{"title":"Maia the Kaitiaki — The Series","description":"\u003cp\u003eFollow Maia on her journey as a kaitiaki — guardian — across three episodes that explore identity, resilience, and the richness of Māori culture. From living with epilepsy to celebrating Matariki, each episode brings Maia's world to life in a way that is both heartfelt and empowering.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"digital-product","title":"Maia the Kaitiaki Episode 1","description":"\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"111nv39\" data-start=\"159\" data-end=\"194\"\u003e🌿 Maia the Kaitiaki – Episode 1\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"196\" data-end=\"394\"\u003eIn a small village surrounded by rivers and hills, young Maia lives with his beloved Nanny Rakai, who shares ancient stories of their ancestors and the sacred connection between people and the land.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"396\" data-end=\"657\"\u003eOne evening, Maia learns of two mysterious taniwha who live in the river — brothers who carry deep fears: one afraid of the night, the other afraid of the day. Confused but curious, Maia embarks on a journey to understand why even guardians can experience fear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"659\" data-end=\"998\"\u003eAs Maia listens, asks questions, and learns from both taniwha, he discovers that fear often comes from misunderstanding, change, and the unknown. Guided by his Nanny's wisdom and a treasured greenstone taonga passed through generations, Maia learns that healing begins with conversation, and connection can bridge even the deepest divides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1000\" data-end=\"1253\"\u003eThis powerful story explores themes of courage, emotional wellbeing, whakapapa, kaitiakitanga, and the strength of whānau. It invites readers to reflect on their own fears, their connections to others, and the importance of listening with an open heart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1255\" data-end=\"1416\"\u003eMaia the Kaitiaki – Episode 1 is more than a story; it is a learning journey designed to inspire kōrero, reflection, and connection in both homes and classrooms.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maia the Kaitiaki","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43417781403766,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0700\/2134\/9494\/files\/MaiatheKaitiakiCoverPage2026.jpg?v=1778925532"},{"product_id":"digital-product-1","title":"Maia the Kaitiaki Episode 2 - Maia Lives with Epilepsy","description":"\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1i5ytdl\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"50\"\u003e🌿 Maia the Kaitiaki – Maia Lives with Epilepsy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"52\" data-end=\"381\"\u003eWhen Maia suddenly collapses during rugby practice, his world changes forever. Diagnosed with epilepsy, Maia begins a difficult journey filled with fear, confusion, and uncertainty. As he withdraws from his friends and the life he once knew, Nanny Rakai reminds him that even in the darkest moments, guardians are never far away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"383\" data-end=\"738\"\u003eGuided by the wisdom of his Nanny and the mystical taniwha brothers Whare and Ponga, Maia learns that true strength comes from leaning on whānau, embracing hope, and finding light within himself. Through powerful messages of resilience, courage, and aroha, Maia slowly begins his healing journey and discovers that his condition does not define who he is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"740\" data-end=\"1081\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eGrounded in Te Ao Māori and the values of kaitiakitanga, this heartfelt story helps tamariki and whānau navigate conversations around epilepsy, wellbeing, identity, and support. \u003cem data-start=\"918\" data-end=\"944\"\u003eMaia Lives with Epilepsy\u003c\/em\u003e is an inspiring story of overcoming adversity and learning that even our biggest challenges can help shape us into guardians for others.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maia the Kaitiaki","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43419442151542,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0700\/2134\/9494\/files\/COVERPAGEMaialiveswithEpilepsy2026.jpg?v=1778996459"},{"product_id":"digital-product-2","title":"Maia the Kaitiaki Episode 3 - Maia and Matariki","description":"\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"18wzwzg\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"40\"\u003e✨ Maia the Kaitiaki – Maia \u0026amp; Matariki\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"42\" data-end=\"359\"\u003eAs the stars of Matariki rise above the marae, Maia begins a powerful journey of healing, hope, and connection. Struggling with epilepsy and feeling different from others at school, Maia finds comfort in the wisdom of Nanny Rakai, the strength of his whānau, and the ancient stories carried within the Matariki stars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"361\" data-end=\"669\"\u003eThrough the teachings of Matariki, Maia learns that every star holds a purpose — to heal, guide, remember, and inspire. As he plants seeds in the māra kai, shares wishes beneath the night sky, and listens to the voices of his ancestors, Maia begins to realise that he too has an important place in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"671\" data-end=\"1074\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eGrounded in Te Ao Māori and the values of kaitiakitanga, whakapapa, and wellbeing, \u003cem data-start=\"754\" data-end=\"771\"\u003eMaia \u0026amp; Matariki\u003c\/em\u003e is a heartfelt story about resilience, identity, and finding light during difficult times. This inspiring journey reminds tamariki and whānau that healing can come through culture, connection, nature, and the love of those around us — and that even in darkness, we can still shine like the stars above.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maia the Kaitiaki","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43419464630390,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0700\/2134\/9494\/files\/COVERMaiaandMatariki2026.jpg?v=1778997905"},{"product_id":"digital-product-3","title":"Maia the Kaitiaki Episode 4 - Maia gathers Kaimoana","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"203\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"49\"\u003eMaia gathers Kaimoana\u003c\/strong\u003e is a heartwarming story that teaches tamariki the importance of respecting Tangaroa, protecting our environment, and caring for the treasures of the sea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"205\" data-end=\"564\"\u003eJoin Maia and his wise Nanny Rakai as they gather kaimoana along the coast, learning valuable lessons about sustainability, tikanga Māori, and the responsibility we all share as kaitiaki of the moana. When Maia encounters someone taking more than they need, he discovers that true leadership comes through courage, kindness, and sharing knowledge with others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"566\" data-end=\"807\"\u003eFilled with cultural wisdom, whakapapa, and connection to Te Taiao, this beautiful story encourages young readers to understand the importance of taking only what is needed so future generations can continue to enjoy the bounty of the ocean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"809\" data-end=\"851\"\u003eA meaningful Māori children’s story about:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"852\" data-end=\"992\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"eqh52g\" data-start=\"852\" data-end=\"882\"\u003eKaitiakitanga (guardianship)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1c7ggzq\" data-start=\"883\" data-end=\"914\"\u003eSustainability \u0026amp; conservation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"gyawvo\" data-start=\"915\" data-end=\"937\"\u003eRespect for Tangaroa\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"122a31b\" data-start=\"938\" data-end=\"960\"\u003eLeadership \u0026amp; courage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"r40dm0\" data-start=\"961\" data-end=\"992\"\u003eWhakapapa \u0026amp; cultural identity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"994\" data-end=\"1132\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003ePerfect for whānau, kura, and educators wanting to inspire meaningful conversations around tikanga Māori and caring for our natural world.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maia the Kaitiaki","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43421527081078,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0700\/2134\/9494\/files\/COVERMAIAGATHERSKAIMOANA.jpg?v=1779068394"},{"product_id":"digital-product-4","title":"Maia the Kaitiaki Episode 5 - Maia and the Maori Battalion","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"24\" data-end=\"365\"\u003eOn a school trip to the museum, Maia is drawn to a powerful display honouring the Māori Battalion. Among the medals and faded photographs, one portrait captures his attention—a young soldier whose eyes feel strangely familiar. Questions begin to stir in Maia’s heart, leading him back to his home and a conversation that changes everything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"367\" data-end=\"757\"\u003eWhen Maia asks about his connection to the soldier, Nanny Rakai is forced to revisit a story she has carried in silence for many years—the story of her papa, a brave member of the Battalion who never returned home from war. What follows is a deeply emotional journey through memory, loss, and love as Maia learns that some stories are heavy, but healing begins when they are finally spoken.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"759\" data-end=\"1047\"\u003eThrough honest kōrero, Maia helps his Nanny reconnect with the past, transforming grief into remembrance and strengthening the bonds between generations. In doing so, he discovers what it truly means to be a kaitiaki—not just of land or tradition, but of stories, even the ones that hurt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1049\" data-end=\"1246\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eA moving story of whakapapa, courage, and healing, this tale gently reminds readers that our ancestors live on through us—and that sharing their stories can bring light to even the deepest sadness.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maia the Kaitiaki","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43421598580854,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0700\/2134\/9494\/files\/COVERMAORIBATTALION.jpg?v=1779071028"},{"product_id":"maia-the-kaitiaki-te-tiriti-o-waitangi","title":"Maia the Kaitiaki Episode 6 - Te Tiriti o Waitangi","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"59\" data-end=\"442\"\u003eJoin Maia on a powerful journey of identity, truth, and partnership as he learns about the meaning of Te Tiriti o Waitangi through the wisdom of Nanny Rakai and the legacy of his ancestors. When Maia discovers that his own Koro Tamati was a signatory to Te Tiriti, he begins to understand the importance of honouring promises, protecting culture, and standing proudly in both worlds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"444\" data-end=\"790\"\u003eAs Maia prepares a school presentation about Te Tiriti, he learns that the Treaty is more than just a historical document — it is a living promise built on unity, respect, fairness, and hope for future generations. Guided by the teachings of his whānau, Maia finds the courage to become a young kaitiaki for truth and partnership within Aotearoa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"792\" data-end=\"1212\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eGrounded in Te Ao Māori and designed to support learning in schools and homes, \u003cem data-start=\"871\" data-end=\"913\"\u003eMaia the Kaitiaki – Te Tiriti o Waitangi\u003c\/em\u003e helps tamariki engage with New Zealand’s history in a meaningful, heartfelt, and age-appropriate way. This inspiring story encourages readers to embrace their whakapapa, value the importance of unity, and recognise the role we all play in protecting the spirit of Te Tiriti for generations to come.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maia the Kaitiaki","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43448898158710,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0700\/2134\/9494\/files\/CoverPageofTREATYOFWAITANGI.jpg?v=1779703022"}],"url":"https:\/\/maia-the-kaitiaki.myshopify.com\/collections\/maia-the-kaitiaki-series.oembed","provider":"Maia the Kaitiaki","version":"1.0","type":"link"}