In 2000, we established this charitable trust to deliver programmes that promote and foster Māori literature and its place in the literature of the nation. Guided by our own cultural values, we seek to grow Māori writers’ skills, confidence and opportunity. We encourage Māori writers to stand tall as Māori and to support each other and become a strong force within the literary community of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Calling all rangatahi Māori! Do you have a passion for writing?
The Māori Literature Trust | Te Waka Taki Kōrero is hosting a one-day wānanga this school holidays, to help you add skills to your kete for your journey as a kaituhi Māori. Come and join us for an awesome day of workshops, kai and connecting with other rangatahi Māori who are keen on writing in te reo Māori, English or Reo Rua. Open to rangatahi Māori aged Year 7 – 13.
Spaces are limited so get in quick – e oma! Complete the form below to dibs your spot.
Workshops available:
Writing Short Stories in te reo Māori with Mike Ross
Writing Short Stories, Reo Rua with Anahera Gildea
Writing Poetry, Reo Rua with Anahera Gildea
Writing Poetry in English with Nicole Titihuia Hawkins
Zine Workshop and Open Mic with Nadia Solomon
This year the Pikihuia Awards will celebrate 30 years of supporting and nurturing kaituhi Māori! Held biennially, the Pikihuia Awards have welcomed short story submissions in both te reo Māori and English. Following the exciting new categories introduced in 2023, The Māori Literature Trust is proud to announce that we are again adjusting the genre categories in response to feedback from the writing community and industry experts.
When talking about their influences, writers often speak across creative mediums when discussing their creative inspirations. In our Q&A’s we love asking authors what waiata they would include in a soundtrack to accompany their pukapuka. To celebrate Hine Raumati, and to encourage you to read pukapuka Māori, we’ve asked writers to help us create a Summer Soundtrack Series. Check out our Spotify profile now to listen to the soundtrack playlists to accompany some of our favourite Māori books of the past year!
Te Waka Taki Kōrero – the Māori Literature Trust is seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our kaupapa, advancing the vision of ‘taking Māori voices to the world’.
We are calling for Expressions of Interest for two pivotal roles, each instrumental in fostering Māori storytelling and cultural advocacy. If you are a motivated professional who thrives in a high-trust environment, we want to hear from you!
Tikanga Māori
We are always guided by our own cultural values, tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori. We are open to new ideas and innovation – building on the traditions of our tūpuna.
Tū Mai
We encourage Māori writers to stand tall as Māori. We acknowledge that it takes courage to share a story.
We stand beside and advocate for Māori writers.
Whakawhanaungatanga
We create opportunities to strengthen the collective of Māori writers and we nurture relationships with collaborators to build impact.
Whakatupu
We seek to grow Māori writers’ skills, confidence and opportunities. We actively promote Māori writers.
Tino Rangatiratanga
We seek independence and freedom to amplify Māori voices.
We foster and promote Māori writers
E tuhi, taki mai i te ao Māori ki te ao whānui
Taking Māori voices to the world
Te Waka Taki Kōrero – the Māori Literature Trust is seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our kaupapa, advancing the vision of ‘taking Māori
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