TAWHIRIMATEA - A SONG FOR MATARIKI
Written by June Pitman-Hayes
Illustrations by Kat Merrywether
Te Reo Maori Translation by Ngaere Roberts
Published by Scholastic NZ (29 April 2017)
Waiata recorded by Mike McCarthy, Manuka Studios, Orewa
When I set out to write a waiata for children that would provide some understanding of Maori culture, I had no intention of it becoming a book. The idea for the song literally came in on the wind one wintery day in June 2015, with lyrics and melody written in just 30 minutes!
It wasn't until a few weeks after having taught it to the children in singing class, that I realized it was a bit special and could possibly transfer well into a Book/CD combination. After creating a book layout, I decided to be brave and approach a couple of publishers, one being Scholastic!
The initial idea was well received although it was a little too short. I extended the verses, re-presented it, and waited for almost six months!! In late November 2015 Scholastic phoned to say they would be publishing Tawhirimatea as a book with CD, in both Te Reo Maori and English, and that it would among the 2017 new releases in time for Matariki.
The book launched at Dorothy Butler Bookstore in Ponsonby Road, Auckland on 29 April 2017, and immediately went into the Top 10 Childrens Titles, and to reprint in just 3 weeks!
 | Tawhrimatea A Song for Matariki English Version 01 Tawhirimatea English.mp3 (2.88MB) |
| Tawhirimatea A Song For Matariki - Te Reo Version 02 Tawhirimatea Maori.mp3 (2.88MB) |
HUSH A KIWI LULLABY
Written by Joy Cowley
Vocal Track by June Pitman-Hayes
Published by Scholastic NZ (Nov 2016)
When Scholastic asked if I'd be interested in being the voice for Joy Cowley's Hush A Kiwi Lullaby, I leapt at the chance! I have great admiration for this woman and for all that she has accomplished in her life!
I am truly blessed.
| Hush A Kiwi Lullaby Kiwiana Lullaby in Englsih 01 Hush English.mp3 (3.07MB) |
| Hush A Kiwi Lullaby Kiwiana Lullaby in Te Reo Maori 02 Hush Te Reo.mp3 (3.08MB) |
