Books of Mana

“Books of Mana is our way of celebrating the wisdom of Māori authors and, in doing so, encouraging all New Zealanders to know better these remarkable works of mana. This book is also our way of expressing our profound gratitude for these Māori authors who have researched with care and told our stories with authority.”

Jacinta Ruru FRSNZ (Raukawa, Ngāti Ranginui) is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori and a Distinguished Professor of Law at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka University of Otago. Her work focuses on reconciling state legal systems with Indigenous laws and advocating for policies aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi to empower Māori in managing and governing lands and waters.

Angela Wanhalla FRSNZ (Kāi Tahu) is a Professor of History at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka University of Otago. She researches the impacts of colonialism on Māori, women and whānau, particularly in relation to colonial visual culture and Māori engagement with nineteenth-century photography.

Jeanette Wikaira (Ngāti Pukenga, Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāpuhi) is the Executive Manager of Arts, Culture and Recreation at Dunedin City Council. She focuses on reclaiming story sovereignty to support community agency, creativity and courage.