Bilingual Picture Book Welcomes Young Readers To A Key Element Of Fa’asamoa (The Samoan Way)

The 'ava ceremony is at the heart of Samoan life, essential for marking important occasions and welcoming guests. A new book in Gagana Samoa and English by orator and teacher Tauanu’u Sitagata guides young readers through the ritual of exchange around the ‘ava drink (known as kava in other parts of the South Pacific.)

With beautiful illustrations by artist Ani Huia Ligaliga, Sauniga o le ‘Ava Samoa / The ‘Ava Ceremony of Samoa outlines the steps in the ceremony and the roles of orators and participants. It explains the items used, food and etiquette of the ceremony, and presentations made between hosts and visitors.

The book concludes with the myth of the ‘ava plant’s origin, here for the first time in written form.

Co-published by Oratia Books and Auckland Council Libraries, this attractive picture book has released n time for Samoa Language Week (31 May–6 June).

The author and illustrator

Tauanu’u Perenise Tapu Sitagata teaches at McAuley High School in Ōtāhuhu and the Centre for Pacific Languages in Manukau. His book Alagā’upu Fa’asamoa ma Uiga mo Tamaiti—Samoan Proverbs for Children was published in 2025 and has already reprinted.

Ani Huia Ligaliga is a Māori artist and illustrator based in Hamilton. She illustrated Samoan Proverbs for Children, and her other published work includes The Ever-Standing Tree, by Tim Tipene (Oratia Books, 2024).

Sauniga o le ‘Ava Samoa / The ‘Ava Ceremony of Samoa

Written by Tauanu’u Perenise Tapu Sitagata, iIllustrated by Ani Huia Ligaliga

Published by Oratia Books with Auckland Council Libraries

ISBN: 9781991353078 | RRP $21.00 | Paperback

www.oratia.co.nz

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