Rākau – The Ancient Forests of Aotearoa

Another stunning production from Ned Barraud and Te Papa Press – Rākau – The Ancient Forests of Aotearoa is many things, all encompassed into this hardback non-fiction picture book.

Primarily, it is an introduction of Aotearoa’s Native Trees, showing distinctive barks, leaves, fruits, berries, etc of each tree. Rākau (tree) also delves into the ways Māori used each tree, whether it be for medicines, baskets or right up to mighty waka (Māori canoes).

Fold out pages (gate folds) conjure the magnificence of Tāne Mahuta – the grandest, oldest and tallest tree in New Zealand, and lush illustrations point out the complicated ecosystems that can live on and around the tree.

However, Rākau – The Ancient Forests of Aotearoa begins back in time, before any people arrived. Aotearoa was once draped from head to foot in giant rākau, standing “…shoulder to shoulder.” These ancient forests soon bowed to man’s clearing of land, first for food and kumara crops etc, to European colonists felling giant rākau for their homes, fences, bridges and to use the completely cleared land for farming.

Luckily there are still places in New Zealand far from any type of blade, where giant rākau still reign – proud and protected where they have lived for hundreds of years and longer.

Along with a step back in time, snapshots and information on New Zealand native trees, there are subtle warnings of what threats our mighty forests face, and a retelling of a Māori legend starring a tōtara tree.

But wait! There’s even more! At the rear of the book is a challenge – “Did you spot…?” taking readers back to the beginning, giving them a chance to pore over Ned Barraud’s sumptuous illustrations all over again.

A Glossary of Māori words and special terms about trees used within the book, are all included at the end.

 

A beautiful production for all ages and shelves across Aotearoa.

 

Author/Illustrator – Ned Barraud

Contributors – Leon Perrie & Isaac Te Awa

Non-Fiction – Picture Book

All ages

Publisher – Te Papa Press

 

See another book from Ned Barraud and Te Papa Press here

Find more books illustrated / written by Ned Barraud here

 

 

(2025, Te Papa Press, NZ, New Zealand, Aotearoa, Native Trees, Forests, Ecosystems, Environment, NZ History, Tane Mahuta, Search & Find Activity)

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