This month, the Library promotes a special collection of books to enable our community to learn more about Te Tiriti o Waitangi. As another Waitangi Day passes, we recognise the growing interest in Te Ao Māori, especially as the Ministry of Education introduces the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories Curriculum. It is a really exciting time for New Zealanders, who will now be given greater opportunities to explore their national identity.

The books on offer in our foyer display will enable readers to learn the causes and consequences of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, to practise a wider range of te reo Māori in their everyday life, and to study Māori role models. Some of our texts are published in both English and te reo Māori, further enabling students and staff to challenge themselves to be more engaged with Te Ao Māori.

Our display also features a print of Ralph Hotere’s Black Union Jack. Whilst first intended to challenge New Zealand’s involvement in the Springbok Tour of 1981, the artwork remains relevant today, serving to challenge New Zealanders to think more critically about the impact of colonialism on our national identity.

He waka unua, aukahatia, whakamatuatia.

Double-hulled canoe, bind the waka, to steady the journey ahead.

Mrs Ranby recommends…

Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi
Toby Morris; Ross Calman; Mark Derby; Piripi Walker

This text is a ground-breaking, full-colour graphic novel about Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi. This reorua (bilingual) graphic-novel-style flip book presents important information in a visually appealing and engaging way. The text (in both English and te reo Māori) and illustrations work together to provide readers with a calm, balanced presentation of a complex part of our history. Timelines, Treaty definitions and links to the Treaty in 32 languages provide the young reader with further options to learn and explore.