April 10, 2026

#national: NEW BILINGUAL BOOK CELEBRATES PACIFIC IDENTITY AND TE REO RISE

Matthew Tukaki Posted On April 10, 2026

A new bilingual children’s book celebrating Polynesian culture and te reo Māori is set to launch in Auckland, offering tamariki and whānau a vibrant journey across the Pacific.

Rere Atu Ki Poronihia: Flight to Polynesia is the follow-up to the award-winning Rere Atu Taku Poi! Let My Poi Fly! and continues its focus on identity, language and cultural pride.

Published by Auckland Council Libraries and Oratia Books, the release comes as te reo Māori reaches its highest number of speakers on record, with strong growth among rangatahi.

The book will be launched at Te Atatū Peninsula Library, with Aucklanders invited to attend the event and celebrate the latest addition to the libraries’ publishing kaupapa.

Written in both English and te reo Māori, the story introduces young readers to the traditions and connections between Māori and wider Polynesian cultures, including Samoan, Tongan and Hawai’ian communities.

The project is part of a wider effort by Auckland Council Libraries to revitalise te reo Māori and ensure diverse stories are reflected across its collections.

Author Tangaroa Paora brings a unique perspective to the work, drawing on lived experience, academic research and a strong background in te reo Māori and performing arts.

The story also explores themes of identity and belonging, offering space for tamariki to better understand cultural expression across the Pacific.

Illustrations by Luca Tu’avao Walton add to the storytelling, bringing colour and depth to a narrative designed to resonate with families across Aotearoa.

The book is now available through Auckland Council Libraries and local booksellers, with organisers hoping it will inspire both young readers and adults to engage more deeply with te reo Māori and Pacific heritage.