What literature exists in Maori?
A15. The first book written in Maori appeared in 1815. The first Maori language newspaper Te Karere o Niu Tireni appeared in 1842. Following this there were approximately 39 Maori language newspapers. Some were Maori owned and operated. Most had a very brief life. Missionaries began translating the Bible into Maori in 1814. The Maori Bible, known as the Paipera Tapu has been revised a number of times right up to the 1950s. There are also sizable numbers of 19th century Maori language manuscripts held throughout the libraries of New Zealand. Since the 1960s there has a concerted effort to publish more Maori language materials. The publication of Maori language materials has accelerated in the 1990s due to the demand from students in Maori-medium education, and those learning Maori as a second language. The only recent works of fiction in Maori have been short stories. Several novels by Maori authors (who write in English) have been translated into Maori. No international novel has ever
