Taku Ikura Tuatahi

Written in Māori this pukapuka is a gentle and powerful story that reclaims the sacredness of a girl’s first ikura (period) through a Māori lens — celebrating connection, ceremony and whakapapa. 

Rooted in te ao Māori, My First Ikura and the reo Māori translation Taku Ikura Tuatahi is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that follows a young girl’s first period, guided by the support of her whānau. More than a story of physical change, it celebrates womanhood as a sacred rite of passage.

First of its kind in Aotearoa: Addresses first menstruation through a Māori cultural framework. Culturally affirming: Emphasises ceremony, family support and ancestral wisdom – also includes a specially written karakia for families to learn together.

Beautifully produced: With premium finishes and lush, full-colour illustrations using traditional earth pigments (kōkōwai). Created by recognised Māori creatives:

Builds trust and demand from readers seeking authentic Indigenous voices. Education-friendly: Supports conversations in kura, classrooms and at home about periods, wellbeing and identity.

Education-friendly: Supports conversations in kura, classrooms and at home about periods, wellbeing and identity.

Highly giftable: Ideal for Christmas, birthdays, rites of passage or special occasions.

Written by award-winning storyteller Qiane Matata-Sipu translated by Stacey Morrison and illustrated by acclaimed Māori artist Isobel Joy Te Aho-White, this unique pukapuka brings cultural grounding, aroha and mātauranga to the bookshelf.