Ngā Waituhi o Rēhua

Written by Dame Katerina te Heikōkō-Mataira

This science fantasy novel in te reo Māori follows four teenagers living on Rēhua, a planet settled after Earth is destroyed by ecological disasters and global war. The four raise hōkio, giant mystical birds, which take them on flights to explore their new world. On one flight, they discover an island with another colony of people, and here, they are given a quest to interpret hieroglyphic messages drawn on cave walls. Deciphering these symbols leads them to appease the feared tipua wheke, a gargantuan octopus, and help the Tūrehu, fair-skinned sea fairies, who have discovered a way to return to Earth.

WINNER, Te Tohu o Kupu Ora (Lifetime Achievement Award), Ngā Kupu Ora Māori Book Awards, 2012

WINNER, Māori Language Award, New Zealand Post Book Awards, 2013

WINNER, Te Tohu Pounamu, LIANZA Children's Book Awards, 2013