12 November 2015
Sixteen years after Tamanui, the last surviving kōkako in
Taranaki’s Moki forest, was rescued, the story of Tamanui will return to
Pukearuhe Marae on Saturday 14 November 2015, for the launch of the newly
released children’s books, Tamanui: The Brave Kōkako of Taranaki and the te reo
Māori edition, Tamanui: Te Kōkako Mōrehu o Taranaki.
Written by Rebecca Beyer
and Linley Wellington with illustrations by Andrew Burdan, the books tell the
story of how Tamanui struggled for survival in Moki Forest before being rescued
and relocated to the Pukaha Mt Bruce captive breeding programme. Here he
thrived, producing chicks with his new mate Mapara, while Ngāti Tama began
working on a pest eradication project to make his home safe again.
Pania Tahau-Hodges,
Publishing Manager at Huia Publishers, sees Tamanui’s story as a great way to
excite children’s interest in the real-life drama of the kōkako and survival of
the species. “At Huia we are passionate about telling stories from a Māori
perspective and providing great books that will stimulate children’s
imaginations. The story of Tamanui is a fascinating and somewhat scary story
which reminds us, in a child-friendly manner, the important environmental work
that is required. We hope that children love this story.”
Ngāti Tama will be
hosting a number of guests and partners at the marae for this special project
including the Mayor, staff and kaumatua from Puke Ariki, Shell, the Department
of Conservation, Mimi school, the Taranaki Regional Council, Huia Publishers
and others.
Following this, on
Sunday 29 November from 2.00pm – 3.00pm, there will be a book reading and book
signing by the authors at the Puke Ariki children’s library where a new
kōkako-themed display will also be unveiled.
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