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Top children’s book author and singer June Pitman-Hayes visited seven local schools to mark Matariki – the Maori New Year, last month.
Her stops were Warkworth, Mangawhai, Tomarata, Tapora, Snells Beach, Pakiri and Kaipara Flats School.
The Red Beach resident published her first book Tawhirimatea in 2017, which last month went to number one on the Neilsen NZ Bestsellers weekly children’s chart.
“I read the book to each school and also talked about being a writer and gave the students an opportunity to ask questions about my journey,” June says.
She originally put the story together while working as a Silverdale Montessori teacher in 2015.
“I felt the stories available to teach te reo were not suitable for young audiences, so I wrote my own book.
“I approached a couple of publishers and Scholastic were interested. After two years of working with me, we finally released it.”
Also in honour of Matariki, June is planning a jazz concert in Parnell to raise funds to help staff that work with the mentally ill.
The concert will feature Silver Scroll winner Whirimako Black and 14 other artists, including June herself.
It will be held at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell on July 21 from 7.30pm.
Info: iticket.co.nz
