Overview

Paku Manu Ariki talks directly to the reader, drawing on the stories that spin around him—his father’s mātauranga, his mother’s politics, his many pet birds, and his best friend who is taller, even though he’s younger. The book is born from the experience of growing up in a strong Māori whānau 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 boss—his nanna at the marae, his older siblings, or any number of atua? His steadfast dad, his Pākehā 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 Whakatakapōkai is about the hustle for belonging, and our place in the epic spiral of space, time and culture.

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9781776574582

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Reviews

"""fresh, full of humour, important questions, and honesty."" -- Volume Books, New Zealand ""absolutely *joyous* on the one hand, while managing to open up deep discussions about history and (de-)colonization on the other."" -- Good Books, New Zealand"

Author Information

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 Kāpiti Coast. Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapōkai is based on conversation with her son Kerehi Grace (Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Porou). Tokerau Wilson is a Cook Islands Māori illustrator and multimedia artist. Co-director of Māori Pasifika art gallery Wheke Fortress, Brown is also a musician, audio engineer and animator.  

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