With no shops, cafes or other things people stop in towns for, Te Mata Hāpuku isn’t very exciting.

One thing tourists do stop for is the possibility of finding agate among the stones on the beach. But for Sam and Te Rerehua, Te Mata Hāpuku (some people call it Birdlings Flat) is so much more than that.

It is the home of their much treasured and loved Grandma and Poua. It’s also a place of adventures, like looking for lizards during the day whilst being chased by Ururangi’s winds. It is eeling at night when Waipunarangi hasn’t unleashed a torrent of rain.

One clear night, Grandma and Poua lead their tamariki down to the lake near their home, all the while warning them about the patupaiarehe (fairy folk) and the tricks they might pull.

The children know about these tricksters from past visits, but Sam is soon fascinated by the strange fires along the beach in the dark. Suddenly he is in terrible danger!

With the power of karakia, courageous grandparents and the help of Ururangi and Waipunarangi; Sam may have a chance…..

The 4th in this picture book series from these kiwi creatives shares more tales of the Matariki Stars. From relaxed gecko hunting to exciting eeling and the sudden roar of waves ready to swallow them, Sam and Te Rerehua are portrayed in rich colours and movement on the page.

Emotions run riot as once again, this family must outwit the cunning patupaiarehe.

Author – Miriama Kamo

Illustrator – Zac Waipara

Picture Book

Publisher – Scholastic NZ

(2025, Scholastic NZ, Series, Matariki, Family, Whanau, Grandparents, Tricksters, Deceiving, Eeling, Ururangi, Waipunarangi, Wind, Rain, Birdlings Flat, New Zealand, NZ, Aotearoa