> Skip to content

Article  •  1 February 2018

 

Two way communication

The special meaning behind the cover of Hemi Kelly's A Maori Word A Day. 

The background on the cover of Hemi Kelly's A Maori Word A Day‘ is more than just a beautiful piece of art.

The artwork, named 'Taki Toru’, is a creation from the private collection of Wellington-based artist Sheree Willman. Willman is of Ngāti Kahungunu and Rangitāne descent and draws on her cultural heritage to inspire her art.

'Taki Toru' is inspired by a traditional tukutuku panel at Makirikiri Marae in Dannevirke.

Willman says, ‘I am passionate about the patterns of tukutuku, the woven wall panels seen in whare tipuna or meeting houses, and also the patterns of tāniko, which is traditional flax weaving to make baskets or cloth. Old or new, these patterns each convey different meanings, mythologies and experiences.’

‘Taki Toru’ symbolises two-way communication.

Feature Title

A Maori Word a Day
An incredibly simple, fun and practical Maori dictionary for all New Zealanders.
Read more

More features

See all
Article
Staff recommendations: Books we've been loving

Want to know what books the Penguin NZ team have been reading and loving recently? Read on for our recommendations!

Article
5 of the hottest YA books right now (2025)

Check out some of the hottest YA books in stores now, from epic romantasy to sweet, unexpected romance.

Article
Best historical fiction books to read in 2025

From tales of Ancient Greece to epics set in the Second World War, these are the historical novels at the top of our reading piles this year.

Article
How to save money on groceries: 6 innovative budget tips

Food shopping on a budget? These tips from Money-Saving Meal Plans With Chelsea will help you spend less on food.

Article
Mother's Day Memories: Penguin Authors

For Mother's Day 2025 we're celebrating the power of books to bring us closer.

Article
Mother's Day Memories: Penguin Staff

For Mother's Day 2025 we're celebrating the power of books to bring us closer.

Article
Win mum her favourite books this Mother’s Day!

Let us know below which three of our fantastic Mother’s Day books mum would love, and we’ll send them to you in time for Mother’s Day!

Article
Our Favourite Film & TV Tie-Ins for 2025

Read on for some of the Film and TV tie-ins we're most excited about at the moment!

Article
Real Readers Review: Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven

A star-crossed lovers romance that spans a millennia, what do readers really think about The Favourites?

Article
Pick a Patterson

Find your next thrill with these new James Patterson books!

Article
DK Catalogue 2025

Knowledge is adventure.

Article
Penguin's 2025 Bingo

Play the new Penguin Bingo with us. How long will it take you to get bingo?

Looking for more articles?

See all articles