Nine Girls

by Stacy Gregg

They dug a hole right there on our farm on the bank of the Mangawara and they put the box filled with gold inside it and covered it with dirt. And to keep the gold safe until they could return one of them placed a tapu on it. A tapu so that anyone who tried to touch the gold before they could come back for it would die. Titch is determined to find the gold hidden somewhere on her family's farm. It might be tapu but that won't put her off. Her dad has gone bankrupt, and she has had to leave her home in the city and move back with her family to smalltown Ngaruawahia, start a new school and find new friends. Could the hidden gold be the way to fix her family's money problems? Titch, her cousins and new friend Tania set out to find the gold. But an unexpected encounter with a creature from the nearby river sees Titch learn about her own Maori heritage and the dangers of messing with tapu. A fascinating insight into Maori legend and culture, Nine Girls is a page-turning adventure that shows what it's like to feel like an outsider in our own world.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Family, Childrens, Fiction, Illness, Cultural

288 pages, Paperback

First published March 26, 2024

About the author

As a young girl living in New Zealand Stacy Gregg wanted to be two things when she grew up – a horse rider and a writer. She now considers herself very, very lucky to be both at once!

Becoming a writer was the easy part – all she needed was an exercise book and a pen. Stacy wrote loads of poetry and short stories at school and then became a journalist, writing features for magazines and newspapers and working as a fashion writer (v. glamorous and lots of fun!) before her first book in the Pony Club Secrets series was published in 2007.

Extract from author's web page

Reviews

[Francesca Pashby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fascinating - and immensely readable (I read 10 chapters a day over 2 evenings) - but it was a total lolly bag mix of storytelling.

On one hand, there was potential buried treasure! Then a talking eel (actually a taniwha) showed up. There was lots of Maori language splashed throughout (fab), and quite a lot of mythology and New Zealand/Aotearoa history thrown in.

THEN we had a cancer patient. And anti-apartheid protesting several years on from the original story.

And the ultimate reveal was that this was all in fact a cunningly disguised autobiography for popular children's writer, Stacy Gregg!

So overall a bit of a mishmash, but I will still be offering it to my year 7/8 teachers as a potential set text. It was going to go to year 6s too, but there's a "shit" and a "wanker" in there, which is a bit ripe for my school at primary level.

Best opening line ever though, "I was six when my goat left home to go work for Santa"!

[T.K. Roxborogh]

** spoiler alert ** Titch and her family have moved to Ngāruawahia (Nine Girls Are Running Under A Wharf and Here I Am) because her pākeha father lost his job working for JBL (one of the dodgy finance companies where the directors went to jail). They've come to this small town in the Waikato because it is the home of her Māori mother. It's very different to the flash life of Remuera. Titch is swallowed by the Māori world and feels completely alien to the life lived by her cousins, uncles (The Beagle Boys) and her nana. Soon after arriving, she meets a tuna (eel), a taniwha (Paneiraira) who speaks to her and, over the years, he teaches her about her family's history as well as the stories of what happen to the mana whenua (the people who belonged to the land) during and after the land wars. A number of race issues dress the background to the narrative: the way Māori were treated in education, the Treaty of Waitangi, Bastion Point, The Raglan Golf Course, the 1981 Spring Bok Tour and the impact this had on families.

The action of the story is firstly about Titch, (along with her younger sister, cousins and best friend, Tania) searching for colonial gold that is rumoured to be hidden somewhere on the farm of her great grandmother. This gold would solve all their financial woes but the children believe the gold is tapu and the land is too (being so close to the sacred Taupiri mountain). The second story is about Tania and her health. Spoiler alert: neither end the way Titch would want.

Children reading this novel (and adults who no or little knowledge of te ao Māori) will be filled with historical accounts as well as explanations of tikanga (Māori protocol). Te reo Māori (the Māori language) is woven throughout (and there is a detailed glossary at the front) although, because of the style, the reader will have no trouble working out what is said/meant. Like this:
"Āe, tika!" Pan gurgled. "Very true..."

I felt like I was reading about my childhood and the things which concerned me as a tween/teen of the late 70s early 80s. I like also that both girls are readers, are intelligent, strong, have aspirations and do well at school. I enjoyed reading Stacy's author note at the end. We have had a similar journey in discovering our whakapapa and learning our language. Like Titch (and unlike my sister and mother), I am 'white passing' and didn't feel comfortable in the world of the marae. Not sure if I do yet but certainly learning the language and learning the stories, the histories, the tikanga means that the world shut down by colonisation is beginning to open up again.

[Klee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I come from a family of liars."

Titch and her family have moved back to Ngāruawāhia. While exploring her new home, she meets an unexpected creature who takes her on a journey that will explore her whakapapa and history. when she discovers an old story about gold hidden on her ancestral farm, she thinks it might just be the answer to her families problems. Get ready to explore 1980s New Zealand with a young girl trying to find her place in the world, amongst the social issues of the time, alongside her cuzzys, best friend, and a three legged dog.

Rich with vital history, think NZ Wars and Springbok Tour, this novel really needs to be on every school library bookshelf. Titch is a smart wee cookie in this coming-of-age story. The host of supporting characters will melt your heart and make you laugh, particularly her friendship with Tania. This nostalgic read will likely appeal to a wide range of readers from middle grade to adulthood.

[Adele Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful, yet sad book. Touching on racism, friendships, family and lore, whilst exploring the beautiful country of New Zealand, or as it’s better known, Aotearoa.

I absolutely adored Pan. His character is a big hug from a friend or relative that we all know and love
Tania. The friend we all need in this life.
And lastly, Titch. What a beautiful little soul she is.

Nine Girls is a fantastic book, and needs it be read by all.

Side note - F*** racism and everything that comes with it.

[Lemurkat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very readable but the plot is a bit erratic and does not follow a traditional structure. Still, an insightful read into Waikato's Maori history (as told by a maybe-eel) and also a glimpse into what life used to like, for kids back in these pre-everything digital days. Also has some especially sad moments. Somewhat felt like a collection of anecdotes and also seems to be a loosely fictionalized memoir.

[Maddy McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book as an adult and have passed it to my kids to read. I picked it up after it won an award for Youth Fiction. It’s a beautiful weaving of culture, identity and growing up. Really enjoyed it.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nine girls: nine girls are running under a wharf and here I am: how to remember how to spell Ngāruawāhia. I grew up in the Waikato New Zealand, Aotearoa. My first job was in the Post Office in Taupiri, under the mountain. We always knew when there was a tangi because it would rain: Ranginui and Papatuanuku crying in grief. I knew what Tapu was and I learnt more when I moved to Huntly and worked in the Post Office there and met the Māori Queen Teaturangikahu, a gracious and fine lady. But I knew none of this when I finished school in 1969 because Māori history wasn't taught except in the light of "The Māori Wars": their fault. The world in Gregg's story is the world I grew up in:the language, the fun, the games, the school, the teachers, that world. On the fringe of my knowledge was Bastion Point and the Springbox Tour. That tour ripped New Zealand in half. I was living in Hamilton by then and had a 3month old son the night the rugby players rioted and vandalised in the Hamilton streets because the game was cancelled. The "Dad" in the story is the one character that really annoyed me. New Zealand is still quite full of old white men who still find excuses for their racist ideas. I am now 70 and although it says teenage to young adult, this is the book I could not put down, this is the world I recognise. I know Titch and Tania. I always knew there were Taniwha in the Waikato, protectors of the waters. This is fantastic writing, written with knowledge and love and understanding and great chunks of wonderful humour . If I was still teaching I would suggest yr9 or yr10 English classes. They would recognise the characters and understand their lives even now.
A wonderful read that totally engaged my senses and sympathy in a good way.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a complete departure from her usual horsey Faye’s, Stacy Gregg has written a compelling, semi autobiographical story set in Ngaruawahia which is steeped in Māori mythology and New Zealand history.

When Titch’s family have to leave Remuera when her dad loses his job, they return to Titch’s mum’s home town of Ngaruawahia.

Titch and her sister, Bub, have to navigate living amongst their whanau, some of whom see them as outsiders, as well as trying to make friends at their new school.

One of their charismatic uncles tells them an old family story about gold which was buried on family land during the Land Wars and Titch makes it her mission to find the treasure.

Guided by a wise old eel who lives in the Waikato River, Titch starts to learn about her whakapapa and yearns less and less for her old life in Remuera.

This is a beautifully written (if a little erratic) story full of character and atmosphere. It weaves together a simple, yet wholly engaging, storyline with significant moments in NZ history… making it a perfect addition to any teaching around the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories Curriculum.

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Nine Girls’ by Stacy Gregg is a beautiful story of young Titch who moves back to Ngāruawāhia with her family when her Dad loses his job. It is set in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s and these dates are reflected in the political events happening in the story - Bastion Point, the springbok tour and historical suggestions of te reo Māori being used more frequently among many others.
Titch is learning about her whakapapa and the story does an excellent job of explaining what that means to younger readers, while also outlining some of the colonialism and racism that Māori experience. There is a reason this book won the NZ Children’s book awards in August 2024. It’s an engaging and heart warming story.

[Jeral · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this with my 8 and 10yr old girls. Some words I changed or left out to make it age appropriate. I'm glad I read this with them as we were able to discuss the heavier themes in the book together. The story follows a young girl, set in the late 70s as she navigates life in the small town of Ngāruawāhia. She meets a taniwha that shares the history of the area, her whānau history. What follows is an exploration of colonialism, history, adventure, tikanga and friendship from the pov of a white presenting Māori girl. Stacy has managed to present history and complex themes that is both engaging and compelling to young readers.

[Wendy Bamber · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars, we are always desperate for more of this readable type of middle grade fiction that our NZ children can identify with. Yes there is a lot going on, change in family circumstance, new school, talking eels, Waikato Wars history, illness and grief but I loved it. Age 6+ I would say, great read aloud for year 7/8+, probably a bit much for a class full of mixed maturity year 5/6s.

[Denika Mead · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I was six when my goat left home to go work for Santa."

Nine Girls is a powerful story. I loved the second half, which was full of action and emotion. The characters were well fleshed out and believable. However, I found the first half a little slow and felt there were some unnecessary plot events early on. Overall, though, it was a great read.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this author, she writes the kind of books our students like to read. The stories are well-rounded with interesting relatable characters and settings. I like the historical strand in Nine Girls and the relationship the main character Titch and her best friend have. I'll be recommending this to our students.

[Discoverylover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not at all surprised that this won the most prestigious NZ children and ya book award. It was a fascinating look at Aotearoa's history and how it relates to the main character and her whānau. The perfect amount of Māori pūrākau. I thought Gregg did an excellent job showing how disconnected the main character felt from her culture and how that impacted on her life.

[Anne Herbison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the voice of the young narrator, Titch, as she recounts her family's move from a posh Auckland suburb to her mother's home town of Ngāruawāhia. A taniwha in the Waikato River teaches her (and the reader) about the terrible invasion of the Waikato by the wily and deceitful Governor Grey.

[Karen Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard a review for this book and decided to read it before I bought for my mokopuna. It was interesting to read a book for that age group.

I felt this was strikingly relevant for where we are at present. I am off out to buy it for her. I recommend changing your reading every once in a while.

[Dan Organ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Obviously targeted at the younger reader but it kept me engaged for the entire book. Nice blend of a little bit of Māori vocab which is nicely explained in a handy glossary at the beginning of the book and I really enjoyed the development of the talking eel character.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a bit puzzled by this.

The first half was really strong, had really vivid characters and an interesting plotline.

Then there was a sudden 4 year time jump I barely noticed, and it all kinda fizzled out. Idk what was going on.

[Melissa Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book which I would highly recommend for children age 10 and up. It’s a great little introduction to some important events in recent NZ history. I grew up in Ngaruawahia so this book had special significance to me.
Very moving - a must read

[Natalie Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that explores discovering your Maori identity and learning about the past of Aotearoa.

[Alice Montague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this to my boys as part of the NZ Book quiz challenge and loved it! Highly recommend. It’s poignant, funny, relevant and very readable for any ages from 8-108!

[Tori Woollett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would highly recommend for children in NZ age 10 and up

[Eddy Grant]

Stacey Gregg was one of my favourite childhood writers, so this was so lovely to read! Got a bit looser as it went on, but still fantastic story, characters and setting.

[Caroline Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, even though I'm not the intended age range. Informative and the glossary to refer to at the start was great.

[Laurence · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not the demographic (9-12 year old girls), but I really enjoyed reading this. THoroughly deserved the awards that it has collected.

[Moses Talanoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book in all of Earth-Moses Talanoa from Pukekohe

[Izzy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great way to introduce the Waikato Wars to students. Set in the 70s. A talking eel tells stories of Ngāruawāhia. Sounds weird but it works because the writing's so good. History with a hint of Wimpy Kid. Loved it.

[Melanie Lindstrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the 80s NZ nostalgia. Funny and moving at times.

[LibraryKath · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Titch, a young girl moving from a big house with a pool in the city to live with her Mum's family in rural Ngāruawāhia. A story of finding identity as a Māori kid with a Pākeha Dad. Titch learns the story of her family whakapapa from a taniwha named Paneiraira (Pan) in the Waikato river. Set in a backdrop of the late 70's and early 80's, Titch grows from a kid of 12 up through her high school years, and we follow the story of her relationship with her best friend Tania, who is fighting her own battles.

I did find it a little long winded in spots, and am not sure why there was all the build up about the family gold only to have it disappear in the plot of the second half of the book. But generally an enjoyable read and full of history presented in a palatable way for readers young and old.

[Wren Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic novel! Relatable and easy to read, it follows young protagonist Titch through her teens in the late 70s/early 80s. It touches on cultural identity, racism, tikanga, NZ history including the Waikato Wars and Te Tiriti, the Springbok tour - all set against the background of the mighty Waikato river (he piko, he taniwha).

Titch occasionally felt younger than her years but not jarringly so, and her sister Bub seemed to disappear from the story for large chunks, but overall I thought this was an important novel and likely to be taught in schools for many reasons.

The inclusion of Paneiraira, the tuna/taniwha, was a great way to include information about Te Ao Māori and history without feeling too expositiony.