How Tonga Got Its Name

A Tongan legend retold by David Riley and translated into Tongan by Julienne Faletau. Maui threw his line and hook into the ocean. He felt the hook catch onto something huge and heavy. “Wow, it’s beautiful!” Maui said. What amazing sight did Maui see in the ocean that day?

Night of the Dance

Koromaūariki had a close relationship with his dad, the legendary superhero, Tinirau. But there was one thing that bothered him. Sometimes Tinirau would wake up in the middle of the night, go outside … and disappear for three days.

When he came home he’d dance into the house wearing a fresh, colourful and fragrant pandanus seed necklace. What was going on?

Find out in Night of the Dance – Pō o te ‘Ura, a Cook Islands legend retold by David Riley and translated into Cook Islands Māori by Mareta Tere.

Tapa of Love

Ina is a Cook Islands heroine and superhero, famous throughout Oceania for her mighty deeds. In this story, Ina faces the biggest challenge of her life. Is it a human-eating giant? No. A tree-crushing cyclone? Kā‘ore. Then it must be an island-flooding tsunami? Not even close. Ina’s biggest challenge was a lot closer to home … and one that almost all of us can relate to.

Find out in Tapa of Love – a Cook Islands legend retold by David Riley and translated into Cook Islands Māori by Mareta Tere.

The Artist and the Whale

Mataginifale is a Niue superhero with a difference. She isn’t known for her super powers, but for her super creativity. One day she had an argument with a whale that tested her thinking skills too. Find out what happened in The Artist and the Whale, a Niue legend retold by David Riley and translated into Vagahau Niue by Elviso Togiamua.

The Gifts of Pai and Vau

Pai and Vau are Nanumea superheroes who created beautiful things in our world. One day a stranger named Tefolaha came to their island. “This is now my island,” he declared and challenged them to a contest. What kind of contest did he dream up? What would Pai and Vau do if they lost? Find out in The Gifts of Pai and Vau, a Nanumea legend retold by David Riley, and translated into Nanumean by Siliga Tala.

Who Stole My Taro?

Taro is one of the most popular foods in Samoa. You can bake it and eat it with palusami. You can boil it and eat it with coconut cream. You can even fry it and make taro chips. But how did taro get to Samoa? Find out in Who stole my taro? – a Samoan legend retold by David Riley and translated into Samoan by Rasela Lafaele Uili.

Dr Donna Rose Addis: Samoan Neuroscientist

Eight year old Donna comes home from school one day with a book so heavy, she can hardly lift it! “This book is so interesting,” she says to her mum and nanna. “It tells how people invented cool things. Maybe I’ll do something cool too one day.”
Donna did grow up to do cool things. She’s the first Samoan neuroscientist in history. This pioneering Pasifikan uses her knowledge, creativity, and bravery to help solve problems in our world.

Dr Tokilupe Taumoepeau: Tongan Trailblazer

Dr Tokilupe Taumoepeau made history when she became New Zealand’s first female vascular surgeon. This trailblazing Tongan is helping bust open doors in health and medicine for young people with Pacific heritage … including her own family!

Joy Cowley: Kiwi Storyteller

Joy Cowley is one of New Zealand’s most beloved writers. She’s written books for all ages and won lots of awards. But you wouldn’t have thought that could happen if you’d known Joy at primary school. That’s because she struggled with literacy as a child and couldn’t even read back then. A challenging family situation made life even harder for this future Kiwi legend.

What helped Joy overcome these obstacles and become the icon she is today? Stories did.

Find out how in Joy Cowley: Kiwi Storyteller.

“I am amazed at the breadth and depth of the research. David shows a real understanding of the children he teaches. That makes me feel very happy about the book. David has it right. This is my life.” Joy Cowley.

Kamelia Lino Zarka: History-making Pilot

Kamelia Lino Zarka tracks Kamelia’s journey from the Kingdom of Tonga, to the skies of Hawaii. You’ll read how she made history by becoming the first Tongan female to captain a commercial airline. And you’ll be inspired to see how her daughters are following in her high achieving footsteps. The sky is no limit for this Tongan family!

Lisa Carrington: Olympic Champion

Lisa Carrington tells the story of how a girl from Ōhope, Whakatane, became one of the most dominant athletes in the world. You’ll find out how Lisa made history as the first Maori to win an Olympic gold medal. You’ll learn how to use challenges in your own life as motivation. And you’ll discover that no matter where you come from, it’s okay to dream big!

Stacey Waaka: World Champion Rugby Player

Stacey Waaka follows Stacey’s journey from Ruatoki to the rugby stadiums of the world. Read about some of the many challenges she’s been through, including a terrifying bus crash, and how she overcame them. Find out how her faith, family, friends, coaches, teachers and culture have guided and powered her to aim high in life.

Tokelau Heroes

Tokelau Heroes tells the inspirational stories of achievers who have Tokelauan ancestry. It includes legends like Hina, Kalokalo-o-te-la and Moa; historical figures such as Foua Toloa, Ihaia Puka and Nua Mamoe; and contemporary heroes like Fuli Pereira-Evans, Iaheto Ah Hi and Opetaia Foa’i. The book is written to inspire young Tokelauans, to encourage reading and promote literacy. The book is illustrated by Tokelauan-Samoan artist, Mose Viliamu. Tokelau Heroes is the fifth book in the Pasifika Heroes series. It follows Niue Heroes, Samoan Heroes, Tongan Heroes and Cook Islands Heroes.

Niue Heroes

Niue Heroes tells the inspirational stories of achievers who have Niuean ancestry. It includes legends like Laufoli, Mataginifale and Maui; historical figures such as Sir Robert Rex and Peniamina; and contemporary heroes like Che Fu and Dr Colin Tukuitoga. The book is written to inspire young Niueans, to encourage reading and promote literacy.
The book is illustrated by Niuean-Maori artist, Munro Te Whata.

Cook Islands Heroes

Cook Islands Heroes tells the inspirational stories of achievers who have Cook Islands ancestry. It includes legends like Ina, Maui, Ngaru and Ru; historical figures such as Pa Tuterangi Ariki/Sir Thomas Davis, Alistair Te Ariki Campbell, Mautara and Margharet Matenga; and contemporary heroes like Lima Sopoaga, Mīria George, Dr Kiki Maoate, Kevin Iro, and Teremoana Rapley. The book is written to inspire young Cook Islanders, to encourage reading and promote literacy. The book is illustrated by Samoan comic book artist, Michel Mulipola.

Tongan Heroes

Tongan Heroes tells the inspirational stories of achievers who have Tongan ancestry. It includes legends like Muni and Kavaoanu; historical figures such as Queen Salote Tupou III and Professor Futa Helu; and contemporary heroes like Manu Vatuvei, Jonah Lomu, The Jets, and Dr Konai Helu Thaman. The book is written to inspire young Tongans, to encourage reading and promote literacy. The book is illustrated by Samoan comic book artist, Michel Mulipola.

Samoan Heroes

Samoan Heroes is written for Pasifika young people!

• To encourage them to read more by providing reading material they can relate to, in language appealing to them. Many Pasifika young people have lower literacy levels than other youth in NZ, partly due to a shortage of reading material they’re interested in.
• To inspire them with the positive life stories of achievers they know, describing the challenges these figures went through and how they overcame them to become successful e.g. most people know Dwayne Johnson as one of the most recognisable figures on the planet. But did you know that he once had to sleep on mattresses found in a rubbish collection and had only $7 in his pocket?
• To support the preservation of historical knowledge. Our young people are proud of their cultural heritage but often know very little about the historical achievements and figures of significance in their cultural history.

Pasifika Coastwatchers

On Sunday 7 December 1941, Japanese fighter planes attacked American ships in Pearl Harbour, Hawaii. New Zealand, Australia, the United States and Britain declared war on Japan.
And the Pasifika Coastwatchers leaped into action!
Their job was to report the movements of Japanese aircraft, ships and submarines. If they were caught they were beaten, imprisoned and sometimes executed. But without these brave men, women and children, the Pacific war may have been lost. This is their story.

Konererio and the Flag Master

A Bible, a hymn book, and two white flags. Who would think that such ordinary objects could help save people’s lives? But that’s exactly what happened in Kiribati during World War Two.

And all thanks to a 15-year-old boy named Rob’ati.

Find out how Rob’ati did it in Konenerio and the Flag Master – Konenerio ao te Tia Itoman, an epic bilingual (English and Kiribati) story of bravery, clever thinking and faith.

Drifting with Mad Mike

Drifting with Mad Mike is the spectacular story of how a young Kiwi driver achieved his dream of competing in one of the toughest drifting leagues in the world … Formula Drift! Learn how passion and determination helped Mike become one of the best drifters in the world, and how it can help you achieve your dreams too.
“I’ve shown what you can do with a dream if you work for it.” Mad Mike Whiddett.

Aiming Up with Kieran Read

Aiming Up with Kieran Read tells the thrilling story of how a humble young man from South Auckland, grew up to become the captain of the one of the most famous sports teams in the world … the All Blacks!
Learn how hard work and determination can help you succeed in life too.

Powering Up with Joseph Parker

Powering Up with Joseph Parker is published by Reading Warrior. Reading Warrior creates resources that help students learn about their own cultures, strengthen their literacy and inspire them with stories of positive role models and achievers.

Powering Up with Joseph Parker is the inspirational story of how a young man from South Auckland, New Zealand, achieved his dream of winning the most prized title in sports … boxing’s Heavyweight Championship of the World! Learn how you can achieve your dreams through hard work, sacrifice and the support of friends and family. “If you believe in yourself and have the right guidance and the right people around you,” Joseph says, “then anything’s possible.”

Jammin with Steven Adams

Jammin’ with Steven Adams is the award winning amazing story of how a troubled young man from small town New Zealand, achieved his dream of playing in the best basketball competition in the world … the NBA! Learn how you can achieve the impossible through the power of hope.

“I achieved my goals by working hard on the court … and in the classroom.” (Steven Adams)

Kinkin It with Winston Reid

Kickin’ It with Winston Reid is the thrilling story of how a young Kiwi footballer achieved his dream of playing in one of the toughest football competitions in the world … the English Premier league! Learn how to set your sights high and achieve your dreams too.

“My life shows that you can get to places in the world, wherever you come from.” (Winston Reid)

Off Loading with Sonny Bill Williams

Off Loading with Sonny Bill Williams is published by Reading Warrior. Reading Warrior creates     resources that help students learn about their own cultures, strengthen their literacy and inspire them with stories of positive role models and achievers. Off Loading with Sonny Bill Williams is the incredible story of how a determined and humble young man became a champion in three different sports… and one of the most sought after athletes in the world! Learn how Sonny did it and how you can achieve your dreams through hard work too.

‘If you don’t have goals, aspirations, dreams – you won’t push yourself to your limits. I try to do the best I can in whatever I’m pursuing. Whatever I’m doing, I’m doing it 100%.’ (Sonny Bill Williams)

Steppin with Benji Marshall

Steppin’ with Benji Marshall is published by Reading Warrior. Reading Warrior creates resources that help students learn about their own cultures, strengthen their literacy and inspire them with stories of positive role models and achievers.

Steppin’ with Benji Marshall is the inspirational story of how a young Kiwi boy from a small town, stepped through the many challenges life threw his way to become one of the best rugby league players in the world! The book aims to inspire young people to achieve their dreams no matter what struggles they may face.