Book launch:

Join Candice Tutauha for the launch of her new novel, Rua, the first book in a planned trilogy exploring identity, whakapapa and the lasting impact of New Zealand’s colonial history. Held in the lead-up to He Rā Maumahara, the national day of commemoration for the New Zealand Wars, this special event introduces readers to the story of a young wahine Māori who dreams of leaving her community to pursue a writing career overseas. However, a tragic event and the discovery of a soldier’s diary from the Taranaki Wars threaten to change the course of her future. Candice will be joined in conversation by Dr Rowan Light to discuss the inspiration behind Rua, including a historical diary held in Auckland Museum’s collection that helped shape the novel. She will share how her research led her to explore a difficult chapter in Aotearoa New Zealand’s colonial history and reflect on the personal significance of telling this story through her own connections and whakapapa to Taranaki. Following the discussion, attendees are invited to continue the conversation with Candice and Rowan in Atarau: Stories of the New Zealand Wars, the museum’s exhibition on Level 2. Copies of Rua will be available to purchase at the event, with an opportunity to have them signed by the author.