October 09, 2019
Kotahi Rau Pukapuka aims for reo magic
A new trust wants to produce 100 books in te reo Māori within 10 years, with work already underway on translations of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
Kōtahi Rau Pukapuka was launched last night at the university of Auckland by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Trustee Pania Papa says other titles in the first release will include Paula Morris's novel Rangatira, The Alchemist by Brazilianwriter Paulo Coelho, the late Michael King's biography of Te Puea Herangi to be translated and annotated by Rahui Papa, The Avengers vs X Men and Poia Rewi's original thesis that formed the basis for his book Whaikorero: The world of Maori oratory.
Prime Minister Ardern says having such resources will be critical to achieving the Government's goal of having a million New Zealanders conversational in te reo Maori by 2040.
"Because when we speak the language to each other as a matter of course, when we have books available as a matter of course, when we have children learning in story books but also in comics and Harry Potter and beyond, that is when it will be truly embedded and entrenched and that is as it should be," Ms Ardern says.
Kōtahi Rau Pukapuka is the brainchild of broadcaster Miriama Kamo and her husband Michael Dreaver, and the books will be published in partnership with Auckland University Press.
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