Rākau: The Ancient Forests of Aotearoa  Ned Barraud 

 

  

Rākau: The Ancient Forests of Aotearoa     

Ned Barraud   
Te Papa Press (2025)
Picture book
Hardback, 52 pages
ISBN 978 1 99 107206 1   

 

 

Ned Barraud’s skill as an artist is matched by his ability as a writer. With the assistance of specialists from Te Papa (The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa) he has created a magnificent picture book about New Zealand’s forests. He begins with a brief illustrated overview of the ancient forest and the changes brought by Māori and European settlers.

The main body of the book shows the various major trees, from tawai (beech) to rimu, tōtara to matai, rewarewa to karaka. Each illustration is supported by interesting facts, examples of use and sayings. Kahikatea, for example, intertwine their roots for stability, resulting in the Māori saying, ‘Rite tonu he whānau ki kahikatea rākau. Family is like kahikatea trees.’

The tōtara has a large illustration of a carved canoe, while smaller illustrations show the tōtara bark’s use as torches and pātua baskets.

Although listed as 48 pages, Rākau actually has 52 pages if you count the two stunning, unfolding tree portraits, each over 50 cm tall!. The kauri is, of course, represented by Tane Mahuta, while the other portrait is of a rata vine which has outlived its host tree and become a forest giant itself. 

As well as the trees, the illustrations show the birds and insects and animals which play their part in the forest world. The bushes, ferns and fungi are shown as well, along with the process of forest regeneration. Native trees which are commonly seen, even in cities, including kowhai and tī kōuka (cabbage tree), are given their due. Even the honeydew of the beech forest is explained.

Ned Barraud’s text is endlessly interesting, and carefully matched to the illustrations. He also provides brief retellings of favourite Māori tree legends, particularly ‘Rata and the Totara Tree’

The design of this book is impressive and two useful glossaries are included. The result is an appealing and useful picture book, which is also fun to read.

 

Trevor Agnew 
4 August 2025   [Review 3787]