Pukeko in a Ponga Tree

This ever popular book celebrates 40 years of Aotearoa New Zealand's Twelve Days of Christmas.

On the first day of Christmas
my true love gave to me
a pukeko in a ponga tree.


Written by the distinguished composer and Maori Language Commissioner Sir Kingi M. Ihaka and teamed with iconic illustrations by famed pop artist Dick Frizzell, this story has captivated and entertained children for four generations. It has been performed in concerts, adapted into Christmas plays and even inspired a festive community light show on Auckland's Harbour Bridge.