In today’s NZ English curriculum, culturally responsive texts are essential. Stories from Aotearoa play an important role in helping students see themselves, their communities, and their histories reflected in what they read. New Zealand literature offers rich opportunities to explore identity, culture, and relationships, supporting both literacy development and personal growth. Because narratives bring hope and validation to student lives, Education Perfect (EP) teamed up with a selection of Māori, Pasifika and Asian writers to present a diverse range of perspectives that is representative of Aotearoa’s communities today. Here’s a look at some of the essential texts on offer for Years 6–10 students:
1. Four Samoan legends, retold by Tusiata Avia
Renowned poet Tusiata Avia ONZM reimagines four beloved Samoan legends in student-friendly language, with audio versions that bring the stories to life through her own narration.
- The Twins introduces Taema and Tilafaiga, whose journey explains how the art of pe’a tattooing came to Sāmoa.
- The Rat and the Octopus provides an accessible entry point to fables and moral storytelling.
- Sina and the Eel invites comparisons with Māori pūrākau while exploring the origins of the coconut.
These stories offer meaningful opportunities to explore cultural knowledge, oral traditions, and cross-cultural connections in the classroom.
From collaborations with Huia Publishers, a Year 7 unit was developed around junior novels, using excerpts from two texts by Māori writers: Awatea’s Treasure by Fraser Smith and Whetū Toa and the Magician by Steph Matuku. Both novels introduce strong, determined and courageous Māori protagonists in settings that students will relate to and connect with.
2. Awatea’s Treasure by Fraser Smith
This is the first in a series of books that follows the adventures of a young boy. Awatea is staying at his grandparents’ house in the country for the school holidays. He is intensely bored — until he investigates a haunted house and discovers a hidden tree hut that reveals a secret treasure. Written by an ex-principal from Kaitāia to engage his school’s Māori boys in reading, students can expect humour, mystery and suspense.
3. Whetū Toa and the Magician by Steph Matuku
Again, this is the first in a series of fantasy novels from one of Aotearoa’s best writers for children and young adults. Meet Whetū Toa, a spirited and adventurous girl who becomes a magician’s assistant. Magic, humour, a golden ram, three lazy pigs and a carnivorous lamb. What more could you want?
Highlighting local literature
Together, these texts reflect the diverse voices of Aotearoa and help students deepen their understanding of themselves, others, and the world they live in.
Incorporating local texts into English programmes can help to:
- Strengthen cultural identity and belonging
- Build empathy and cross-cultural understanding
- Increase engagement through relatable narratives
- Support literacy through meaningful contexts
Interested in integrating Aotearoa-focused texts into your programmes? Education Perfect’s English resources are designed to support diverse learners and save teachers valuable planning time.
