The Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (LIANZA) offers annually an award, known as the Te Kura Pounamu Award. The award is given to the author of a book that is considered to be a distinguished contribution written in Te Reo Maori to the literature for children or young people.
2009 Te Kura Pounamu Award Shortlist
Maori-language edition of Maraea and the Albatrosses. Tells the story of Maraea, an elderly Maori woman living in a coastal community. The site of the kainga is also next to an albatross colony, and there are close (and fabulously illustrated) links between the people and the birds. But people are drifting to the cities, and the community is falling apart. Soon only an aging Maraea is left on the clifftop, looking out to sea to welcome the birds. And soon even Maraea passes away. On the site of Marea's old sitting place on the clifftop, only a rock remains. But something is happening, the rock is moving and stirring. It bursts open, and a great albatross emerges, spreading its massive wings and soaring up into the sky... More
About the Author
Patricia Grace needs little introduction. In addition to her best-selling adult fiction she has also written a small number of fine children's picture books, beginning with The Kuia and the Spider several decades ago. Brian Gunson is an experienced illustrator who has worked in recent years for Learning Media and other educational publishers.
Hinemoa te Toa by Tim Tipene, Illustrator John Bennett, Translator Katerina Te Heikoko Mataira (Scholastic)
Hinemoa is really brave. Even dentists don't scare her. When her brother says there is a ghost in his room it is Hinemoa who stands and tells the ghost to 'bring it on'. But when it comes time for Hinemoa to swim she is too impatient and jumps in the deep end. A quick trip to the bottom and Hinemoa comes out of the pool a little scared of the water. So Nana has to show her how to conquer her fears and learn to swim.
About the Author
Tim Tipene is an established author with Huia Publishing and Learning Media, Tim has been wanting to be published by Scholastic NZ Ltd for quite some time.
Mihiroa by Peti Nohotima (He Kupenga Hao i te Reo Ltd)
Nau te Rourou, Naku te Rourou by Rosalind and Waaka Vercoe (Huia Education)
Toheroa by James Te Tuhi and Ross Gregory (Huia Education)
Past Recipients
2007, Robyn Kahukiwa, Matatuhi
2006, Not Awarded
2005, Melanie Drewery (author) and Kararaina Uataku (translator), Nga rongoa a Koro
2004, Ross Calman, Te Tahuna.
2003, Ngareta Gabel, Tekiteora, Kei Hea o Hu?
2001, Merito Tawhara, Te Puriri.
1998, Mere Clarke, Whirikoki me täna Kekeno.
1997, Katarina Mataira, He Tino Kuia Taka Huia.
1996, Katarina Mataira and Terewai Kemp, Marama Tangiweta.
