NUKU

About the book

NUKU is a powerful and important snapshot of Indigenous wāhine today. Through wide-ranging voices this ambitious social documentary showcases diverse representations of leadership, systems change and success. Readers obtain authentic insight into life as an Indigenous woman in a way like never before.

The 100 stories recorded are of incredible wāhine who seek to influence the world around them. Each offer significance to the story of mana wāhine. From Oscar-nominated filmmakers and award-winning musicians, to scientists, entrepreneurs, tribal leaders, artists, environmental champions, knowledge holders, mothers and more.

The youngest wahine is 14, the eldest is in her mid-70s, and their locations span both North and South Islands and across to Rēkohu (Chatham Islands). The majority are wāhine Māori, with wāhine Moriori, Pasifika, Melanesian, Wijadjuri, Himalayan and Mexican also included.

NUKU prioritises and celebrates the wāhine experience: our ceremonies, our knowledge systems, our atua, our kaupapa, our lives. Each kōrero is accompanied by striking photographic portraits, inspiring generations of women to see themselves within these pages.

NUKU (and the accompanying multi-media series) is entirely led, created by and about, Indigenous women. To honour collective story sovereignty and ensure a foundation of mana motuhake, this book has also been self-published.

About the Author

Qiane Matata-Sipu is an award-winning journalist and an award-winning, international-exhibiting photographer. She is also a social activist and cultural commentator who has a 14-year career contributing to leading media publications and books across Aotearoa and the Pacific. Specialising in topics of identity, culture, land and women, NUKU is her first book.