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.
News
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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Correcting common errors in te reo Māori for all levels of speakers
Ngā Hapa Reo: Common Māori Language Errors
Hona Black and Te Aorangi Murphy-Fell
Bilingual addition to Oratia’s te reo reference series explains and corrects common errors in Māori
Māori language teachers and consultants Hona Black and Te Aorangi Murphy-Fell hear a lot of common errors in te reo, not only in the courses they teach but also among fluent speakers.
That motivated the pair to write Ngā Hapa Reo, making readers aware of common Māori language errors and how to right them, so that the reo can flourish in the future.
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Duffy and the Bullies
Homegrown graphic novel takes the Duffy Books in Homes message to young readers
Duffy and the Bullies
Jeff Szusterman
Illustrated by Ant Sang
Every year the Duffy Books in Homes theatre group visits hundreds of Kiwi schools, sharing the messages It’s Cool to Read and Cool to Achieve while building a keen following for the show’s hero, Duffy.
It’s part of the outstanding work Duffy Books in Homes has done for 30 years to connect children with books.
Now one of those plays comes to the world in a graphic novel, the trendy reading format for children and teenagers worldwide.
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Island Toes — Tamatama’i Vae o Motu
Island Toes
Tamatama’i Vae o Motu
Christin Lozano
Illustrated by Mariko Merritt
Translated by Suzie-Jo Rasmussen
Toes are toes wherever you go, but toes around the Pacific Islands have even more things in common.
They may be flipper toes or jandal toes, clean toes or highchair toes, snorkel toes or swimming underway toes — all around the Pacific, you know that you have island toes.
This colourfully illustrated book takes young readers on a journey around the South Pacific — no shoes needed!
First published in Hawai’i by Bess Press, Island Toes now reaches the South Pacific in Samoan as well as New Zealand English.
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