Maketū Author Angie Belcher Launches Bilingual Children's Book

Maketū author Angie Belcher will launch her latest book, 'The Big Boil-Up' (Te Kai Kōhua Nui), at Te Puke Library and Service Centre next week. The bilingual book, published in both English and te reo Māori, follows a character named Bubba as she learns to carry on the tradition of preparing and sharing food with others. Through the story, Bubba discovers that a boil-up meal is about more than just food—it represents resourcefulness, memory, togetherness, and learning to care for each other.

Belcher's connection to Māori culture runs deep, and she hopes the book will help readers connect with the joy and togetherness created when whānau work and celebrate together. The book has been illustrated by Zak Ātea, whose Māori design elements and familiar depictions of Maketū landmarks perfectly capture the spirit of the story. The launch event on September 10 at 3:30pm will include activities, prize draws, cake, and a big boil-up.

Originally published in Te Puke News by Sun Media.