Ngā Kōrero O Te Wā · Book News
The place to find news on the latest books, and links to interviews, articles, extracts and more.
Ngā Pukapuka Hou · New Books
Every week the kete team adds the latest books to help you find your next read.
Author: Roanne Barnes Hautapu Publisher: Atuanui Press
In 2013 Quinn Hautapu presented to hospital with the seemingly minor symptom of a limp arm, within a short time she was on a Life Flight to Wellington to work out the cause of a massive bleed on the brain. She was seven years old. A month later, after brain surgery and numerous scans, the Hautapu family was given the shocking news that Quinn had brain cancer. What followed was 12 months of the most intense, emotional and difficult time that a family can experience.
Author: Raewyn Peart Publisher: David Bateman
In 1971, there was little in the way of protection for Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique natural heritage. Progress was the imperative for government and councils, with the land, rivers and coasts simply seen as resources to be exploited. This is the story of how a small organisation took on the establishment and won.
Author: Scott Bainbridge Publisher: David Bateman
Did New Zealand have a secret poisoner? In 1992, builders demolishing a Devonport home stumbled across a skeleton, triggering an investigation that sent shockwaves across the community. The remains belonged to a woman who had died in the 1930s, and whispers soon emerged of the deadly legacy of Nurse Elspeth Kerr.
Author: Madeleine Slavick Publisher: Cuba Press
Welcome to 'Town', fifty stories and fifty images by writer and photographer Madeleine Slavick, who lived in Hong Kong for almost twenty-five years before moving to a Wairarapa country road that runs from state highway to bush.
Author: Sue Heazlewood Publisher: Auckram Publishing
24 Tea Party Recipes for children, ages 2-12, can learn to prepare.
Author: Jessica Galatoa Publisher: Exisle
'You may not have thought much about it, but did you know that some families change? Some get bigger, others smaller and some completely rearrange!'
Changes in the structure of a family can be joyful, turbulent, and especially confusing for little humans.
Author: Dario Nustrini Publisher: HarperCollins New Zealand
When new recruit Dario Nustrini's head was freshly shaved in preparation for the army, he knew nothing about what training to fight, kill and die for New Zealand would look like. Since leaving leaving high school the year before, he had been on a steady diet of spliffs, Speights and the occasional sandwich from the cafe he worked at as a waiter…
Author: Penelope Todd Publisher: Cloud Ink Press
Nell is born to a new century, her early life forged in the freedoms of the NZ high country. Her own freedom is tested: by family expectation, by husband Herb's pride, by the rigours of family life on a Maniototo sheep station.
1 May 2024
Author: Yvonne Morrison Publisher: Scholastic
A must-have collection of three best-selling and favourite New Zealand wildlife and habitat stories, from deep in the day and nighttime forests of Aotearoa to out in the wild, blue moana.
Author: Deano Yipadee Publisher: Scholastic
When the tractor wheel jolts off the edge of the bridge, Tom finds himself in a precarious situation. Enter Nee Naw's mate, Moto Mike, who swiftly takes action and saves the day.
Author: Miriama Kamo Publisher: Scholastic
Join Sam and Te Rerehua as they prepare a Matariki feast! It's the day before Matariki and a big feast has been prepared. Eeling took place months ago and Te Rerehua and Sam are excited…
Author: Matthew Scobie, Anna Sturman Publisher: Bridget Williams Books
What do the economics of decolonisation mean for the future of Aotearoa? This question drives the work of Matthew Scobie and Anna Sturman as they explore the complex relationship between tangata whenua and capitalism.
Author: Nicolla Hemi-Moorhouse Publisher: David Bateman Ltd
He pukapuka rawe mo nga tamariki nohinohi e whakakipakipa nei i te whakahi ahurea. A delightful pukapuka for young tamariki that inspires cultural pride.
Author: Gregory Hill Publisher: Exisle Publishing
The journey of The Antipodean Express takes in 89 days of travel, on 33 trains, through 19 countries. It begins in New Zealand's North Island, weaves past the volcanoes of Java, through East Asia and on into Europe.
Author: Jessica Urlichs Publisher: Little Moa
There are so many toys,
and games we can play.
Whatever we choose,
let's do it our way.
Join Frank and Quinn on their playdate - there are no limits to which toys they can play with and which games they can choose.
Author: Jane Arthur Publisher: Penguin New Zealand
Eleven-year-old Rebecca tries to make herself invisible so people won't call her weird. Resigned to spending the holidays by herself in a new neighbourhood while her mum works long hours at the supermarket, she meets Chester, who has come to stay for the summer. He is loud and fun and full of ideas. But will Rebecca be able to cope with being taken so far from her quiet comfort zone?
30th April 2024
Author: Shelley Burne-Field Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Poto is the perfect fledgling – the apple of her father's eye and a natural at hunting and flying. Anything a kāhu is supposed to be good at, Poto can do best of all. She can't understand why her sister Whetū gets cross with her – it's not her fault she's good at everything! As for her baby brother Ari, he's so weird and annoying.
Author: James Robb Publisher: Steele Roberts Aotearoa
"He devoted his life to free the world from unhappiness, tyranny and oppression," reads Harry Holland's memorial in Wellington. Militant unionist, socialist agitator, writer and organiser, Holland was a firebrand leader of workers - both in Australia, where he was jailed for sedition during the Broken Hill miners' strike of 1909, and in Aotearoa New Zealand, from the time he arrived at the start of the Waihi Strike in 1912, to his death at the tangi of the Maori King in 1933.
April 2024
Author: Sarah Beck Publisher: CP Books
This is a story about love, loneliness and despair. Returning to New Zealand after many years abroad, the author, Sarah Beck - a psychologist- writes about overcoming this despair both in herself and in her clients. She introduces the counselling world to her readers, through client stories and through her own journey to happiness.
April 2024
Author: Dahlia Malaeulu Publisher: Mila Books
Alofa tele atu, sending all my love, conveys a Pasifika parent's dreams, hopes, and cultural wishes for their Pasifika child as they embark on life's journey. The book unfolds as a personal letter expressing deep love and pride, incorporating cultural wisdom and cherished traditions.
Author: David Riley Publisher: Reading Warrior
Tuli has come down from heaven to explore our planet. But all he finds everywhere is water. Tagaloa creates land for him, but now he's lonely and doesn't have anyone to share it with! Find out what happens next in The First Samoans, a bilingual Samoan legend retold by David Riley and illustrated by Rasela Lafaele Uili.
18 April 2024
Author: M.H. Green Publisher: M.H.Green
Fresh from her success in her first murder trial at the Old Bailey, Penelope Lloyd-Hargreaves is persuaded to represent a senior Queen's Council who is in grave danger of being disbarred. Having accepted the case, she must call upon every ounce of expertise to achieve a satisfactory result. But is it enough? Will she prevail? And what of the request to take on a pupil? How will this fit in with her ambition to take silk?
April 2024
Author: Angi Pearce Publisher: Angi Pearce
Henry Houdini is an adventurous little dog who likes to go exploring beyond the walls of his property. His owners decide they need to do something to stop his roaming ways, but will they be successful in stopping him from escaping and wandering the streets?
April 2024
Author: Peter Sergel Publisher: Phantom House Books
When the city of Hamilton decided to establish a park on its old city rubbish dump, there were initially no plans to make it different from any other public park. However,
through strong community support and sponsorship, a unique space has emerged that’s now being recognised as one of the great gardens of the world.
23 April 2024
Author: Schaeffer Lemalu Publisher: Compound Press
The debut collection from a great poet and artist gone too soon. His word is among us, travelling still, full of candour, humility, a loving regard for detail. Includes an introduction by renowned US poet Donald Revell.
28 April 2024
Author: Bob Calkin Publisher: Quentin Wilson Publishing
Tales from the Lucky Generation follows Bob's rise from humble roots in working-class Whanganui to the world of law and business before a spectacular fall from grace landed him with a six-year prison sentence. Imprisonment changed Bob from an ambitious go-getter to a thoughtful, socially conscious man intent on recovering his sense of self-worth by making a positive contribution to society.
Author: Kiri Piahana-Wong Publisher: Anahera Press
Tidelines interweaves the poet's own life with the tragic story of Hinerangi, who lived at Karekare in the distant past. These are poems of Auckland's west coast, reflecting the steady rhythms of daily existence, alongside grief, mental unwellness, disintegration and resolution.
23 April 2024
Author: Pippa Latour with Jude Dobson Publisher: Allen & Unwin
During her time in Normandy, Pippa sent 135 secret messages conveying crucial information on German troop positions in the lead-up to D-Day. Pippa continued her mission until the liberation of Paris in August 1944.
For decades, Pippa told no one - not even her family - of her incredible feats during WWII.
Now, for the first time, her story can be told in full.
Author: Miriam Sharland Publisher: Otago University Press
Heart Stood Still is a record of Sharland's journey towards finding healing in the world's natural beauty, a beauty that we must fight to protect in the current climate crisis. It is both a memoir and a lyrical portrait of Manawatu. Through a series of personal essays that follow the pattern of the seasons, Sharland skilfully weaves reflections on her life and family history with observations on the native and introduced plants and animals about her; all tinged with her experience as 'an unsettled settler' in Aotearoa.
Author: Ngahuia te Awekotuku Publisher: HarperCollins New Zealand
‘In the 1950s, a young Ngahuia is fostered by a family who believe in hard work and community. Although close to her kuia, she craves more: she wants higher education and refined living. But whanau dismiss her dreams. To them, she is just a show-off, always getting into trouble, talking back and running away…’
Ngā Pitopito Kōrero · News
What’s going on in the Aotearoa book world? Keep up to date with the latest on books, events, awards and more.
Nine Girls takes the lead for April! Take a look at the ten bestselling Aotearoa junior fiction and young adult books for 24 March to 20 April 2024.
View this week’s bestselling Aotearoa NZ adult fiction, adult non-fiction and children’s books (14 to 20 April 2024).
We’re delighted to announce that writer, reviewer and WORD Festival Programme Director Kiran Dass is set to join Kete as Editor in Chief in September. We’re also excited to announce that writer and reviewer Erica Stretton, fresh from running National Poetry Day, has taken on Kete’s interim editorship.
This week’s giveaway is a two-book prize pack for outdoor enthusiasts: a copy of Tramping in New Zealand and Tongariro National Park: an artist’s field guide ! We also announce the winner of last week’s giveaway: Amma.
Here they are the this week’s bestselling Aotearoa NZ adult fiction, adult non-fiction and children’s books (7 to 13 April 2024).
This week’s giveaway is the ‘evocative’ and ‘lush’ Amma by Saraid de Silva! We also announce the winner of last week’s giveaway: The Secrets of the Little Greek Taverna.
Māori owned, independent publisher HUIA was named the Children’s Publisher of the Year for Oceania at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair this week. The award is in recognition of a publisher whose books stand out for their creativity, innovation and the quality of their editorial choices.
The 2024 Storylines Margaret Mahy National Awards Day was held on Sunday and included the presentation of the Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal to Elizabeth Jones and the announcement of the winners of the 2024 Storylines manuscript and illustration awards.
View the week’s bestselling Aotearoa NZ adult fiction, adult non-fiction and children’s books (31 March to 6 April 2024).
Take a look at the week’s bestselling Aotearoa NZ adult fiction, adult non-fiction and children’s books (24 to 30 March 2024).
The March list is in! Take a look at the ten bestselling Aotearoa junior fiction and young adult books for 25 February to 23 March 2024.
This week’s giveaway would make a great read for the long weekend! We have a copy of The Secrets of the Little Greek Taverna to giveaway. We also announce the winners of last fortnight’s prize draw for a copy of Ngā Kaihanga Uku: Māori Clay Artists.
Mark your calendars! This year’s nationwide celebration of poetry is scheduled for Friday 23 August. Registrations and seed funding applications are now open, and event organisers across the motu are encouraged to get involved!
Not-for-profit organisation Copyright Licensing New Zealand is launching MyCreativeRights, a new platform to help Aotearoa New Zealand's creatives better manage their intellectual property.
Books Alive – the programme of large-scale events that bring hundreds of kids at a time in touch with finalist authors in the annual New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults (NZCYA) – will expand to a third regional centre in 2024, thanks to funding from literature sector supporter, the Mātātuhi Foundation.
Do you know, or are you a bookseller superstar? Hachette Aotearoa wants to send one brilliant bookseller to the 2024 Auckland Writers Festival – one of the highlights of the NZ literary scene.
The 2024 Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize is open and this year local illustrators are invited to bring The Great Man-Eating Shark to life with colour, adventure and humour.
The NZ Booklovers Award winners were announced today. Books by Nick Davies, Eileen Merriman, David Hill, Sacha Cotter, Carlos Lehnebach, Claire Regnault, Rebecca Rice, Isaac Te Awa and Rachel Yates were named winners of the 2024 awards.
Just in time for Easter, this week’s bestsellers list is out! Take a look at the bestselling Aotearoa NZ adult fiction, adult non-fiction and children’s books (17 to 23 March 2024).
This week’s bestsellers list is out! Take a look at the bestselling Aotearoa NZ adult fiction, adult non-fiction and children’s books (10 to 16 March 2024).
Take a look at the brilliant books in this year’s Māori Books | Ngā Pukapuka Māori and Pasifika Books catalogues. These two catalogues bring together an exciting range of recent and forthcoming Māori and Pasifika Books.
This week to celebrate the release of the Pasifika Books and Māori Books | Ngā Pukapuka Māori catalogues we have a copy of Ngā Kaihanga Uku: Māori Clay Artists to give away. We also announce the winners of last fortnight’s prize draw for a copy Feijoa: a story of obsession and belonging.
While we can’t do justice to the incredible programme of writers at this year’s Auckland Writers Festival in one short article, we’ve rolled up our sleeves and had a go. Here’s a small sample of the local talent involved in the discussions and dialogue at this year’s festival.
This week’s bestsellers list is out! Take a look at the bestselling Aotearoa NZ adult fiction, adult non-fiction and children’s books (3 to 9 March 2024).
The Aotearoa Bestsellers list is out! Take a look at the bestselling NZ adult fiction, adult non-fiction and children’s books (25 February to 2 March 2024).
What a list for February! Take a look at the ten bestselling Aotearoa junior fiction and young adult books for 28 January to 24 February.
The Aotearoa Bestsellers list is out! Take a look at the bestselling NZ adult fiction, adult non-fiction and children’s books (19 to 24 February 2024).
Autumn is in the air! This week we have a copy of Feijoa: a story of obsession and belonging to give away! We also announce the winners of last fortnight’s three-book prize draw celebrating Aotearoa’s LGBTQIA writers.
Ngā Tuhinga, ngā Tuhingaroa, ngā Uiui, me Ētahi Atu mea ·
Articles, Essays, Interviews and More
A collection of new and interesting offerings: essays, interviews, articles, extracts and the occasional piece of poetry or prose.
What do Take Two, The Last Secret Agent and Nine Girls have in common? They’re all topping this week’s Aotearoa NZ bestsellers list for their category! Find out what else is on this week’s list (21 to 27 April 2024)!