Young writers from Leabank Primary School have become published authors with the release of Te Whetū o te Kōrero - Star of a Story, a bilingual book in te re Māori and English.
Funded by Manurewa Local Board, the project was completed in time for the end of Term 2 and celebrates the creativity and cultural identity of Tamariki in South Auckland.
Manurewa Local Board Chair Matt Winiata says the authors should be extremely proud of themselves.
“Supporting projects like this empowers our young people, giving them the chance to grow their writing skills while sharing stories from their own unique perspective.”
School Tumuaki (Principal) Caroline McLeod explains that the idea came about when Anthony David Riley of Reading Warrior approached the school with a challenge: how could they showcase the writing talent of young people in South Auckland? The theme of Matariki was chosen, highlighting its significance to Tamariki and their everyday lives.
As part of the project, students worked closely with Riley, learning about drafting, editing, and shaping their writing for publication. For many the process was as exciting as seeing their finished stories in print.
“We are incredibly proud of our Tamariki. This project gave them the chance to see themselves as authors, to connect their stories to Matariki, and share those stories with their whānau and community,” says Tumuaki Tuarua (Deputy Principal), Mrs Parker.
Copies of the book were gifted to families, and the launch day parents, staff and students gathered to mark the achievement – with smiles on the writers faces and strong sense of mana and pride across the school.
For Leabank Primary, Star of a Story is more than a book. It’s proof that when given the opportunity, Tamariki voices can shine just as brightly as the stars of Matariki.
Author spotlight: Braxton Bertucci – “Special Place”
In Special Place, Braxton Bertucci takes readers on a deeply personal journey to his whānau urupā. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Pīhinga maunga, Braxton shares a moving story of remembrance, connection, and tradition. His writing honours his Nan and his ancestors and the special place where they now rest. His story is a beautiful reminder of the importance of whakapapa and the spaces that hold memories.
Purchase your copy of Te Whetū o te Korerō here or request to borrow the book at an Auckland Library near you via the Auckland Libraries website.
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