In this powerful novel for teenagers, 16-year-old Jahnine is having to fend for herself amidst a series of family misfortunes, with her mother in hospital battling cancer and her brother gone without a trace. Family legend has it that a Patu taken during the Land Wars by her great-great-grandfather has left a curse on them. Determined to return the Patu and lift the curse, Jahnine turns to a strange Māori boy, Andy, and follows him away from Auckland to try and put things right. Nothing turns out the way she imagines in this powerful, realistic novel.

'Book by book, we're adding to our backlist of titles by the talented and prolific Tim Tipene. "Patu" was published by Oratia in 2012 but this compelling, multi-layered story is as relevant today as it was back then. Here's what Adele at Whatbooknext.com had to say about "Patu" for readers aged 16+:

A compelling story of a girl trying to save her mum, Patu is multi-layered and told in the omniscient point of view. This allows the reader to get to know the key characters well. Jahnine is pakeha of Irish descent and the holder of a greenstone Patu. Her unease with the Patu rules her handling of it, never wanting to touch it.

Andy in turn is perfectly comfortable with the weapon, and its effects on him. He is Māori but only knows a sprinkling of te reo, and not much else of his family past. His introduction of Jahnine to his family kicks off the uncomfortable and often regretful journey Jahnine takes.

This journey reveals so much more about the characters. As urban Māori like Andy, some have completely lost their links to their heritage, while others are fluent in te reo and customs. The reader learns about Māori customs and some te reo along with the characters, though I recommend you read the book and not listen to the audiobook as the mispronunciation of te reo is quite jarring if you know better.

Family dynamics including drug problems, alcohol abuse, and the practice of Whāngai is mentioned in the novel, but respect, patience, understanding and spiritual awareness are also an important part.

An authentic look at a New Zealand life, Patu is an enjoyable read.' - The Kiwi Kids' Bookstore, 1st January 2025.

Published 2012 by Oratia Books.