Catalogue

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Title:	Tangi
Authors:	Ihimaera, Witi
Genre:	Fiction: New Zealand
Pages:	251
Year:	2023
Language:	English
Description:	This is the story of a young Māori man, Tama, returning to his home marae after the death of his beloved father. Set over the three days of the tangi, this haunting study of grief and mortality weaves together two storylines, Tama's past and present, illuminating the tension between the Māori and Pākehā worlds and urban and rural Māori. Revised for the 50th anniversary of its release in 1973, this novel, the first to be published by a Māori author, continues to be a significant story of New Zealand literature.
Categories:	Fiction, Fiction NZ, Award Winner, Community, Culture/Ethnic/Racial, Grief/loss, Māori, Relationships, New Zealand Interest, Ockham Winner, 2025 Titles, New Adult

Reviews

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By: AUCK 349		2026-03-24 16:54:51

The overall impression left on readers was positive, an increased awareness of Maori custom and traditions. Some members had had little contact with Maori at school and in the workplace. Individual scores ranged from 3.25 to 4.00.

By: WHANGA 001		2025-11-28 14:48:34

Very popular choice - all found it well-written and informative. Provided great discussion re different cultures, and approaches to death.

By: AUCK 236		2025-11-07 17:26:18

Everyone really loved this book, and it led to some pretty interesting discussions.

By: WAIHI 004		2025-08-11 10:30:21

An excellent read; quite emotional for those who have recently lost people close to them. Beautiful writing, learnt a lot. A '5' was unanimous.

By: RICH 007		2025-08-04 09:27:52

We all enjoyed the book, especially the latest edition. Would have liked a glossary of the Maori words used throughout.

By: AUCK 389		2025-07-02 14:41:28

Beautifully crafted book. The dignity and aroha of the Maori world written in an absorbing and insightful way.

By: WELL 213		2025-05-26 10:20:19

With one one exception, everyone LOVED 'Tangi' - its lyricism, poetic style, spirituality, seamless spiral structure and combination of Maori and Pakeha world views. We all want to purchase our own copies!

By: TAIH 004		2025-04-08 11:40:43

Great book - most liked it.

By: PICT 008		2025-01-21 13:13:12

Loved it. Moving, challenging, enlightening. A beautiful portrayal of a parent/child dynamic.

By: WAIKA 001		2024-09-24 14:45:58

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It came to us at the time the Maori king died, so many had watched his tangi on T.V. Recommended reading for all New Zealanders.

By: AUCK 443		2024-06-06 10:41:26

Due to unforeseen circumstances we were a small group who discussed this book. Some of us had read the original 'Tangi' and recognised that this was an excellent and relevant revision. It is beautifully written and gave a strong sense of place and connectedness. The influence of colonisation was very evident but there was also a growing awareness of the need for Pakeha to be more aware of the significance of Maori culture...