The history of Mauao, along with the legend, is one of heartbreak and struggle, but also one of endurance, strength and unity. Mauao stands guard at the entrance to Te Awanui, the Tauranga Harbour. At over two million years old, he is a tipuna and sacred taonga, manifesting both the past and the present, as well as giving us hope for the future. 'Ko Mauao te Maunga: Legend of Mauao' was released during Matariki Tauranga Moana 2018 to commemorate the return of Mauao to Tauranga iwi in 2008, the creation of joint management under Nga Poutiriao o Mauao in 2013, the recognition of Mauao as wahi tapu in 2014, and the signing of the Mauao Historic Reserve Management Plan on 11 June 2018. This bilingual big book version is ideal for reading aloud in the classroom and kura kaupapa (Maori-language schools) and includes a glossary and pronunciation guide. A smaller picture book available separately includes a glossary and pronunciation guide, Mauao facts, a Mauao timeline, important places on Mauao, oral traditions and activities for children.

REVIEW: "If you get a copy of this book, you’ll need to hold onto it tightly. The beautiful illustration and production will have people trying to wrestle it off you in a heartbeat... This book is the perfect classroom resource—it is informative and well thought out. However, to label it as such does undercook it slightly—this retelling is captivating and evocative. I found myself pouring over the story in both Maori and English" Reviewed by Simie Simpson, Paparoa (Magpies Magazine, September 2018, Vol. 33, No. 4).

Author: Debbie McCauley Illustrator: Debbie Tipuna Translator: na Tamati Waaka i whakamaori Designer: Sarah Elworthy Publisher: Mauao Publishing (Tauranga) First Published: 15 June 2018 (Matariki) ISBN: 9780473435448 (Big Book) Size: 420mm (H) x 320mm (W) (Portrait) Pages: 32

Mauao Publishing is an indie business passionate about connecting Aotearoa’s tamariki with beautifully produced books telling stories from our own backyard.