New Bilingual Children’s Book Explores Mauri and Environmental Kaitiakitanga

A new bilingual children’s picture book titled Mauri has been launched to help the next generation of tamariki connect with te taiao and the Māori principles of kaitiakitanga. According to a report by Waatea News on 23 October 2026, the book focuses on the concept of mauri—the vital life force present in the environment—and encourages young readers to view themselves as an integral part of the natural world. The author, who serves as a registered nurse, medical advisor, and environmentalist with the kaupapa Māori health provider Te Kupenga Hauora in the Nelson region, draws on their background in healthcare and advocacy to present a hopeful perspective on ecological care. By moving away from a focus on pollution and loss, the narrative emphasises the positive impact that whānau and communities can have when they act as guardians of Papatūānuku. Central to the story are the values of kaitiakitanga, representing the responsibility of environmental protection, and manaakitanga, which encompasses care and respect for others. The book illustrates how these values are intertwined, suggesting that the wellbeing of the land is directly linked to the health of the people who live upon it. This holistic approach reflects Māori health models that recognise the connection between spiritual, physical, and environmental vitality. Published in both te reo Māori and English, the book provides a tool for bilingual education and language reinforcement within the home and classroom. It aims to foster early conversations between parents, grandparents, and children regarding the choices made today to protect future generations. By weaving together traditional knowledge and storytelling, Mauri serves as a reminder that even the youngest members of a whānau play a role in sustaining the life force of the ngahere, whenua, and wai.