Introducing our third Guiding Voice : Dahlia Malaeulu

We are delighted to welcome the award-winning author, publisher, and educator Dahlia Malaeulu as one of our guiding voices for the SLANZA Horowhenua Hui: Stronger Together! A proud Samoan New Zealander from Wellington, Dahlia’s work is deeply rooted in her heritage and a passion for empowering the next generation of Pasifika readers, aligning perfectly with our hui's focus on supporting and strengthening our communities.
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Dahlia's journey into writing was inspired by her own children, leading her to create Mila’s Books. As the first all-Pasifika publishing team to win this honor, Mila’s Books was named Emerging NZ Publisher of the Year at the 2023 Aotearoa Book Trade Industry Awards. These Pasifika children’s books are designed to help young Pasifika feel seen, heard, and valued. The judges praised Mila's Books for advancing Pasifika storytelling by sharing the stories of over 90 first-time Pasifika authors, including children, students, educators, and parents.
Adding to her list of accolades, Dahlia's book Mataali'i, illustrated by Darcy Solia and published by Mila's Books, is a finalist for the Picture Book Award in the 2025 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults (NZCYA). Her groundbreaking Mila’s My Gagana Series provides early language readers to support the development of basic Samoan language in homes and schools. She also authored the board book Going to Te Papa | Asiasiga ‘i le Falemata‘aga i Te Papa and created the Mila's My Aganu'u series. 
We are honoured to have Dahlia share her insights and inspire us all with her dedication to culture and community at our hui in Levin.

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