New book, old book – celebrating Rotorua and A.W. Reed

A new facsimile edition of the A.W. Reed and Dennis Turner classic Legends of Rotorua and the Hot Lakes hits the bookshelves today.

Several generations of readers have learned of key elements of Māori history from the pen of the late Alexander Wyclif Reed. His list of published works in this area is long and deep and his popularity has rarely waned.

In Legends of Rotorua and the Hot Lakes, first published in 1958, Reed collected many of  the classic myths from that cradle of Māori culture, Rotorua – with relevance across New Zealand.

Legends of Rotorua and the Hot Lakes brings together the timeless accounts of great ancestors such as Ngatoro-i-rangi and Ihenga with beloved stories like those of Hinemoa and Tutanekai, or Hatupatu and the Birdwoman. 

It presents many legends and historical events in relation to localities, lakes and volcanoes around the Rotorua region — the township, Lake Rotorua, Mokoia, Ngongotaha, Tarawera and beyond — and includes a chapter on place names. 

This facsimile edition reproduces the original edition, speaking to the era of the book’s original publication, with A.W. Reed’s graceful text matched by the beautiful and detailed illustrations of Dennis Turner.

A.W. Reed (1908–1979) was one of New Zealand’s most influential writers and publishers. He helped build A.H. & A.W. Reed into the country’s leading publisher by the mid-twentieth century, and authored more than 200 books. His works on Māori mythology have served New Zealanders for several generations.

Publication: 20 March 2019  |  ISBN: 978-0-947506-57-5 |  RRP $29.99

Paperback, 210 x 148 mm, 164 pages b&w

Oratia shortlisted for 2019 BOP Bologna Prize, Best Children's Publisher in Oceania

For the second year running Oratia Books has been shortlisted in the Oceania section of the prestigious BOP Bologna Prize for Best Children's Publishers of the Year.

Organised by the Bologna Children's Book Fair, the BOP Prize highlights the editorial projects, professional skills and intellectual qualities of work produced by publishing houses all over the world – and fosters the mutual exchange of knowledge and culture between different nations.

Six prizes are awarded by geographical area. Oratia is the sole New Zealand candidate for Oceania this year, alongside several fine Australian publishers. Click here to see all the regional shortlists.

The award will be decided by voting from exhibitors attending the Bologna Children's Book Fair from 1–4 April 2019, and announced at a ceremony in Bologna on 1 April.

Votes can be placed in the reserved area for exhibitors until 15 March.

Books from shortlisted publishers including Oratia on display at Bologna in 2018

The shortlisting is a tribute to our authors and the team that make Oratia's children's book list, led by Editorial Director Carolyn Lagahetau, with Cheryl Smith of Macarn Design overseeing most of the book design.

Thank you to the talented children's authors and illustrators whose new books we published in 2018: Martin Bailey, Rosie Colligan, Melanie Drewery, Tracy Duncan, Vanessa Hatley-Owen, Ross Kinnaird, Dawn McMillan, Giulia Malerba, Malcolm Paterson, Febe Sillani and Nikki Slade Robinson.

While we won't be at Bologna ourselves this year, eight other Kiwi publishers will be on the Publishers Association of New Zealand stand there, and we wish them every success at this mecca for children's books.

— Peter Dowling, Publisher, Oratia Books

Exhibitors can get to vote through a link to the book fair website:

Express your vote on the reserved area at this link

Please log in using your Exhibitor username and password and choose your candidates.
Do not forget, you will be able to choose only one candidate for each geographical area.

Please take note that the poll service is available until March 15 2018.