Māori writer of novels Patricia Grace wins Te Kura Pounamu the best Māori-language award for Whiti Te Rā.
The book was translated by Kawata Teepa and illustrated by Andrew Burdan and published by Huia Publishers.
The book tells the history behind New Zealand’s most famous haka, Ka Mate.
Grace says, “I’m happy to have had the opportunity through Huia Publishers to be able to tell the story of Ka Mate, Ka Mate in a way in how it came about, in a way that young children can understand it."
The other finalists of the Te Kura Pounamu award:
• Tamanui te Kōkako Mōrehu o Taranaki written by Rebecca Beyer and Linley Wellington, illustrated by Andrew Burdan and translated by Kawata Teepa, Huia Publishers
• Te Hua Tuatahi a Kuwi, Kat Merewether, translated by Pānia Papa, Illustrated Publishing
The judges agreed that the three finalists’ books uplift and enrich te reo Māori literature.
Convenor of the judging panel Riki-Lee Saua told Te Kāea recently, "These three books stood out for their inspiring and relevant content, stunning illustrations and excellence in the quality of Māori language translations.”
This is the 26th year of celebrating the best of New Zealand writing for children and young adults.
