Oratia brings the best of book publishing to readers and clients alike.
Oratia is a publisher of books based outside Auckland, with distribution across New Zealand and representation in many parts of the world.
Our multicultural team collectively has decades of experience in all aspects of publishing and a commitment to quality values in editorial, design, print and production.
In addition, we offer our publishing and communications skills to organisations wanting to publish privately.
Whether it’s a great book or quality publishing services, you’ll find the right home with Oratia.
Our name comes from the beautiful forest area in which we live and work, west of Auckland in the Waitakere Ranges.
Ō-rā-tía is a Māori name that means ‘Place of long-lingering sunshine’, from a traditional story in which the wife of the West Wind paused here to sunbathe.
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There’s a Crab in my Castle takes young readers to the rocky shore
There’s a Crab in my Castle / He Pāpaka kei taku Pā
Dawn McMillan
Illustrated by Nikki Slade Robinson
Translated by Stephanie Huriana Fong
Fourth book in bilingual nature story series takes young readers to meet seaside creatures
Summer is coming and there’s plenty of action for young readers down at the seashore in the latest addition to the nature story series by bestselling author Dawn McMillan.
When an inquisitive girl goes to the rocky shore she builds a sandcastle and soon gets many visitors: crab and sandhoppers, snapper, kina, manta ray and more.
The fun ensemble of seaside creatures is brought to life across colourful pages with evocative pictures.
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Moana Oceania Series: Fiji – Viti
Photo-packed introduction to the people, culture and identity of Fiji arrives in new bilingual book
Moana Oceania Series: Fiji – Viti
by Tarisi Vunidilo
Despite Fiji being among the largest Pacific Island nations, there is a dearth of good books about the country in print.
This fourth volume in the Moana Oceania Series aims to address that situation with highly illustrated text in English and Fijian.
Fijian–New Zealand educator Tarisi Vunidilo introduces the people, culture and identity of her homeland in simple terms in the colourful and informative Moana Oceania: Fiji – Viti.
The bilingual text offers insights into society, geography, legends, arts, history and language — outlining the values of Fiji’s people, and how families live and celebrate life.
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New book tracks the worldwide flight of ‘Kiwi’
Kiwi: A Curious Case of National Identity
Richard Wolfe
How did the Māori name for a flightless bird come to mean a New Zealander and a fruit that originated in China, while morphing into the badge for the national rugby league team and the air force? Not to mention becoming the brand name for everything from rabbit traps to a bank, and a term for pilots who are no longer flying?
Kiwi: A Curious Case of National Identity tracks this unlikely evolution. Diving into the natural history of this unique bird and its significance to Māori, the story spreads its wings to relate how ‘kiwi’ came to symbolise the emerging nation during the First World War – thanks in part to a brand of boot polish originating in Australia.
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New picture book retells Rātā and the tree pūrakau
The Ever-Standing Tree
Te Rākau Tū Tonu
Tim Tipene
Illustrated by Ani Huia Ligaliga
Translated by Kanapu Rangitauira
Modern retelling of a classic story comes to life in picture book about learning respect for nature
A modern interpretation of the classic pūrākau of Rātā and the tree, Tim Tipene’s The Ever-Standing Tree/Te Rākau Tū Tonu highlights the importance of respecting and protecting nature.
In a typical Kiwi suburb, Dad cuts down the tree in the backyard – to get a better view. Overnight, the insects and birds work their magic and put it back together, leaving the family stunned.
A battle of wills between the blade and nature ensues, until Dad finally comes to realise how special the tree is.
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