This book would not be what it is without the encouragement, support and love of all my family and friends – you all mean the world to me, and I am so grateful to have such excellent people in my life. Particular shout-out to my parents for giving me the magical childhood I had, and to my brother for being my co-conspirator in the many games and adventures we had on the farm.
A huge thanks to my various writing groups, which, over the years, have helped me keep writing. Thank you for your belief in me, and in this story in particular.
Of course, it would not be what it is without the help of my amazing mentor Whiti Hereaka. She saw something special in my book, and she helped me develop it in ways that were faithful to my original vision, while making it about ten times better. At least.
To my Te Papa Tupu crew, who are some of the most amazing, inspiring, creative people I know. I can’t wait to see where that creativity takes you all.
To the Māori Literature Trust and Te Papa Tupu programme for all the opportunities it gave me to work on my writing and on this book in particular.
And finally, to HUIA for all the support on the path to publication. Thank you.
Thank you all.