Decolonise your bookshelf this Christmas with the best of Pasifika reading!

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Whose Your Name? - Tamaiti O Le Pasifika Class - Wainuiomata Intermediate School

Every name has a story. The 'Whose Your Name?' book project brings together pieces of writing from the Tamaiti o le Pasifika vasega, a Pasifika enrichment class at Wainuiomata Intermediate School. These young Pasifika writers explore the deep meanings of Pacific island names, the cultural history behind their own, and the experiences that have shaped their understanding of identity.

The Tamaiti o le Pasifika class at Wainuiomata Intermediate School is brings together students from diverse Pacific Island backgrounds. Founded with the purpose of strengthening cultural identity and community, the class provides a space for Pasifika youth to explore their heritage, celebrate their unique voices, and embrace the richness of their Pacific island roots. Learn more about where to get it here!

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An Indigenous Ocean: Pacific Essays - Damon Salesa

Histories of our Pacific world are richly rendered in these essays by Damon Salesa. From the first Indigenous civilisations that flourished in Oceania to the colonial encounters of the nineteenth century, and on to the complex contemporary relationships between New Zealand and the Pacific, Salesa offers new perspectives on this vast ocean – its people, its cultures, its pasts and its future.

Damon Salesa, Vice-Chancellor of the Auckland University of Technology, was awarded the General Non-Fiction Award at the 2024 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards for his work on An Indigenous Ocean, order it online here!

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Mata Oti - by Lani Wendt Young

If you are an avid Pasifika reader, Lani Wendt Young is definitely an author you know. Internationally recognised, Young is a writer and columnist with published work ranging from short stories, novels to screenwriting and 14 books to her name; from the global bestsellers of the Telesa series, to the insightful collection of stories ‘Afakasi Woman’. Telesa lover’s will know - Wendt has an ability to whisk you away to Samoa and keep you at the edge of the rock pools at midnight with Leila.  Mata Oti only adds to her excellent catalogue. The first sci-thriller set in Samoa, this is an apocalyptic zombie novel with a Pacific twist. 

I’d recommend this book to the sci-fi obsessed young adults in your aiga! See the book description from Lani’s website below:

"From reclusive librarian to warrior guardian… Iva must safeguard her two nieces as Samoa battles a mutant variant of the deadly virus that’s raging across the world. It transforms people into savage creatures beyond all hope. She’s afraid, but determined to get the children through hordes of the infected to an emergency evacuation plane. It’s a race against time though as the variant rampages through her own veins. Can she fight off the Change for long enough so they all survive?"

You can order Mata Oti (and other books) from Lani’s website here.

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The Tala Series - Various Playwrights

Creative New Zealand partnered with Playmarket to publish eight Pasifika New Zealand plays. The eight plays have all premiered between 2002 and 2019 and have now been published as the Tala series, an imprint of Playmarket | He Rōpū Tautoko Tito Whakaari o Aotearoa. 

Featuring works from established and emerging Pasifika writers, these scripts each touch on the experiences of different tangata Moana. More information about the series can be found here

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Bloody Woman - Lana Lopesi

Bloody Woman is bloody good writing. It moves between academic, journalistic and personal essay. I love that Lana moves back and forward across these genres... holding up the baskets of knowledge - Tusiata Avia

This wayfinding set of essays, by acclaimed writer and critic Lana Lopesi, explores the overlap of being a woman and Sāmoan. Writing on ancestral ideas of womanhood appears alongside contemporary reflections on women's experiences and the Pacific. Grab it here!

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Mophead and Mophead Tu: The Queen’s Poem - by Dr Selina Tusitala Marsh

'Mophead’ is poet laureate Dr. Selina Tusitala Marsh’s bestselling and award-winning graphic memoir. She illustrates and writes her story of growing up as Pasifika in Aotearoa and encourages audiences that - like her own experience - their differences can make a difference.

Readers learn of Selina’s extraordinary life and some exciting events to note - including reading for Samoan royalty and becoming the first Pasifika woman to hold a PHD.

In 'Mophead Tu' Selina is crowned Commonwealth Poet and invited to perform for the Queen in Westminster Abbey. But when someone at work calls her a ‘sellout’, Selina starts doubting herself. Can she stand with her people who struggled against the Queen . . . and still serve the Queen?

These books are loving gifts for young women on a love/hate journey with what makes them stand out (and shine). I’d recommend it for all your younger sisters, cousins and daughters too!

You can buy from these books from Moana Fresh here 

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The Savage Coloniser - Tusiata Avia

"Kneel like a prayer full of lynching. This is my God-given white"

'The Savage Coloniser'  is a personal and politcal reckoning from acclaimed poet Tusiata Avia, and awarded the 2021 Ockham Award for Poetry for this work. You can order the book here 

(This book, probably not for the kiddies)

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Frangipani - by Célestine Hitiura Vaite

Frangipani is the first book in the Tahitian Materena Mahi series, published in 2006. Célestine Hitiura Vaite grew up in Faa'a-Tahiti, where storytelling was etched into her life and where she saw women overcome obstacles with gusto and humour. 

This novel is for older teens, it explores what womanhood means - traditionally and in modern times to Tahitian mother Matarena and her daughter Leilani. Matarena’s journey in a changing Tahiti is brought to life with warm, tender and humorous storytelling by Vaite. 

Order the first Materena Mahi fiction story from here.

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Dawn Raid - by Pauline (Vaeluaga) Smith

Pauline Vaeluaga Smith enchants young readers through easy to read diary entries from the eyes of 13 year old Sofia. Readers learn about the time of the 1970’s Dawn Raids, what it was like for Pacific migrants and the tireless work of the Polynesian Panthers. 

"Like many 13-year-old girls, Sofia’s main worries are how to get some groovy go-go boots, and how not to die of embarrassment giving a speech at school! But when her older brother starts talking about protests and overstayers, and how Pacific Islanders are being bullied by the police, a shadow is cast over Sofia’s sunny teenage days." 

'Dawn Raid' is the first published book by Pasifika author Pauline (Vaeluaga) Smith. The book was published as part of Scholastic's 'My New Zealand Story' series. During her work as a lecturer at the University of Otago, College of Education, Smith saw her students had a lack of knowledge surrounding the Dawn Raids and the Polynesian Panthers. This inspired her to write 'Dawn Raid', to inform young people of the Polynesian Panther stories in a way that was colourful and accessible for all. 

 'Dawn Raid' can be ordered online here.

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Iep Jaltok: Poems from a Marshallese Daughter - by Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner

See below the description of Iep Jaltok by Poet and Activist Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner, a key recommendation from Pacific Climate Warrior Brianna Fruean who wrote in her opinion that she read it at 17 years old. This book comes recommended from the climate justice queen herself! Definitely buy this as a gift for teens and young adults looking to read personal stories of climate change in the islands.

(From the University of Arizona Press)

​​As the seas rise, the fight intensifies to save the Pacific Ocean’s Marshall Islands from being devoured by the waters around them. At the same time, activists are raising their poetic voices against decades of colonialism, environmental destruction, and social injustice.

Marshallese poet and activist Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner’s writing highlights the traumas of colonialism, racism, forced migration, the legacy of American nuclear testing, and the impending threats of climate change. Bearing witness at the front lines of various activist movements inspires her work and has propelled her poetry onto international stages, where she has performed in front of audiences ranging from elementary school students to more than a hundred world leaders at the United Nations Climate Summit.

The poet connects us to Marshallese daily life and tradition, likening her poetry to a basket and its essential materials. Her cultural roots and her family provides the thick fiber, the structure of the basket. Her diasporic upbringing is the material which wraps around the fiber, an essential layer to the structure of her experiences. And her passion for justice and change, the passion which brings her to the front lines of activist movements—is the stitching that binds these two experiences together.

Iep Jāltok will make history as the first published book of poetry written by a Marshallese author, and it ushers in an important new voice for justice.

Read the praise for Kathy’s poems on her website and order the book here.

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Dear Uso - Mani Malaeulu

Mika seems like the perfect teenage son. Smart, sporty, hard-working, and the head junior prefect, he's the go-to for his friends and the dependable older brother. But beneath the surface, Mika struggles to balance school, work, and the heavy burden of family responsibilities, all while coping with the absence of his older brother, Tala. As he uncovers family secrets, Mika learns that the real challenges lie not just  in the world outside but within the walls of his own home.

Mani Malaeulu is the award-winning co-author of Tama Sāmoa and the creator of the Tama Pasifika Wellbeing Journal. He is also the owner of Empower Pacific, a leadership and wellbeing training company  that supports schools, organizations, and businesses across Aotearoa. With over a decade of experience in leadership roles across the recruitment and financial sector, Mani is passionate about helping people, especially young Pacific men, discover and develop their personal power and potential to succeed as themselves. For more information, head here

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Mother’s Journal by 'Oa Tāua

In a world where everything is going digital and they are exposed too and influenced by so much we wanted to provide our children with more opportunities to continue to learn of our culture and heritage. Locally owned small-business ‘Oa Tāua have developed a keepsake collection that pays tribute to our Samoan cultural values of family, love, respect and being of service. 

Our Mother’s Journal is the very first of its kind and very special to my heart. It includes 50 questions in English and Samoan. A space for Mothers to document their treasured memories, stories, knowledge and advice in their very own words for their beloved children and all future generations to keepsake. 

For more information, check out their website here!

Still can't find what you're looking for?

Pasifika store 'Moana Fresh' located at 64 Rosebank Road in Avondale, West Auckland may be your one stop shop for all things Moana! From books to clothing, artwork, and ceramics, there will surely be something there to fill up your fale. Check out their website here, and their Instagram page here!

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Made with the support of Creative New Zealand