Pounamu Pounamu
Over 50 years in print!
Pounamu Pounamu is classic Ihimaera and also classic New Zealand literature. First published in 1972, it was Witi's first book, which as he says in the new introduction 'fulfilled a childhood vow — to write about Maori using his own self and home place'. The vivid stories in this collection not only explore but also celebrate what it is like to be a New Zealander, and they do so from a lively Maori perspective.
The seeds of Ihimaera's later works were first introduced in this ground-breaking collection — The Whale Rider in his story 'The Whale'; The Rope of Man in 'Tangi'; the character of Simeon from Bulibasha, King of the Gypsies in 'One Summer Morning'. It also covers the themes of aroha (love), whanaungatanga (kinship) and manaakitanga (supporting each other), which are so integral to Ihimaera's work.
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Publishing has a diversity problem. There are less 'diverse' books being published which limits the discoverability and reach of those authors.
Representation is important. Read more about why we exist here.
An anti-racist social enterprise bookstore specialising in BIPOC books.
Only about 11% of books published are by BIPOC authors — so unless you specifically seek out books by BIPOC authors, you aren't likely to find very many of them organically. At Amplify, BIPOC authors are highlighted and celebrated. Here, they don't have to fight to be seen, and you don't have to fight to find them.
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