Books of Mana is a powerful and illuminating exploration of Māori authorship, scholarship, and activism in Aotearoa New Zealand. Edited by Jacinta Ruru, Angela Wanhalla, and Jeanette Wikaira, this beautifully crafted volume brings together a collection of essays that celebrate the rich literary heritage of Māori, spanning more than two centuries. It is a testament to the enduring mana of Māori knowledge and storytelling, demonstrating how the written word has served as both a tool of resistance and a vessel for cultural preservation.
The book builds on the groundbreaking Te Takarangi project, a curated list of 180 significant Māori-authored non-fiction books, developed in collaboration with Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga and the Royal Society Te Apārangi. This list, originally launched in 2018, provided a crucial foundation for Books of Mana, which expands on the significance of these texts and their impact on both Māori communities and the wider intellectual landscape of Aotearoa. Through a series of essays by leading Māori scholars and writers, the book explores how these works have shaped understanding, fostered dialogue, and contributed to the ongoing pursuit of justice and recognition for Māori voices.
A key strength of Books of Mana lies in its ability to present Māori literature not as a static historical record but as a living, evolving force that continues to shape the present and future. The editors and contributors weave together historical analysis, personal reflection, and critical engagement to highlight the profound influence of Māori writing. The book underscores how early Māori writers swiftly embraced print literacy, integrating it into te ao Māori and using it as a means to document their histories, assert their rights, and challenge colonial narratives.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its recognition of writing as activism. Many of the featured works have been instrumental in shaping political discourse, particularly in relation to te Tiriti o Waitangi, land rights, language revitalisation, and Māori self-determination. The book also acknowledges the challenges that Māori authors have faced, including the marginalisation of their voices in mainstream publishing and academia, while celebrating the resilience and determination that have ensured these stories endure.
Deep questions are asked throughout the text, leading readers towards hypothetical issues that affect life in Aotearoa New Zealand as we know it. In Maria Bargh’s (Te Arawa, Ngāti Awa) section, questions like ‘What is at stage if Māori stop resisting?’ and ‘Are resistance and revitalisation different or the same?’ seek answers to more wide ranging questions. Engaging with the books referenced in this compendium provide some of the responses to these issues.
The visual design of Books of Mana further enhances its accessibility and impact. Richly illustrated with archival images, book covers, and portraits of authors, the book offers a visually engaging reading experience that complements its scholarly depth. The inclusion of quotes, fact boxes, and contextual notes ensures that the book appeals to both general readers and those with a deep academic interest in Māori literature.
At a time when discussions around te reo Māori, identity, and treaty obligations remain central to New Zealand’s political and social landscape, Books of Mana is an essential contribution. It serves as both a resource and an inspiration, urging all New Zealanders to engage with these vital works. This collection is not merely a reflection on the past but a call to action—an invitation to recognise and uphold the mana of Māori writing as a cornerstone of Aotearoa’s intellectual and cultural identity.
Reviewer: Chris Reed
Otago University Press