Tangata o le Moana launched in Auckland

Te Papa Press' latest book, Tangata o le Moana: New Zealand and the people of the Pacific, was launched last Thursday night at the Fale Pasifika at Auckland University. Around 200 people attended the launch that featured speeches by Te Papa staff, book contributors and Albert Wendt.

Performance was a major aspect of the night and celebrated both the traditional and contemporary arts, very much in line with book's concept. The guests being serenaded by a Cook Island string band and choir as they arrived and wowed by contemporary Samoan dance troupe Lima Productions (check them out here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSvuWjmroa8).

The book is having its Wellington launch on Te Papa's Marae in a public event this Thursday 10 May at 6pm by Winnie Laban and performances by Quabax and friends.

 Photos above:

 The University bookshop was kept busy during the launch

 Theresa Curtis-Smith and Tigilau Ness


Albert Wendt officially launches the book.


The book's co-editors Damon Salesa, Kolokesa Mahina-Tuai and Sean Mallon.

 Performance at the book launch