Kohanga Reo benefit by children's book

Tu Tangata, Issue 14, 1 October 1983, Page 44

Kohanga Reo benefit by children's book

Kohanga Reo throughout the country will be benefiting by the release of a new children’s cut-out book called Maori Pa. The book was the idea of Ann Walko, wife of a former director of Caltex and was designed and illustrated by Greytown artist David Cowe. Caltex have sponsored the publication. Pipitea Kohanga Reo children were guests at the launching of the book where it was announced that all kohanga will receive copies of Maori Pa.

Maori Pa is full colour with ready-to-assemble models of all features of a Maori pa, from tiwatawata to pataka. Both Maori and English is used on the detailed figures and buildings. Caltex Managing Director, Mr W. Dunning says it’s a book that educates not by words, but by doing. “We hope that in the course of putting together its beautiful little models, children will come to understand, in a living way, the history and way of life of the Maori people”, said Mr Dunning. His sentiments were endorsed by Amster Reedy, lecturer in Maori

studies at Wellington Teachers College. In an impromptu speech, Mr Reedy said that an important part of the work of Te Kohanga Reo involved learning through touching and feeling. “Putting together these models will give young children a valuable feeling experience.” He also said the model pa’s was an inspiration to all those who were working to preserve the Maori heritage. “Many of the old pa’s are now sadly in need of attention. Let us hope that one day they will all look as good as this one.”