Libraries are about to get a hot off the press book by Papakura authors.
Tamariki from Kauri Flats School have published Awakeri, the story of the wetlands next door, with the writing and illustrations all their own work.
Funded by Papakura Local Board and produced with the input of Reading Warrior David Riley, the book was launched to guests and family at the school, with participants getting their own copies, and others destined for local libraries.
Amu Sekhon was “super happy” at becoming a writer. “It was awesome to be able to learn about Awakeri, and then to share that knowledge.”
Xavier Ong echoed that, having written about ngā īka – wetland water creatures, with illustrations by his friends. “It’s important to know about the animals and creatures so we can look after them.”
Thanishka Saravanan contributed a piece acknowledging the input of Watercare, Auckland Council and mana whenua iwi Te Ākitai Waiohua. “It was fun doing the work and I’m very proud to be a published author.”
Board Chair Brent Catchpole says Reading Warrior is unique. “At the end we are left with children who’ve achieved, and their excitement, confidence and joy was evident at the launch.
“With the book going into local libraires,” he told the children, “you’ll be something better than published authors, you’ll be authors whose work is read.”
Riley says his goal is simple, to get children reading, inspire them with inspirational stories from New Zealand and the Pacific, and to encourage them to write their own stories.
He engages with students to create unique books suited to each area and has published widely in Pasifika languages, each work produced as a high-gloss paperback and ebook, so families and extended family can access it at home and around the world.
Riley grew up in Māngere and has 25 years’ experience teaching English and drama in South Auckland. He’s now written more than 50 books for young people and run writing, reading and drama workshops across the country and in the Pacific.
He’s helped a number of communities create and publish their own books, including Flat Bush School in Ōtara and St Mary MacKillop School in Māngere, with support from the Ōtara-Papatoetoe and Māngere-Ōtāra local boards.
Flatbush School principal Banapa Avatea says when he was asked about students creating their own book, he knew it would inspire them.
“Working with such a supportive mentor in David was life-changing. Our students were involved in the planning, design, drafting, editing and publishing of their book. They will carry that memory with them as they move on to the next stages of their educational journey.”
Manurewa-Papakura Ward Councillor Daniel Newman has a long history with Kauri Flats, having been part of its establishment committee.
“It’s a great school with good kids and supportive families. What these young ones have achieved is fabulous. It’s a story about us, for us and by us.”
