September 10, 2014
Nga Atua Maori novella in te reo
It starts with the separation of Ranginui and Papatuanuku, but where will it end.
The Maori creation story is the subject of the first of a new series of graphic novellas in te reo Maori being published on iTunes and Google Play by KIWA Digital.
Te Orokotimatanga o te Ao was written by Rereata Makiha of Ngapuhi, Mahurehure, Te Arawa and Rangitane, with illustrations by Kiwa Digital’s Munro Te Whata of Ngati Porou, Ngati Whata and Niue.
It’s the first in the Nga Atua Maori series of novellas, which will retell the classic myths.
Narrated by Haki Sarich of Hokianga in te reo Maori and English, the apps have features to help learners to read and speak Maori.
Text and audio are synchronized, words are highlighted as the story is read, and the reader can touch individual words to hear their correct pronunciation.
Tuehu Harris of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori, which is helping to fund the series, says publishing traditional stories as apps answers the increasing demand from young Maori for creative ways to learn to speak the Maori language, and for opportunities to engage with it.
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