Nga Pou Kaituhi Maori
Literature in Te Reo
Te Hunga Taunaki Kaituhi Maori was originally established as a funding panel of the former QE II Arts Council of New Zealand in 1993, and as a committee of Toi Maori Aotearoa encouraged writers to publish works reflective of the best of writing in te reo Maori.
In 2006, the committee changed its name to Nga Pou Kaituhi Maori.
Committee members:
Wena Tait (Porirua)
The largest field for writing in Maori is in tertiary institutions however there is a small number of outstanding writers whose manuscripts are of a more personal nature and recorded for future generations of a family or hapu.
The primary role of the group is the retention of Maori knowledge through publication in the Maori language. This is achieved through commissioning of manuscripts and hosting of writing workshops to promote the writing for the purpose of publishing. The committee assists in finding a publisher and providing a mentoring role for new writers.
Notable publications assisted in this way include:
He Hokinga Mahara, by Hemi Potatau (1991)
Ngaa Mahi a Titokowaru, by Ruka Alan Broughton (1993)
He Pukenga Wai, edited by Morvin Simon (1999)
Editors Te Ohorere and Wiremu Kaa have produced three of their works 'Nga Korero a Reweti Kohere Ma' (1994), 'Mohi Turei Ana Tuhinga I Roto I Te Reo Maori' (1996) and 'Apirana Ngata Ana Tuhinga I Roto I Te Reo Maori' as part of the programme of publications.
'Eruera Manuera' by Onehou Phyllis was published in 2002 by Huia Publishers and went on to win a Special Award in the Montana New Zealand Book Awards 2002.
A collection of writings by acknowledged experts in Te Reo is also in progress.
Click here for the latest committee news and arts updates.
This page last updated 16 October 2006.