Two Māori-language picture books have gained international recognition after being selected for the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)-UNESCO Collection of Remarkable Books for Young Readers in Indigenous and Endangered Languages.
The titles were recognised at the 40th International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) World Congress in Ottawa, Canada, where the collection celebrating outstanding children’s books in Indigenous and endangered languages was presented.
Rere Atu Taku Poi! / Let My Poi Fly!, written by Dr Tangaroa Paul, illustrated by Rebecca Gibbs and published by Oratia Books, was among titles selected from around the world for the collection.
Dr Paul acknowledges te reo Māori as the driving force behind the book’s international recognition, but is also delighted that rainbow children can explore Rangi’s story.
“Kaare pea i tino ohorere ahau ki te karere kua whakamanahia te pukapuka nei i runga i taku whakapae ko te reo Māori kē te kauwaka i rangatira ai tēnei pukapuka, te pakiwaitara nei.
The story follows a young Māori boy whose passion for poi challenges gender stereotypes while celebrating te reo Māori, whānau and kapa haka. Since its release, the book has been recognised for its inclusive storytelling and contribution to Māori-language publishing.
“I tino ohorere ahau i tae te pukapuka nei ki ngā peka o te ao whānui me te pai hoki kua tau te kiripuaki a Rangi ki roto i ngā āhuatanga, ki roto hoki pea i ngā ahurea kē atu e whaiwhai ana i ngā āhuatanga kōrero o ā tātou tamariki uenuku.”
Also selected was Tōku Whānau Rerehua, by Waikato teacher Rauhina Cooper and illustrated by award-winning Wellington artist Isobel Te Aho-White.
The book follows young Huia as she navigates her shyness about having two mums while preparing a presentation for her school’s family day.
The IBBY-UNESCO collection highlights books that support language revitalisation, strengthen cultural identity and expand access to literature for young readers in their own languages. It brings together works from Indigenous communities around the world, showcasing the diversity and strength of storytelling in ancestral languages.
IBBY, a global organisation dedicated to promoting children’s books and reading, partnered with UNESCO to establish the collection as a way of celebrating literature that helps preserve and strengthen Indigenous and endangered languages for future generations.
The recognition is expected to raise the international profile of Māori-language literature and create new opportunities for readers, educators and libraries to connect with stories from Aotearoa New Zealand.
