Children’s author Marie Waaka (Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Whakaue) of Ōtaki is about to have her third book in a delightful series featuring sea life, farm animals and creepy crawlies published by Te Tākupu. 

Marie’s journey into writing has spanned many years with her interest first being piqued during a meeting between Te Wānanga o Raukawa (where she works) and Huia Publishers. During their discussions they touched on children’s books and how children love stories that rhyme, are slightly ridiculous and have an accompanying song.

And so Marie decided to “dip her toes into the water” and the rest as they say, is history.

In 2019 Te Whānau Moana was published and the next year Te Whānau Pamu followed.  Shortly you will see Te Whānau Weriweri hit the bookshops. 

Renee Moeau, Manager of He Iti Nā Mōtai Early Childhood Centre said that the children loved the first book and best of all, the waiata that went with it. Staff from the Centre put together the catchy tune and actions that go with the waiata. She references a quote from Albert Einstein “if you want your child to be intelligent read them fairy tales (pūrakau), if you want your child to be more intelligent read them more fairy tales (pūrakau).

Tamariki all over New Zealand have been enjoying Marie’s first two books as these were part of the resources sent out by the Ministry of Education to Early Childhood Centres during the pandemic.

Marie is also working on her fourth book, which is about the creatures that live in and visit a back garden. We wish Marie well in her future endeavours and look forward to books number three and four.

Mā te whakarongo ka mōhio, mā te mōhio ka mārama

Through listening comes awareness, through awareness comes understanding