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Looking for pukapuka?

Last updated on 
Looking for pukapuka?
Photo from page in Mere Whaanga's book The Treaty, Te Tiriti

It’s not a long list, sadly. But from those that are available, here’s my recommendations and favourites - these are the books that are accurate, in print, written by, or in collaboration with, iwi.
In lieu of a published book, there’s also a bunch of great online resources for kaiako, parents & whānau.

Picture Books

  • Te Wairua o Waitangi
    by Sharon Holt (Pākehā)
    - te reo Māori with English translations included, repetitive structure (waiata CD included) and photography of the Treaty Grounds in Waitangi as well as tamariki responding.
  • The House that Jack Built/Konei te Whare nā Haki i Hanga
    by Gavin Bishop (Ngāti Pūkeko, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Mahuta, Tainui)
    - English and te reo Māori versions available, text doesn’t teach about the Treaty but the illustrations depict the colonisation of Aotearoa.

Special mention:

  • The Treaty, Te Tiriti
    by Mere Whaanga (Ngāti Rongomawahine, Ngāti Kahungunu)
    translated by Liz Hunkin (Ngāti Kahungunu)
    - I believe this bilingual book may be one of the first picture books published (2003) which is specifically about Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is by a Māori author and illustrator. Unfortunately is it also out of print so check out your local library and secondhand bookshop.

    pages 28-29 might just be the best visual depiction off Treaty issues ever, ngā mihi Whaea Mere!

Non Fiction Books

  • Aotearoa; The New Zealand Story
    by Gavin Bishop (Ngāti Pūkeko, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Mahuta, Tainui)
  • Waitangi Day: The New Zealand Story
    by Philipa Werry
    - lots of images and discussion of the context in Aotearoa pre-Treaty and Waitangi Day celebrations and contemporary issues since.
  • The Treaty of Waitangi
    by Ross Calman (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngai Tahu)
    - more suitable to Year 7+ but excellent detail of the actual signing and Treaty itself.
  • The Easy Read Book About the Treaty of Waitangi
    - a clear, concise overview of the Treaty published by the IHC Foundation
    https://www.ihcfoundation.org.nz/who-we-fund/2020/2/24/treaty-of-waitangi-now-in-easy-read-format

The Story of a Treaty
by Claudia Orange (Pākehā)

- this is another great reference book for older students, kaiako and parents. Now in an updated, second edition.

Bilingual Books

  • Te Tiriti o Waitangi
    by Toby Morris (Pākehā) & Ross Calman (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa, Kāi Tahu) and Mark Derby, translated into te reo Māori by Piripi Walker (Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga).
    - bilingual graphic novel, aimed at older Primary/Intermediate students this is an excellent introduction to Te Tiriti for adults, too.
  • The Treaty of Waitangi in Tauranga. Te Tiriti o Waitangi ki Tauranga Moana
    written by Debbie McCauley (Pākehā), translated by Tamati Waaka (Ngāti Pūkeko, Te Whānau ā Apanui), illustrated by Whare Thompson (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi)
    - very thorough reference book relating to Tauranga, excellent for Year 11+ and adults.
  • The Standing Strong House Te Whare Tū Māia
    written by Reina Kahukiwa (Ngāti Whakaue, Te Arawa, Patuheuheu, Ngāti Hana, Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Ngai Tamanuhiri, Te Aitanga a Māhaki), illustrated by Robyn Kahukiwa (Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Te Whānau a Te Ao, Te Whānau o Ruataupare and Ngāti Porou)
    - fictional story about the generations of a hapū and their wharenui as they navigate colonisation.

Education resources