New Zealand books I'm loving this week

Aotearoa Whispers       

Author: Gonzalo Navarro

A 13-year-old boy named Kahi wanders the streets of Christchurch city, feeling a bit lost in a place he should belong. That ordinary day suddenly changes when he finds a 10 cent coin.

Ngārara Huarau           

Author: Maxine Hemi

The story of Ngārara Huarau, a taniwha, that travels from Hawke's Bay to Wairarapa in search of his sister, Pari-kawhiti. As he journeys, his movement shapes the landscape.

Meariki The Quest For Truth

Authors: Helen Pearse-Otene & Andrew Burdan         

Meariki is a slave to the people of Ngāi Kūwai and must obey the chief and look after his only daughter, Hineamuru. 

Arohanui Revenge of the Fey 

Authors: Helen Pearse-Otene & Andrew Burdan         

A story of two hostile tribes: one thriving, the other starving and forced to enter into a hard bargain to survive. 

The Whale Rider        

Author: Witi Ihimaera

Eight-year-old Kahu craves her great-grandfather's love and attention. But he's focused on his duties as Chief of a tribe that claims descent from the legendary 'whale rider'. In every generation since the whale rider, a male has inherited the title of chief. But now there is no male heir - there's only Kahu.

A brilliant selection of New Zealand books with themes of belonging, destiny and whakapapa.