University of Waikato lecturer Ngairo Eruera (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa) is helping tamariki and whānau across Aotearoa grow their connection with te reo Māori through a charming new picture book, Koro Wētā.
Published by Oratia Books and available in stores now, Koro Wētā is a bilingual story written by bestselling author Heather Haylock, illustrated by Sarah Trolle, with te reo Māori translation by Ngairo, who is from Tauranga and currently resides in Katikati with his whānau.
Ngairo Eruera, pūkenga matua in te reo Māori at the University of Waikato
The book follows a young girl whose favourite footwear is her trusty gumboots, but at night, a giant wētā makes himself at home in them. Her family affectionately names the insect “Koro” and encourages the girl to find ways to coexist. From newspaper stuffing to smelly socks, nothing works to keep him away. Eventually, the girl discovers a new way forward, showing care and creativity.
Ngairo brings the story to life in te reo Māori, giving readers an opportunity to enjoy the rhythm and beauty of both languages on the same page. He is a pūkenga matua (senior lecturer) in te reo Māori at the University of Waikato and Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in Tauranga, and a registered translator who has dedicated his career to revitalising the language.
“I’m passionate about contributing to the wider kaupapa of language revitalisation, and picture books like Koro Wētā help bring te reo into the everyday – into homes, classrooms and communities,” says Ngairo. “Language is a currency within a culture. When we make it accessible, especially to younger generations, we strengthen intergenerational transmission and help more people see themselves reflected in the language.”
The story is enriched by Sarah Trolle’s vibrant illustrations, which capture the warmth and humour of this unlikely friendship. A final page of wētā facts adds an educational touch.
Koro Wētā is a bilingual story written by bestselling author Heather Haylock and illustrated by Sarah Trolle
Ngairo has recently started his PhD at the University of Waikato and is looking forward to undertaking meaningful research into the local history of whānau Māori. His work will explore ancestral trails, the cultural narratives of these ancestors and their descendants, and how we celebrate these historical figures as part of the fabric of our communal lives.
