Aria

by Jessica Hinerangi

Where is my tongue?On display, a trophy of war.Where is my tikanga?Kept in the basement.Where is my mana?Locked in the museum.And where are my whanau?Scattered like dandelion seeds,from the grating city,to the harnessed horizon.Drawing moko kauae on Barbies. Reading Ranginui Walker in rahui. Spitting on the statue of Captain Cook. Aria is a first collection of poems by Jessica Hinerangi in which the author reconnects with her tupuna and with te ao Maori.He kakano ahau i ruia mai i Rangiateaa, ka tipu tonu.Tihei, mauri ora!

Genres: Poetry, Activism

96 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 13, 2023

Reviews

[Stef Rozitis]

I'm not putting stars on poetry anymore because I don't trust my tastes enough when I don't get something.

but this one...I would have given it five stars if I was going to give stars. It was a very worthwhile read.

[Reading Lady Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most underrated, beautiful work of art that I have ever read and more people need to read this.

This gorgeous pukapuka caught my eye at my local library and now I am going to run to the book shop to purchase this because I want to read this again.

This is one of those reads you want to pick up again and again.

I am infinitely impressed by the talent we have in aotearoa.

Many of my favourite writers are wahine māori and I am happy to add Jessica Hinerangi (a.k.a @māori mermaid) to the list.

Soulful. Soul cleansing. Transcendent. 5 stars.

[Soph]

I really enjoyed a lot of these poems - I’ve already started a re-read, reading aloud with my partner so I can think more about what I’ve just read.

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

TW: Experienced racism, colourism, intergenerational trauma,

Brilliant collection of many varied types of poetry, some fun and experimental, others with such power you feel the words echo off the page. I will be revisitingbthis collection often.

[Rowena Poroa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book about feeling the imposter syndrome within the Maori community. Feeling you're not Maori enough because you don't eat seafood or experience anxiety. A great book about connecting to your roots and reclaiming your Maoritanga. Tihei Mauri Ora!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading poetry from this writer was a breath of fresh Aotearoa air. I wish her well and need to read more from NZ writers.

[Tiff Wasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this slowly throughout the year. Diving in an out of the poems as if they were the moana they sometimes talk about.

[3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic!!

[Anna Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

adored this collection of poetry - some were exquisite stories in their selves. Makes me wonder why dont more people read poetry - perfect for planes/should be stocked in all bookstores. Spread the word as Aria is captivating.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

🧠 = Āria by Jessica Hinerangi