For the first time, fifteen ancient Maori stories are retold by gifted storyteller Annie Rae Te Ake Ake and illustrated by ninteen artists from New Zealand secondary schools. This book aims to strengthen the awareness of the indigenous wisdom and spirit of New Zealand. It also heralds creative work of Aotearoa's new generation of young artists and acknowledges the many cultures that are modern New Zealand.
It was a pristine world, green, natural, untainted. Aotearoa New Zealand was covered with gigantic trees and delicate ferns, a landscape teeming with wildlife, especially birds of impossible shapes and heavenly sounds. It was paradise. Then people came. And as the centuries passed, a little more of the land was despoiled, a few more species of wildlife disappeared forever. But the original Maori settlers remembered the land as it was and recorded its life in elaborate and splendid stories that became the legends of Aotearoa. Now,... read more
Queenie Rikihana Hyland here brings together a collection of her favourite Maori myths and legends - from the creation and the ever-popular mischief-making of Maui, to the great love stories of Hinemoa and Tutanekai, and Turongo and Mahinarangi. The stories are brought to life by the vivid illustrations of Patrick Puru. Illustrated Maori Myths and Legends is a stunning addition to any bookshelf, be that of a child or an adult. Experience it as part of a group being read to or read it alone - either way the stories and the illustrat... read more
Reprinted July 2006. Since it was first published in 1946 under the title "Myths and Legends of Maoriland", which subsequently won the Esther Glen award for the best children's book of 19497, this popular collection of Maori folklore by author and publisher A.W. Reed has gone on to enjoy great success both in New Zealand and internationally. With its lively text and Dennis Turner's imaginative illustrations, which capture not only the drama of Maori mythology but much of its tragedy and humour as well, this latest edition of "Maori... read more
Queenie Rikihana-Hyland brings together a collection of her favourite Maori Myths and Legends, from the creation and the ever-popular mischief-making of Maui, to the great love stories of Hinemoa and Tutanekai, and Turongo and Mahinarangi. In the true tradition of paki waitara (story-telling) Queenie has drawn on many sources from which to weave these tales. Previously published in 1997 as Paki Waitara, these stories have now been brought to life with the illustrations of Patrick Puru, whose work infuses the stories further with li... read more
Vulnerable gods and goddesses; Children born with unusual gifts; Birds with bad timing; Insects having sex. Once Upon a Time in Aotearoa explores a world where mythological characters and stories become part of everyday life. Old and new worlds co-exist, cultures mingle and magic happens. Familiar characters appear, but in these versions the gods live in a contemporary world and are motivated by human concerns. In this perplexing world, characters connect with each other and find ancient wisdom that carries them through.
The stories of the creation of the universe, of Rangi and Papa and the children of earth and sky of the demigods Maui and Tawhaki, of Taniwha and Patupaiarehe, monsters and fairies, heroes and lovers. These vivid and entertaining stories are a part of every New Zealander's culture and heritage.
First published by Reed as 'Treasury of Maori Folklore' in 1963.
Revised and updated by Ross Colman - 2004
This edition - 2008
528pp / 220x148mm
