Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2012 from Libro International



Artwork by Arantxa Zecchini Dowling ©

From the team behind Libro International books - Alessandra, Carolyn, Sophie, Pat and Peter - best wishes for a 
Merry Christmas and a Happy 2012!

Dal team di Libro International - Alessandra, Carolyn, Sophie, Pat e Peter - i migliori auguri di
Buon Natale e Felice Anno 2012!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Haere mai ki te wahi ipurangi o Orātia Media



The Oratia Media website is now live in Te Reo Māori
He mihi aroha ki a Vapi Kupenga i tana whakamāoritia o tō mātou wahi ipurangi. Thanks to esteemed broadcaster and reviewer Vapi Kupenga for her translation of our site. 
(Vapi hosts the Thursday night talkback on Radio Waatea 603 AM).
Having the site in Te Reo (alongside English and Italian) reflects our commitment to publishing services and books that reflect the indigenous world view of Aotearoa/New Zealand.  
To check the site, go to http://www.oratiamedia.com/kainga.html



Monday, December 5, 2011

Trudy Meredith’s award acceptance speech for Wiremu Pere



The 2011 Ngā Kupu Ora Māori Book Awards were held on 29 November at Massey University in Palmerston North (Te Papa-i-oea). Trudy Meredith accepted the 2011 Ngā Kupu Ora Māori Book Award for Wiremu Pere, winner of the Te Hauronga/Biography Category, on behalf of publishing partners the Wi Pere Trust and Libro International.





E Papatuanuku tena koe
E whare wanaaga o Te Kunenga Ki Purehuroa, tena koe
E te Atua kaha rawa, whakawhetai ana
E nga Hunga mate, Haere Haere ki hawaikinui, hawaikiroa, Hawaiki pamamao
E nga Hunga ora Tena Koutou
Me nga Rangatira katoa e te paepae o tenei whare wanaanga nga tumuaki Nga Kupu Ora Book Awards 2011
Me nga rangatira katoa, iwi ma Tena Koutou , Tena Koutou, tena koutou katoa.
Hui e Haumi e Taiki e
Ka moe a Wi Pere a Arapera Tautuhi o te Rangi
Ka puta mai a Hetekia Te Kani
Ka moe a Hetekia Te Kani a Rangikohera Ranginui
Ka puta mai a Rongowhakaata Halbert
Ka moe a Rongowhakaata Halbert a Patehepa Tamatea
Ka puta moe a Hineikoia Riripeti Halbert
Ko Taku mama
Ko Trudy Meredith Taku ingoa
It is with humility that I accept this award on behalf of my brother Joe, who is unable to be here at this time, Hani Smiler, Hineiromia Whaanga, Wi Pere Trust who financed this book, Alan Haronga , our chairman of Wi Pere Trust for seeing the book to completion, Peter Dowling and Libro International, our publishers.
This book is but one of many that our people have wished to bring into the world of light and I pay tribute to those many others who have gone before me in particular Rongowhakaata Halbert and his daughter Nona Haronga who first compiled HOROUTA which was published by Reed in 1999.
This book WIREMU PERE has been a long time in the making but everything has its time and it was appropriate that it was finished in 2010.
Brother Joe was procrastinating for a topic for his thesis and his tutor recommended he write about his Tipuna and his role in history, particularly in the political arena. This began a lifelong search for material, the oral histories from our aunties and uncles who have since passed on, and the various institutes which housed documents pertaining to aspects of Wi Pere’s life.
In 2008, for the next 18 months, my husband found me reading material and at my computer nightly after our daily work was completed. Late nights or early mornings were the order of the day.
Tears came to my eyes many times and my heart ached when I read of the unfair obstacles placed in my Tipunas path. One has to really imagine being born in 1837, so few tauiwi in Turanganuiakiwa but many in parliament, the Maori wars with European and Maori, famines, floods and droughts, measles and yet this tipuna of ours was able to rise from there to enter Parliament to fight for his people, and the people of Te Tairawhiti not just his immediate whanau.
To truly know a man you need to hear or read his actual words and yes they were outrageous, wicked and humorous. After reading his many speeches I came to know him and feel him. I remember asking my mother Hineikoia many questions about Wi Pere, and her stories were always told with love, admiration and a wicked smile. She would have treasured this book but unfortunately passed away in 1969.
I felt his frustration and indignation when anomalies were present, one rule for Europeans and one rule for Maori, like the ridiculous law - in order to vote a Maori had to be landless. However, we have moved on since then and we as Maori have more opportunites today. The book is not an in depth investigation into all of Wi Peres life because it would have made the book too long and very expensive to produce.
I admired his tenacity, his outstanding mastery of oratory, a delicious speaker according to one of his listeners….his ability to see and make new pathways which would benefit his people , the tribes of Te Tairawhiti and his constituents.
I understand how Wi Pere must have felt as in my life I have been in places where there were few Maoris and solutions to problems were often innovative but were welcomed in this century yet denied in his time.
I remember 25 years ago being confronted by a relative from another branch of my family who denigrated my Tipuna and my head was bowed. I vowed there and then that I would find all the answers, and, thanks to computers and the resources available today I have found the truth and this knowledge is empowerment. The truth set me free of those feelings of sadness.
However, on his feelings of suffragettes, its just as well we are in different centuries as I would have enjoyed having heated debates on this topic.
Funnily two of his granddaughtersTeria and Mana were powerful speakers on the paepae.
Today we, the trustees of the Wi Pere Trust, like our Tipuna, are always looking for new pathways to benefit the Wi Pere descendants who roughly number about 5000. And like him we too experience a resistance of business institutions to look at constructive changes because they are new and control will be lost by those institutions. We are lucky to have some fine young people highly qualified and experienced to govern our trust.
It was because of Wi Peres foresight that we have our incredible taonga the Wi Pere Trust, which was set up by him by an act of parliament in 1899 and from which our entire family have benefited. He was also responsible for the building of Rongopai, which many of you may have already visited.
We are fortunate that education was always of paramount importance and in our parents eyes nothing was impossible if we applied ourselves to the task and always remembered our tipunas.
We the young people and not so young descendants can follow his example and challenge ourselves
to excel not just for our personal benefit but for the benefit of our whanau, extended families and communities.
I believe that after being involved in this book that
Wi Pere made a difference to many people in Aotearoa.
It is all too easy to criticize a man or woman after they have passed on and it is right that we should only remember the good, It is in the hands of God to judge the not so good, not ours.
Once again I thank you for this award on behalf of my brother Joe and everyone involved with seeing this book finally published.
Riria Mauaranui and the other tohunga of the whare wanaanga groomed and prepared him for his role, recognising his abilities whilst in childhood.
As mothers today, we too are responsible for the preparation of our children and grandchildren for their journeys into life.
People, whanau, mokopuna were his focus which leads me to my waiata.

Hutia te Rito
Hutia te Rito o te Harakeke
Kei whea to komako e ko
Ki mai ki ahau
He aha te mea nui
He aha te mea nui o te ao
Maku e ki atu
He tangata, He tangata, he tangata Hei
Kia ora Tatou, tatou katoa.




Related articles: 

Massey University: Ngā Kupu Ora Awards Celebrate Māori Publishing Milestones

Thursday, November 17, 2011

The Treaty of Waitangi: back in print





Read Beattie's Book Blog on the release of Ross Calman's The Treaty of Waitangi today, another neat New Zealand book back in print through Libro International. Ross spoke this evening with Vapi Kupenga on Radio Watea 603 AM; kia ora i tou tautoko e Vapi, me he mihi nui ki a koe e Ross. 

Monday, November 14, 2011

To the Gateways of Florence on Cartolina & Plains FM





Cartolina & Plains FM 
Cartolina is the programme of Italian culture and life that airs on PLAINS FM 96.9 every second Wednesday at 7.30pm and repeats on the following Monday at 10.30am. You can listen to each pro-gramme from everywhere in the world, either live or recorded on pod cast, on the website 
http://plainsfm.org.nz/podcasts/programme/cartolina/ 

9 & 14 November 
Publisher Peter Dowling, and Jill and Stefano Fusi (translator and editor, respectively) talk about the launch of the book To the Gateways of Florence, about the New Zealand forces in Tuscany in 1944, and the (now) well known episode of the liberation of the little town of Tavarnelle in Val di Pesa.



In italiano:

Cartolina & Plains FM 
Cartolina è il programma di cultura e di vita italiana trasmesso da Plains FM 96.9, ogni secondo mercoledì dalle ore 19.30, e viene ripetuto il lunedì seguente alle ore 10.30. Si possono ascoltare le puntate andate in onda da ogni angolo nel mondo, dal vivo o registrate nel pod-cast, basta andare sul sito web 
http://plainsfm.org.nz/podcasts/programme/cartolina/ 

9 & 14 novembre 
L’editore Peter Dowling, e Jill and Stefano Fusi (traduttrice e revisore, rispettivamente) parlano del lancio del libro To the Gateways of Florence, sui militari neozelandesi in Toscana nel 1944, e sull’episodio (adesso) famoso della liberazione del paese di Tavarnelle in Val di Pesa




Monday, November 7, 2011

Wiremu Pere wins Ngā Kupu Ora award

We are honoured to announce that Libro International's 2010 publication Wiremu Pere has won the biography section of Ngā Kupu Ora 2011, the third Māori Book Awards.


Our heartfelt congratulations to Joseph Pere, the book's author, and Alan Haronga, who brought the book to completion through the Wi Pere Trust. 

Wiremu Pere: The Life and Times of a Maori Leader, 1837–1915 is the first biography of this seminal East Coast  figure.

The judging panel described this book as an “outstanding biography” that was long overdue because Wiremu Pere’s contribution to politics is “often overlooked due to the high profile of other Māori politicians of the time”, including Apirana Ngata.

Commenting on the 2011 winners, the judges commended their contribution to Māori knowledge. “In addition to excellent content and production, each of the winning books advanced our knowledge and understanding in new and different ways,” they said. 

The Ngā Kupu Ora Māori Book Awards were established in 2009 by Massey University to mark Māori Language Week and to celebrate and encourage excellence in Māori publishing. 
This year's awards will be presented on 29 November at a ceremony at Te Pūtahi-a-toi, Massey University’s School of Māori Studies, in Palmerston North.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Article about Warrior Kids in The Aucklander




Warrior kids learn to chill out 


Andre Hueber | Thursday, November 3, 2011 


"Waimarama Kaka's behaviour started going downhill after his parents split up.

The 10-year-old was being bullied at school, chewing on his clothes, fighting with his brothers and losing his temper at the drop of a hat - in one tantrum he put his foot through a window...."



To read the rest of this story on The Aucklander website click here.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Warrior Kids book launch – helping bring positive change to kids’ lives





 M E D I A    R E L E A S E  3 November 2011

AUCKLAND: Tim Tipene’s compelling new book Warrior Kids: Warrior Training for Children was launched last night at the Warrior Kids centre in Henderson.

Warrior Kids is a bold programme that teaches children self-mastery and conflict resolution through a blend of Maori and Eastern martial arts and counselling – developed by Tim Tipene over 18 years of teaching around New Zealand.

Over 70 invited guests gathered to launch the book – among them Labour MP and Te Tai Tokerau candidate Kelvin Davis, and former Waitakere City mayor, Bob Harvey.

Tim Tipene told guests that when he was trying to break out of his own abusive childhood he had found little guidance.

“Warrior Kids provides a map for children in similar situations to find a way forward.

“The book lets teachers and educators use its lessons and techniques to target issues like bullying, lack of confidence or abuse in the home,” he said.

Warrior Kids: Warrior Training for Children is available through good booksellers, or the publisher’s website www.librointernational.com

For an interview, contact:  Tim Tipene 021 525 450
For more information or a review copy, contact:
Kerry Engelbrecht 021 335 132
Libro International, a division of Oratia Media






From left: Libro International publisher Peter Dowling, former Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey, Labour MP and Te Tai Tokerau candidate Kelvin Davis, Tim Tipene.





Tim Tipene signing books at the launch of Warrior Kids

Photos: Alessandra Zecchini



Monday, October 24, 2011

Frankfurt Book Fair: PANZ news


Photo: Peter Dowling


Click here to read the Publisher Association of New Zealand reports on the Frankfurt Book Fair.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

From the Beattie's Book Blog - Frankfurt Book Fair 2011: New Zealand publishers up the game



Peter Dowling reports from Frankfurt: 

On the final morning of this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair, many of the New Zealand exhibitors were to be found at the Sport-Club Frankfurt 1880, along with local Kiwis and embassy staff from Berlin, watching the All Blacks take on the Wallabies....


Read the full report on the Beattie's Book Blog


Photos: Peter Dowling


Friday, October 14, 2011

Our books at Frankfurt





Oratia Media is once again at the Frankfurt Book Fair, exhibiting our Libro International books and also representing Otago University Press. There is a buzz around the New Zealand stand as we look ahead to being Country of Honour in 2012.

A report will follow once the fair concludes on Sunday.


Photos: Peter Dowling





Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Anyong haseyo to Korean publishers



Libro International and parent company Oratia Media are now featured on a significant Korean website that seeks to introduce international publishers to their Korean counterparts. The Overseas Publication Information Access (OPIA) site is an initiative from the Korea Literature Translation Institute. 

In the profile, we talk about our publishing vision, the role of translation in New Zealand's book market and things for Korean publishers to keep in mind for doing business with New Zealand. 

To read the profile please click here.


Friday, September 23, 2011

Like Them That Dream - classic work available now from Libro International


He pānui tēnei mo tētahi pukapuka whakahirahira ka whakaputa i tēnei rā - Like Them That Dream: The Maori and the Old Testament, no Bronwyn Elsmore i tuhituhia. 
Today Libro International is proud to bring back to print the classic work on the interaction of Maori and Christianity after the arrival of missionaries in the early nineteenth century. And it is an honour to again work with author, Dr Bronwyn Elsmore; our thanks to her for helping bring Like Them That Dream to fruition. 









The Book:
The arrival of European missionaries in New Zealand had an immeasurable impact on Maori society. Like Them That Dream tells the intriguing story of early interaction between Maori and missionary, leading to the many distinctive responses to the arrival of Christianity.

The book’s first two parts consider how the Christian word was spread and how Maori responded, explaining the identification they felt with the Israelites of the Old Testament. The third part relates the rise of indigenous religious movements, from the early Papahurihia through Pai Marire, Ringatu and the Parihaka Movement, and the later incarnations of the Arowhenua Movement in the South Island and what remains today’s leading Maori church, Ratana.

The Author:
Bronwyn Elsmore is a recognised authority on Maori religions and early spiritual interaction with Christianity. Formerly a senior lecturer in religious studies at Massey University, Palmerston North, she is also the author of Mana from Heaven: A Century of Maori Prophets in New Zealand and Te Kohititanga Marama: The Religion of Matenga Tamati. She lives in Auckland. 



KEY Points:
  • Fascinating story of the interaction of Maori with Christianity
  • Features major religious movements including Ringatu, Ratana, the Parihaka movement
  • Standard reference work on the subject, made available in print-on-demand edition


Title:                Like Them That Dream
The Maori and the Old Testament
author:                        Bronwyn Elsmore
ISBN:                 978-1-877514-26-5
IMPRINT:                 Libro International
SRP:                                        $44.99
SPECS:             234 x 153 mm portrait, PB, 216 pp,
b&w with photos & map
Releasing:                 September 2011
ORDERS:                 Publishers Distribution Limited
                                    Attn: Customer Services
                                    Tel: 09 828 2999   Fax: 09 828 2399
                                    E: orders@pubdist.co.nz
Marketing:                 Peter Dowling
                                    Tel: 09 814 8993
                                    Mob: 027 614 8993
E: peter@oratiamedia.com

Friday, September 16, 2011

To the Gateways of Florence: Auckland launch, hosted by Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse



To the Gateways of Florence
Auckland launch hosted by Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse
8 September 2011

Penny Hulse, deputy mayor of Auckland, welcomed a crowd to the Council Chambers in the Auckland Town Hall on 8 September for a memorable evening to launch To the Gateways of Florence: New Zealand Forces in Tuscany, 1944

A strong representation of city councillors, veterans groups (including a large contingent from the 28th Maori Battalion Association) and guests welcomed the visiting Italian delegation led by the book's editor, Florence provincial councillor Stefano Fusi, and Sestilio Dirindelli, mayor of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa. Also in attendance were Donato Scioscoli of the Italian Embassy in Wellington; Mario Magaraggia, Honorary Consul of Italy in Auckland; and Sandra Fresia, President of the Società Dante Alighieri di Auckland. 

Deputy Mayor Hulse applauded the book's publication and paid tribute to the sacrifices of New Zealanders and Italians during the war. 

The guests were welcomed by a moving mihi from kaumatua Fred Holloway, who also led the blessing of the book with Auckland Council tikanga advisor, Bobby Newsom. Ted Lee, president of the Auckland Italy Star Association, Sestilio Dirindelli, Stefano Fusi and publisher Peter Dowling also offered their thoughts and appreciation for the book's reception in New Zealand. 



Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse with To the Gateways of Florence



Stefano Fusi (left) and Sestilio Direndelli are welcomed by kaumatua Fred Holloway (Te Kawerau a Maki)   



Penny Hulse (left) with Sestilio Dirindelli and his wife Gianna Fusi; in background Graham Wiremu



Italian Campaign veterans John Johnson (left) and Les Andrews



Les Andrews reserves rapturous applause after showing, with his rendition of Torna a Surriento, he has lost none of the gifts that took him into the Kiwi Concert Party in Italy



Council tikanga advisor Bobby Newsom with kaumatua Fred Holloway bless the book 



From left; Stefano, Annette Fasher-Dow, Sestilio, Jill Gabriel (the book's translator)



From left: Mario Magaraggia, Sestilio Dirindelli, Donato Scioscioli, Stefano Fusi, publisher Alessandra Zecchini, Sandra Fresia

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Launching To the Gateways of Florence in Christchurch



Military historian Jeffrey Plowman (who contributed the chapter 'Tiger Country' to the book) with Christchurch City Councillor Barry Corbett


The launch was a reunion for veterans and family, including Lady Fiona Elworth (at right)


Sestilio Dirindelli (right), Mayor of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, addresses the crowd in Italian with Valerie Mayer of the Societa Dante Alighieri di Christchurch interpreting

The book's editor and Florence Provincial Councillor Stefano Fusi addresses the audience as Barry Corbett and UBS Canterbury host Quentin Wilson look on


Signing To the Gateways of Florence


UBS Canterbury was a great host for the launch



Photos by David Baird ©
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