Family share in victory

Former Kawerau local Sasha Cotter accepts her accolade in the Maori Language category of the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults for her book Nga Ki, which was translated by Kawata Teepa.

An author who grew up in Kawerau has won top honours at this year's New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

Sasha Cotter took out the Maori Language category last week with her book, Nga Ki. It was written in English and translated into te reo Maori by Kawata Teepa.

The book explored the special relationship between a father and his daughter. Ms Cotter said growing up she remembered her father returning home at night from work at Tasman Mill and telling her stories in bed.

She said her family was all delighted when Nga Ki was announced the winner.

"I heard someone yell out, 'Yes' from the crowd and I knew that it was my dad. I'm definitely walking on cloud nine at the moment," she said.

"As soon as [publishers] Huia decided to take on the story Keys it was always our intention to produce it in English and te reo Maori.

"I have received many positive comments on the creative translation of Keys by Kawata Teepa, which for me is brilliant, because I think he has really captured the essence of what Keys is about.

"In Keys, there is a vehicle called a Zippenburger, which is a made-up word.

"Kawata has in turn created his own word in te reo Maori - Weneperetere - which not only fits in idea, but is also fun to say, just like it is in English."

Ms Cotter said she was pleased to have Nga Ki available for readers in te reo.

"Judging on the positive feedback I have been receiving, especially from the Bay of Plenty, there is a strong demand for more creative and fresh picture books in te reo Maori."