Row, Row, Row Your Waka
Nationwide freight available or pick-up instore
Orders despatched within 24-48 hours
Row, Row, Row Your Waka is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
A former Feilding woman has put a unique Kiwi twist on the old classic children's tale Row Row Row Your Boat by introducing basic Te Reo into the song.
Mother-of-two Rebecca Larsen, who attended St Joseph's and Feilding High School in Manawatu, has written and illustrated Row Row Row Your Waka, which launched in Paper Plus stores around the country last week.
Having moved to Canada for several years before returning home, Larsen wanted to introduce her two boys, aged 4 and 3, to Maori culture. She now lives in Papamoa, near Tauranga.
"The idea started as a project for my little guys. I wanted to create a book for them to learn a little bit of Maori culture and words before they started pre-school in New Zealand," Larsen said.
"I'm not, myself, fluent in Maori but the book makes it easier for kids to understand, remember and learn Maori terms."
The 36-page book has been fully translated into Maori alongside the English words. Larsen's brother Richard has also put the story on a CD with music, which comes with the book.
In the story three flightless friends - pukeko, kiwi and hoiho - go on a journey in their waka. The story has children breaking into song, pulling pukana and doing haka.
Larsen has been working in creative design for 15 years, but said her creative ambition was inspired by her Feilding High School art teacher Mr Pierce.
"He was a big inspiration for me. We didn't just do the normal things - he went out of his way for us to create big projects.
"We worked with materials and it's been a while since I've been able to do that because I've been in the corporate world, but this book gave me a chance to get back into that getting your hands dirty type of art."
Larsen has included iconic New Zealand Maori geography, such as the Waikato River.
"I've given it a very Kiwiana feel to make it feel familiar to people. I've published and illustrated it myself so I wasn't handing my creativity over and it's come from the heart. It's got a real homemade feel about it."
She said flightless birds added to the story.
"The pukeko is a swamp bird, the kiwi and hoiho are also flightless - so instead of flying they go on water on a boat and go exploring.
"I also chose the hoiho because people don't talk about it much. It's on our $5 note, but no one really knows about it so I wanted to give him some fame."
Click and Collect
Click and Collect
Combine the convenience of ordering online and the flexibility of picking it up at a time that suits. Simply order by 1pm Monday to Friday, select 'Click & Collect' during checkout and your order will be ready for pick-up within 24-48 hours. You will receive a shipment notification via email confirming that your order is ready for collection. If unsure – please call 07 878 6622 to check the status of your order.
Our showroom is open 7 days (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm and Saturday to Sunday 10am-4pm). The collection address is 58 Te Kumi Road, Te Kuiti. Please bring a copy of your Order Confirmation when you come.
Oversized Items
Oversized Items
Delivery of larger items (water features, sculptures, stone pots etc) are contracted to a professional freight carrier . Delivery is usually arranged within seven days but can take up to 2 weeks. Bulk freight will be calculated at checkout (based on weight or cubic meterage rate).
Please note – deliveries outside of town boundaries are subject to surcharges. Delivery is to your physical address however you will need to make your own arrangements for moving the water feature around once unloaded from the truck. Delivery will be made as close as possible to your door however the following will be taken into consideration by delivery drivers before delivery will be completed:
- Overhanging trees and power lines (less than 4mtr in height)
- Gravel driveways will not allow pallet jacks to be moved around
- Safety of vehicles and drivers
Delivery service does not include unpacking or installation.
If you would like a quotation on large or heavy deliveries please contact us on (07) 878 6622 or email us.
Free Premium Giftwrapping
Free Premium Giftwrapping
If you would like to take advantage of our free Gift Wrapping service, select the Gift Wrapping option in your Cart. If you select Gift Wrapping in your cart, your items will be lovingly hand wrapped with quality wrapping paper and tied with a fabric ribbon. Our quality gift wrapping service is provided FREE of charge. Please note oversize and discounted items do not qualify for our free gift wrap service.
Including a gift tag is also available as part of our gift wrap service. If you would like a handwritten message to accompany your gift, please add your message in the Comments box of your order in your Cart.
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
We offer standard delivery from a number of reputable couriers. Please choose your preferred service at checkout. Please note – our website shows live inventory meaning our items are kept in stock ready for immediate despatch. Our delivery target for purchases made before 12 noon weekdays is 3 to 5 working days (Monday to Friday). Please allow 1-3 extra if rural delivery is requested.
Our New Zealand orders are sent tracked. When standard delivery is selected, we use non-signature required service so your order will be left at your door or in your letterbox if you are not home to receive it. If there isn’t a safe place, the courier will leave a calling card with details of how to collect your order. If you don't want the courier to leave your parcel unattended please select the signature required option at checkout. This is our preferred shipping option. Sorry, we do not deliver to a PO Box address.
Row, Row, Row Your Waka
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