Based out of Gisborne with their three children, the couple believe that learning a language is pivotal to understanding one's heritage and culture. They also believe that books are an excellent learning tool.  

“You can’t beat a book. You can’t beat reading to your baby. It’s a cuddle and it’s a special time of the day. My favourite in fact.  

This is where the heart came from when creating our stories”, shares Mrs Sanerivi. 

Mrs Sanerivi began her journey in learning the Samoan language as a New Zealand European primary school teacher – this was prompted by the birth of the couple's first child who had inherited their father's Samoan/Tongan heritage. This journey lead to the creation of these books with their unique stories tailored to supporting children with language learning based around everyday activities.  

“Our first book was Bathtime. The theme was to use everyday sentences so that the language would support a routine between parents and their children” shares Mrs Sanerivi. 

“We had bought a lot of Pacific books in preparation of our first baby but found that a lot of them were language blended. A mixture of English combined with Pacific languages. 

"We wanted to create stories that had only Pacific dialogue as it’s the best way to learn a language”, adds Mr Sanerivi. 

The book is now available in three different Pacific languages, Samoan, Tongan and Fijian, with the hopes of more Pacific languages being available in the near future.  

“The potential is there. We want to ensure quality so we have started with a few to make sure that they’re done well. 

"We are aware of the languages being spoken in Aotearoa though and can take the Cook Islands language as an example where they are making conscious efforts to regrow and learn their Pacific language - so other translations of our books are a possibility”, says Mr Sanerivi. 

The Sanerivi family hope that these books will support families like theirs, in celebrating their Pacific languages in the home - wherever home may be. 

EPC is grateful to have these books displayed and available for reading in the waiting space of their Tuam Street clinic. Thank you to the Sanerivi’s for their kind gift.  

If other organisations or families would like to order these books in bulk, they are welcome to email Mrs Sanerivi as their website is currently out of stock.  

See more here https://maau.co.nz/