Whānau: Reo Māori phrases to share with the people you love

Available: May 2025

Whānau by Donovan Te Ahunui Farnham explores the essence of family in te reo Māori through engaging sayings and stunning illustrations by Rehua Wilson. This book, packed with insightful reflections, is perfect for those looking to deepen their connection with Māori culture and language. Ideal for sharing with loved ones, it's a celebration of kinship and the bonds that define us. Whānau provides a great starting point for your Māori language journey or a way to build on what you already know with a collection of reo Māori phrases beautifully illustrated for everyday use, at any level.

Chapters include:

1. He Kōrero Aroha mā te Whānau: Words of Aroha for your Whānau
2. Te Whakapuaki Kare ā-Roto: Talking About Feelings
3. Hei Whakatītina i te Whānau: Encouraging the Whānau
4. Te Whakanui me te Tautoko i tō Whānau: Celebrating and Supporting your Whānau

Author

Donovan Te Ahunui Farnham is a reo Māori teacher, a consultant and a strategic leader in Māori-medium education. His education was through the medium of te reo Māori, from kōhanga reo, through to university. Donovan is an alumnus of the University of Auckland (Bachelor of Education: Huarahi Māori Specialisation) and Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (Te Panekiretanga o te Reo). He is also a licensed interpreter and translator of the Māori language (Māori Language Commission).

Illustrator

Rehua Wilson specialises in designing immersive spatial experiences with a background in architecture. Her skills in making spaces into visual stories have expanded into the world of print, where she also illustrates books with a specific focus on te ao Māori themes. She was a runner-up for the Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize in 2020.