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TE RUNANGANUI O NGATI POROU
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A strong-willed seven-year-old girl, sent for a holiday with her Nanny after getting into trouble at home and school, is the central character of a children’s book by Ngati Porou writer Frances Rangihuna.
Titled Na Te Aroha i Whakaora: He Korero mo Libby, the book tells the story of Libby, a young girl whose self-confidence and wellbeing is restored by her grandmother’s love. Written in Te Reo ake o Ngati Porou, it is a translation of Love Heals: Libby’s Story, which Frances self-published three years ago.
Frances (Te Whanau a Hinerupe ki Waiapu, Te Whanau a Tuwhakairiora, Te Whanau a Putaanga, Te Whanau a Pokai), says her motivation to write the story stemmed from her desire to share a meaningful message with children. “I wrote this book for all our mokopuna because it carries a positive and valuable message,” she explains. “It’s a book for all children, but my heart is especially with our Ngati Porou tamariki.”
In reflecting on her own upbringing in the Poroporo Valley, near Tikitiki, Frances shares, “I didn’t grow up reading books; I had too many jobs to do. I wrote this book to also encourage a love of reading in our young ones, and to help them discover the power of stories.”
The journey of bringing her first children’s book to life was not without challenges. Frances admits that when she first decided to self-publish on Amazon, she had no experience with writing or graphic design. “It was a huge undertaking,” she says. “I learned so much through the process of self-publishing. It was a heck of a journey, but one that taught me invaluable skills.”
After the success of her first book, Frances was determined to translate it into Te Reo. “There is a real need for more Maori language books, and for this pukapuka the reo is specific to Ngati Porou.”
Though her primary audience is young children, Frances acknowledges that the book has broader appeal. “I always keep adults in mind too,” she notes, “because they play a vital role in supporting and nurturing the love of our reo and Ngati Poroutanga in our tamariki.”
