Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapkai

(Paperback)

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Description

Paku Manu Ariki talks directly to the reader, drawing on the stories that spin around himhis fathers mtauranga, his mothers politics, his many pet birds, and his best friend who is taller, even though hes younger.

The book is born from the experience of growing up in a strong Mori whnau in a country and wider world that offers a conflicting version of what is right and of value.

Paku Manu Ariki is trying to understand his role in his family, community and the larger world. His preoccupation is who is the bosshis nanna at the marae, his older siblings, or any number of atua His steadfast dad, his Pkeh mum, the leader of the free world, or Paku Manu Ariki himself Paku Manu bumps up against authority, trying to reconcile the kind and just rules of nanna and the unjust power of leaders he sees every day on the TV.

Thoughtful, funny and confronting, Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapkai is about the hustle for belonging, and our place in the epic spiral of space, time and culture.

Author Bio

Michaela Keeble is a lover of birds, fish and social justice, who also publishes poetry and short fiction. She grew up on Wurundjeri land in Australia and now lives on the Kpiti Coast. Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapkai is based on conversation with her son Kerehi Grace (Ngti Toa Rangatira, Ngti Porou).

Tokerau Wilson is a Cook Islands Mori illustrator and multimedia artist. Co-director of Mori Pasifika art gallery Wheke Fortress, Brown is also a musician, audio engineer and animator.