Te Pu Taka Māori – Capstone Project
Bringing Te Reo to Life Through Play and Discovery
– An Interactive Book
Te Pu Taka Māori is an interactive, bilingual book series designed to make learning the Māori alphabet engaging and accessible for tamariki and their whānau. The series features two books—one for vowels and one for consonants—filled with pull-tabs, flaps, and pop-ups that encourage hands-on discovery and early literacy.
Created as part of my capstone project at the University of Waikato, this resource aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals—focusing on Quality Education (SDG 4) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).
Purpose
This project responds to the need for more physical, interactive Māori language tools for tamariki and their whānau. By developing a resource that is both educational and culturally relevant, it aims to promote language growth and deepen cultural ties.
SDG 4: Quality Education
Promotes equitable access to early Te Reo Māori education for tamariki.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Creates inclusive, bilingual resources to foster cultural growth and accessibility.
Deliverables
Promotional Poster:
An A2 poster was used to advertise the interactive books as real products. I wanted to show what the books are for and what they can bring to whanau in their homes.e
Target Audience
Target Audience:
Age: 4-6 years old
Who: Tamariki, whanau and early childhood teachers
Why: Encourage language learning in an engaging interactive, fun way.
Bella (4 years old, Active Explorer)
Enjoys hands-on activities and bright visuals.
Chucky (6 years old, Curious Learner)
Loves books and interactive play.
Rahera (34 years old, Mother) Secondary Audience
Never had the resources growing up to learn Te Reo
Research
Design Elements
Every element was chosen to make learning fun while reflecting the essence of Te Reo Māori.
I created multiple versions to ensure the designs were clear, easy to read, and engaging for both learners and teachers, making the learning process smoother.
Colours
I selected simple, everyday words that tamariki and whānau could easily use. After consulting with whānau and the target audience, I moved into illustration, allowing the interactive elements to develop naturally with the visuals.
Prototyping
The assignment challenged us to apply the skills gained throughout our degree, creating a project that reflects our learning under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the concept of ‘Design for Good.’
Interactive Māori Alphabet Books:
Full-colour books featuring each letter of the Māori Alphabet with matching words, illustrations and interactive elements such as pop-ups, pull tabs etc.
These will be split into 2 books, Vowels and Consonants
Memory ard Game:
A game that will help reinforce learning from the book. Using the same words, illustrations and colours will help bring the learning in another engaging way
Typeface
I used bright, playful colours inspired by Aotearoa to keep tamariki engaged and focused. The patterns add interest without distraction, blending familiar motifs with modern design. Bold, rounded fonts make the text approachable for tamariki, while simple body fonts ensure easy reading for whānau.
Patterns
Creating prototypes was a crucial part of making sure these books came together. I did this to refine the mechanics of pull-tabs, flaps, and pop-ups. Ensured durability, ease of use, and engagement for young readers. Focused on making every interaction work best for the target audience.
Book Development
Card Game
Promotional Elements
The memory card game draws from cognitive learning principles, focusing on recognition, repetition, and association. By using the same words and images from the interactive books in both Te Reo and English, I hope to create familiar connections that encourage ongoing learning. Studies show that interactive, play-based learning improves recall and supports language acquisition in early learners. It’s a fun and natural way to weave more Te Reo into daily life
The video and poster were created to showcase the interactive book as if it were ready for market, highlighting how it engages tamariki and whānau in learning Te Reo Māori. They help bring the project to life, presenting it as a fun and valuable resource for everyday language learning