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  • Published: 2 November 2021
  • ISBN: 9780143776482
  • Imprint: Picture Puffin
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $25.00

A Pukeko In a Ponga Tree



This very special large-format hardback edition celebrates the 40th anniversary of Aotearoa's most beloved and iconic Christmas story.

This beautiful hardback gift edition celebrates 40 years of Aotearoa New Zealand's Twelve Days of Christmas.
On the first day of Christmas
my true love gave to me
a pukeko in a ponga tree.


Written by the distinguished composer and Maori Language Commissioner Sir Kingi M. Ihaka and teamed with iconic illustrations by famed pop artist Dick Frizzell, this story has captivated and entertained children for four generations. It has been performed in concerts, adapted into Christmas plays and even inspired a festive community light show on Auckland's Harbour Bridge.

This edition of the story includes play-along music notation and chords, as well as a QR code that takes you to the song video so everyone can sing along!

This very special 40th anniversary hardback edition is a gift to treasure and deserves a place on every bookshelf.

  • Published: 2 November 2021
  • ISBN: 9780143776482
  • Imprint: Picture Puffin
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $25.00

About the authors

Kingi M. Ihaka

Sir Kingi Matutaera Ihaka (Te Aupouri, 1921–1993) was a respected translator, Anglican minister, broadcaster, musician and Maori language champion.

He was born at Te Kao, Northland, the thirteenth of fourteen children. His second name commemorated the great leader Te Puea Herangi’s visit to Te Pao and his family always called him Matu. His father Eru Timoko Ihaka was a prominent Anglican and a friend of Apirana Ngata. Kingi's great-grandfather, Paraone Ngaruhe, signed the Treaty of Waitangi on behalf of Te Aupouri.

Despite growing up in hard times, education was valued by Kingi’s parents. So was their Anglican faith, and prayer and music played a large role in their family life. Kingi was a good student who enjoyed books and music. He grew up fluent in Maori and English as his mother Te Paea Nepia spoke only Maori.

When Kingi left school he worked as a clerk in the Native Department, trained as an interpreter and as an Anglican minister, and served in many various roles in the Church until his retirement.

He had a beautiful, deep singing voice and throughout his life was deeply involved in a number of community organisations and cultural groups, composing music and training choirs. A founding member of the Putiki Maori Club and a tutor of adult education at Ngati Poneke Maori Club, Ihaka published a collection of Maori proverbs and popular sayings, and regularly contributed to the ‘Maoritanga’ programme on national radio.

He was knighted in 1989 for his services to the Maori people and in 1990 became Maori Language Commissioner.

He died in 1993 and was buried at Purewa Cemetery in Auckland.

Remembered for his careful management of organisational change, his accessibility to Pakeha as well as Maori and his commitment to excellence, he left behind a number of musical works including A Pukeko in a Ponga Tree, his enduringly popular adaptation of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’.

Dick Frizzell

Dick Frizzell is one of New Zealand's best-known artists. From his 'Mickey to Tiki, Tu Meke' to his Four Square grocer, he has produced some of New Zealand's most iconic and well-known images. He has exhibited widely throughout New Zealand and his artworks are held in major public, corporate and private collections. He is also the author of several books.

He lives in Auckland.

Praise for A Pukeko In a Ponga Tree

This classic has been re-released in hardback with extra bells and tinsel, just in time for the holiday season. As well as the classic illustrations from iconic pop-artist Dick Frizzell and lyrics by Māori Language Commissioner Sir Kingi M. Ihaka, this edition includes music scores for playing along, and QR codes to music videos for singing along.

Unity Books Children's Bestsellers, The Spinoff