Bringing the stories of Moriori to literature

We are planning to write, and illustrate, a series of age-related books exploring Moriori life.  

The grant from the Mātātuhi Foundation will be put toward developing the first book in the series, a picture book aimed at children aged 5 - 9, following a day in the life of a Moriori family in pre-contact days.   

As much as possible, this book will be trilingual. The illustrations will depict elements of the world around the family, and will be represented in English, Māori and Moriori. 

My mother and I will be working together to research and write the book. We are very lucky to have access to our hokopapa/whakapapa, and the family will be, as much as possible, based on our ancestors.  We will be consulting with the Hokotehi Moriori Trust to ensure the historical accuracy of the book.