Pasifika Book Hub
Welcome to our Pasifika Book Hub, an online space dedicated to supporting and showcasing Pasifika storytelling and publishing journeys.
We have received many enquiries and noticed a growing interest from Pacific peoples who are wanting to write and publish their own stories, as well as readers eager to delve into more Pasifika narratives. As a result of this, combined with our duty to serve, support Pasifika storytellers and stories we have created the Pasifika Book Hub.
The goals for our hub include creating a space that offers insights, support, and guidance for new and emerging tagata o le moana publishers, as well as connecting audiences specifically with stories from tagata o le moana storytellers. It is also our hope that you leave here feeling inspired by our rich narratives, while being empowered to share your own because we need more Pasifika storytellers and stories in the world.
Blessed book journey ahead,
manuia lou malaga,
The Mila’s Books Team
Our Pasifika Book Hub includes two main sections:
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READ MOREEmpowering Pasifika Storytellers:
Lessons from Indie PublishersExperienced independent publishers share their knowledge, challenges, and advice, offering valuable insights for aspiring Pasifika writers and publishers.
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LET'S BROWSEOur Stories: Tagata o le moana titles
This curated collection showcases titles from tagata o le moana storytellers across various genres. While not comprehensive or intended to be an online book marketplace, our aim is to provide a glimpse into the diverse range of Pasifika literature available from around the world.
A special faafetai lava to Creative NZ for supporting the development of our Pasifika Book Hub,
to Rosa Alo, Engie Matene and our Mila’s Books team for making this space a reality.
Empowering Pasifika Storytellers: Lessons from Indie Publishers
Dahlia Malaeulu is an award-winning author and publisher of Mila’s Books, the only all Pasifika publishing company of children's books in the world. A proud Samoan New Zealander who has connections to the villages of Sinamoga, Vaivase tai, Faleatiu, Fagaloa and Aleisa in Sāmoa, Dahlia is passionate about the power of Pasifika stories. She is also a strong advocate for creating culturally safe and supported pathways for Pasifika authors and publishers in Aotearoa. Dahlia was the recipient of the NZ Emerging Publisher of the Year in 2023 and here she shares some advice for new and emerging Pasifika storytellers and Publishers.
Emele Ugavule is a Tokelauan Fijian orator, writer, producer, educator and storyteller. Emele is a member of the Studio Kiin collective and the Creative Director of Talanoa. Emele shares her storytelling journey that led to the creation of Rarama Ink Press.
Mum and daughter, Shoba and Keryn Kalyan, successfully self-published an award winning Indian Gujarati cookbook, Pass It On. The award winning book features over 100 authentic recipes, and tells a special story of how recipes have been passed down through generations from Gujarat in India, to New Zealand. Keryn shares their step by step publishing journey with us.