Storm-impacted children at Matua Ngaru School in Kumeū have published a book which shares their stories, words and illustrations following the flooding of the Kumeū River during the 2023 severe weather events.
Ko Roimata te Awa, Tears Are Our River, was produced by 20 children (from years 5-7) and of all abilities, with guidance from author David Reilly aka ‘The Reading Warrior’ and local artist Holly Manning, who supported the beautiful watercolour illustrations.
The project, which was proudly funded by the council’s Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office, aims to help communities heal by creating connections through shared experiences.
One of the writers, Josh Henderson was over the moon to be chosen to participate.
Josh’s mother said, “He has dyslexia, so it was extra special to be with a published author and to learn how to write a book and everything that comes with it.
“I think it will give him more confidence in his writing ability, and more confidence in himself.”
Student Lydia Butterfield, who wrote Sad Stories, was excited to write about a topic she enjoyed.
“It means quite a lot. Like I’ve always really enjoyed writing in my free time. So having an actual book with my name in it, is really exciting,” says Lydia.
Matua Ngaru School Principal Stephen Grady says the book is deeply moving.
“I am so proud of the children who participated in this book, either as authors or illustrators,” he said.
“The moving stories of the experiences of the flood and also the benefits and beauty of our river have been captured through the eyes of our children and our community.
“This project, through the support of our community and the amazing talents of David Reilly, has given the opportunity for the perspectives of our children to be heard.”
The creation of the book was a structured collaborative process, where writers first develop content, then illustrators select stories/content that interests them and they then create accompanying artwork.
David has created approximately 30 books with different groups of children across New Zealand.
“I think it lets them know that their voice is valid, that their voices are important, that their ideas are important and that they have things to say that are worthwhile,” says David.
“The communities that heal faster, are communities that are connected.”
Floods have been recorded in Kumeū in 1926, 1928, 1954, 1961, 1979, 1988, 2021, and twice in 2023.
Ko Roimata te Awa, Tears Are Our River (1.6MB PDF) was written and illustrated by:
Emily Blackmore, Lydia Butterfield, Mervyn Cooksley, Mila Davies, Felicity Ebenezer, Ethan Edwards, Zoe Gates, Millie Glennie, Josh Henderson, Caleb Joseph, Sophie Lennon, Emily McClymont, Albert Niga, Maddie Page, Emily Pyzhanov, Samrita Singh, Caitlin Trinder, Isabelle Wang, Joshua Williams, and Honor Yavunisautu.
