The Bone Tree by Airana Ngarewa
About the book
The #1 bestselling novel, The Bone Tree, is the story of two brothers, born and raised in the shadow of Taranaki Maunga, by 'one of Aotearoa's finest writers' (NZ Listener).
Kauri and Black's mum has been gone six months now. Their dad is barely holding on and the threat of child services taking Black looms large. Kauri won't let that happen, and so he embarks on a journey into their family's past. The only way to break the cycle of violence is to understand where it all began. But when an accident brings child services to their door, the race is on for Kauri to save his brother. And he will learn that no matter how brave he is or how strong he is, he cannot do it alone.
Out now, you can get your copy from Whitcoulls, Paper Plus, Mighty Ape, or your local bookstore. Find your closet one.
About the author
Born and raised in Pātea, Airana Ngarewa (Ngati Ruanui, Ngarauru, Ngaruahine) writes about Maori affairs for The Spinoff.
His writing has also been published by RNZ, NZ Herald, Newsroom and Landfall. He won the short story and poetry competitions at the Ronald Hugh Morrieson Literary Awards in 2022.
E kore e ka te rakau rewarewa
E kore e ka te ngakau Ngarewa
Media
Author Interview: From cage fighter to writer: Airana Ngarewa | RNZ Saturday Morning
Airana Ngarewa left school to become a cage fighter. He hated English. Now a teacher, he's being described as a major new literary talent. Listen as Airana discusses his first novel, The Bone Tree on RNZ's Saturday Morning.
Born and raised in Patea, his aunts are Spotswood College principal Nicola Ngarewa, and Te Pāti Māori co-leader MP Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.
Want to read an extract of Airana Ngarewa's debut novel, The Bone Tree? NZ Herald has you covered! | NZ Herald
Airana Ngarewa (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Rauru, Ngāruahine) last week launched his debut novel The Bone Tree at the Pātea Māori Club in Taranaki.
A coming-of-age story about two boys who lose their parents, and must find a way to survive, together alone.
In an edited extract, Kauri fears for his little brother, Black, home alone.
From cage fighter to novelist: Why I wrote The Bone Tree | The Spinoff
Read as Airana Ngarewa explains how self-imposed suffering steered him towards books, and then writing his just-launched debut novel, The Bone Tree.
ReadingRoom devoted the entire launch week to coverage of Airana Ngarewa and his debut novel, The Bone Tree | NewsRoom
Māori author releases his debut novel - The Bone Tree | Te Ao Māori News
Watch Airana Ngarewa as he talks to Te Ao Māori News' Neil Waka about his experience growing up in Taranaki, the power of stories, and his plans for his next book.
Airana Ngarewa | Teacher and Journalist | Waatea News
Listen to Airana Ngarewa - Writer as he talks to Waatea News' Dale Husband about his whānau, upbringing, life, and how it inspired his debut novel, The Bone Tree.
Festivals
KAWAI: FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS
Airana Ngarewa chairs Monty Soutar's event where he shares the story behind his bestselling and critically acclaimed debut novel, Kāwai: For Such a Time as This.
Sat 21 Oct | 11am | 60 min
SUTER THEATRE
Pay What You Can (PWYC)
DAZZLING NEW VOICES
Join Airana Ngarewa, Emma Ling Sidnam, and Colleen Maria Lenihan as they discuss their stunning debut books and reveal what gave them the courage to write. Chaired by Paula Morris.
Sat 21 Oct | 4pm | 60 min
SUTER THEATRE
Pay What You Can (PWYC)
