Jahnine’s family is cursed. At least, that’s what her grandmother believed. Generations before, her Irish descendant fought in the NZ Land Wars, and afterwards boasted about the greenstone Patu that he stole from his enemy the Māori.

This weapon remained in Jahnine’s family, and now is wrapped up in newspaper in the shed. Jahnine’s mum is in hospital with a second run-in with Cancer. This time is much worse than the first time and Jahnine is worried.

Since small, she has lost her father, her brother and her grandmother is in a care facility for those with dementia. It’s becoming all too much for Jahnine at only 16. Her auntie has come to stay to look after her and spend time with her sister in hospital, but Jahnine wonders if she herself can do more.

Her mum had mentioned once that if the Patu is returned to the rightful owners, the curse will lift. If she finds the people it belongs to, will it save her mum?

Her quest to relieve her family of decades of bad luck begins in an unlikely place. She meets a guy called Andy while visiting her grandmother in the rest home. But Andy is not who she believes him to be and also has his own troubles and family dynamics to deal with. Jahnine is suddenly caught up in an unplanned road trip that goes completely off track. But maybe that’s exactly what needs to happen for her mum to live?

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.

Author – Tim Tipene

Age – 16+

(2012, Warrior Kids, New Zealand, Auckland, Road Trip, Tipuna, Whanau, Family, Kuia, Greenstone, Patu, Weapon, Land Wars, Irish Descent, Te reo Maori, Customs, Karakia, Marae, Pub, Cancer, Illness, NZ Bush, Reationships)