Curious director Robin Walters and Random House launch book ‘Marae – Te Tatau Pounamu: A Journey Around New Zealand’s Meeting Houses’

Three years ago, Curious Films director Robin Walters with accomplished artist wife Sam, and his father Muru Walters renowned carver, former Maori All Black and Anglican Bishop, embarked on a personal project to document Marae around New Zealand.

Over that time, they journeyed from the far north to the deep south of New Zealand visiting and photographing not only their own ancestral Marae, but also over 300 historically significant meetinghouses, and their local iwi (tribe). These often richly hand carved meetinghouses can be found throughout New Zealand and to Maori, they embody the history and spirit of their Aotearoa (New Zealand) Maori ancestors. Consequently Marae are considered important cultural touchstones for both Maori, and the nation.

Throughout this vibrant and fascinating book, Marae are intensively photographed with resulting imagery conveying a rich sense of life and history. Along with the detailed shots of carvings, also featured are portraits of elders and caretakers of the Marae, or cultural events taking place there. Appropriately, next to these beautiful plates lies text outlining the history, and personal anecdotes of the wonderfully diverse encounters the Walter’s family enjoyed in their travels.

Nominated for book of the year by NZ Herald and listed by the Listener as one of the best books for 2014, this heartfelt tribute to Marae has been an overnight success. In the words of community.scoop.co.nz, “…This is not just the book of the year. It is a book generations of New Zealanders will revere…”

The book can be purchased from leading bookstores in New Zealand or HERE.