts of aggression or unknowingly transgressed tikanga Maori (customary law), for which utu was required. These captivity narratives are packed with drama and action, and are not always easy reading, but they create a vivid picture of nineteenth-century interactions between Maori and Pakeha. They provide a rich insight into early Maori life, including the principals of captivity and utu, social order, religious practices, everyday customs, and the conduct of warfare. With notes that give detailed historical context, Transgressing Tikanga makes an important contribution to understanding the cross-cultural tensions from which contemporary New Zealand society has emerged."--Back cover.

A fully revised edition of the authoritative work of Maori myths and legends. Esteemed editor Ross Calman (Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Toa, Kai Tahu) has further revised the Reed Book of Maori Mythology to blend story, source and commentary into a captivating collection. Published in a distinguished hardback, this work will provide a valuable source of reading and reference for years to come.

This collection of 15 projects offers children aged 7 and over a range of unique Maori art experiences. Practical skills cover sculpture, photography, design, paint, mixed media, collage and more. Easy-to-follow instructions include illustrations of the steps involved, using everyday craft materials, recycled and found objects. Examples of taonga (treasures) created by leading contemporary artists are shown alongside each project with a brief explanation of the object, its purpose and use in the past and present. While teaching as a museum/art gallery educator, the author had numerous requests from parents, teachers and educators over the years for ideas on how they could teach art and Maori culture to their children. These projects have been compiled in response to those requests, along with research and observation about how children connect with art. By engaging in these projects children will recognise that art takes many forms and can be enjoyed by everyone. This book will appeal to anyone looking for art activities that focus on Maori art and culture, and will suit both girls and boys. An emphasis on upcycling means that the ideas are accessible to the budget conscious without compromising on quality.

"The power of storytelling is evident in our earliest pūrākau. Stories can change the world. It is how our tūpuna passed on their knowledge, the blueprint for living well, for generations. Through telling their stories, the women in this book seek to influence the world around them. The youngest is 14 and the eldest is in her mid-70s. They are wāhine Māori, Moriori, Pasifika, Melanesian, Wijadjuri, Himalayan and Mexican"--Back cover.