Tangaroa: Origins of Whakairo Māori Graphic Novel

Whakairo plays a key role in communications within the Haerenga OS Universe. These carved pieces can tell a person many things about a place, resources, ancestors and people. This pūrākau is an adaptation and depicts the story of māui auaha, who returned from the waters of Tangaroa with a story to tell about the origins of wood carving. This story was pieced together from stories we heard growing up and is a fictitious reimagining of a popular story.

These graphic novels are designed for tamariki and are created with the guidance and whakaaro from of our mātanga  ensuring that the stories and themes are culturally appropriate and accurate. Through these graphic novels, tamariki are able to engage with Māori stories, history, and culture in an accessible and visually engaging way. The use of images and storytelling can help to bring these stories to life and make them more relatable for tamariki. This is particularly important for Māori children who may not have access to this knowledge elsewhere.

The graphic novels are an excellent tool for education, and they can help to foster a sense of pride and connection to Māori culture and identity. By using culturally appropriate images and language, we can empower tamariki to embrace their cultural heritage and to share their knowledge with others.