A gentle and powerful story that reclaims the sacredness of a girl’s first ikura (period) through a Māori lens — celebrating connection, ceremony and whakapapa. Rooted in te ao Māori, My First Ikura and the reo Māori translation Taku Ikura Tuatahi is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that follows a young girl’s first period, guided by the support of her whānau. More than a story of physical change, it celebrates womanhood as a sacred rite of passage.

• First of its kind in Aotearoa: Addresses first menstruation through a Māori cultural framework.
• Culturally affirming: Emphasises ceremony, family support and ancestral wisdom – also includes a specially written karakia for families to learn together.
• Beautifully produced: With premium finishes and lush, full-colour illustrations using traditional earth pigments (kōkōwai).
• Created by recognised Māori creatives: Builds trust and demand from readers seeking authentic Indigenous voices.
• Education-friendly: Supports conversations in kura, classrooms and at home about periods, wellbeing and identity.

Written by award-winning storyteller Qiane Matata-Sipu and illustrated by acclaimed Māori artist Isobel Joy Te Aho-White, this unique pukapuka brings cultural grounding, aroha and mātauranga to the bookshelf. This book is perfect for homes, schools, kura kaupapa, libraries and community spaces. My First Ikura / Taku Ikura Tuatahi fills a long-overdue gap in children's publishing in Aotearoa.

Author - Qiane Matata-Sipu 

Illustrator - Isobel Joy Te Aho-White