Uncle Tino

James and Jessie are embarrassed by Uncle Tino’s old car and the way he honks the horn so loudly when he drives them to school. But when the Sāmoan culture group needs help to prepare for the end of year concert, it turns out that Uncle Tino is full of surprises. A story about being yourself and standing out from the crowd.

• Jane Va'afusuaga, Author

  Jane Va’afusuaga was born and raised in Eastbourne, Wellington and is of Scottish heritage. Having trained as a teacher, Jane taught for 10 years in Auckland and four years in Apia, Samoa. Jane lives in Samoa in the village of Falease’ela, with her husband, Olsen and daughter, Coco.
  
  Their house sits beside the Liua le Vai o Sina River, where they host visitors from around the world through their ecocultural adventure tourism business. Life in the village means Jane has been immersed in the culture, language, natural environment, church and customs of the Samoan people. She works in the family business, writes when she can and volunteers at the local primary school where she has set up a library.
  
  Jane is a 2017 New Zealand Society of Authors mentorship recipient.

• Nanette Lelaulu, Illustrator

  Nanette: "Painting has always been my place of solitude and peace. It was after my Grandmother Iliganoa Lela'ulu passed away in the late 80s that I truly began to explore the emotional places painting took me, looking deeper into the feelings behind the layers of paint.
  
  I have been exhibiting solo since 1996 and participating in groups shows since 1990 in New Zealand, Europe, New Caledonia and the Cook Islands. I've always had a fascination with painting people, but have recently begun painting miniature landscapes of Rarotonga. I enjoy the intimacy of the smaller size.
  
  In 2006 I was awarded the Artist in Residence for the Cook Islands, also in 2006 I received my Masters of Arts in Therapy, with First Class Honours. Following on from that in 2012 I received first class honours for my Clinical Masters of Arts in Therapy.
  
  The Cook Islands became my home in 2012. I'm continuing to explore the therapeutic methodologies of the Arts."