Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa runs from 30 May to 5 June 2021.
Dahlia Malaeulu is a Wellington-born Sāmoan author of children’s Pasifika books and creator of the Mila’s My Gagana Series. She is a passionate educator who enjoys creating stories that develop cultural confidence amongst tamaiti (children), fanau (families) and faiā‘oga (educators).
Lillian Pak, Hutt City Libraries’ Programmes, Outreach and Partnerships Manager, is looking forward to the release of new children’s books that represent and reflect our diverse communities.
“We’re honoured Dahlia chose us to help launch her new books, especially as they encourage Sāmoan tamaiti to be proud of their heritage and who they are, while introducing the Sāmoan language, culture and traditions to all tamariki.”
Dahlia says: “At Mila’s Books we aim to create stories that help us and our stories, as Pasifika, to be seen, heard and valued.
“This is why we’re so excited to share and launch seven new, first of their kind, stories with supporters from our local community and our Hutt City Library ‘āiga (family), who continue to support our mission of creating stories that develop cultural confidence and understanding for all our tamaiti (children), ‘āiga and faiā‘oga (educators).”
Mila’s My Aganuu Series includes two picture books aimed at primary students ages seven+, Fale Sāmoa and Siva Afi Teine Toa. The first stories in the world that are written, edited, illustrated, designed and published by an all Pasifika team.
Going to Te Papa (Asiasiga ‘i le Falemata‘aga i Te Papa) is a board book for babies, toddlers and their aiga, featuring measina (treasures) from Sāmoa held in the collection of Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
Mila’s My Gagana Series features four early readers that teach body parts, clothing, actions and manners in Sāmoan.
For more events on during Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa see Hutt City Libraries.
Book Launch with Dahlia Malaeulu
War Memorial Library, Saturday 29 May 2021, 2:30pm
Join us for the launch of seven new books from local author Dahlia Malaeulu. Dahlia’s new books aim to engage and develop Sāmoan cultural knowledge and language. Books will be available to purchase at a special price.
Faitauga Tusi – Sāmoan Storytime with Dahlia Maleulu
Taita Library, Tuesday 1 June 2021, 11am
Bring your tamaiti to join Dahlia and Library staff for stories and songs in celebration of Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa. Everyone welcome!
