A Kiwi Treasure Worth Discovering

This week we take a look at Nine Girls by Stacey Gregg

This week, I have the pleasure to review Nine Girls by Stacy Gregg, an award-winning New Zealand book that completely stole my heart. Set in late 1970s and early 1980s Aotearoa, it resonated with me on such a personal level. Having grown up in Ngāruawāhia during the late 1980s and early 1990s, the book brought back so many memories of the community and landscape I knew so well, even though the story is set a little earlier.

The story follows Titch, a city girl whose life takes a sudden turn when her family moves from Auckland to rural Ngāruawāhia after her father’s business goes under. Adjusting to small-town life is a challenge, but things take an exciting turn when Titch stumbles upon a family legend about cursed gold buried on their ancestral land. With her cousins and new friend Tania, she embarks on a treasure hunt that reveals more than just gold—it’s a journey into her whakapapa, identity, and the legacy of her ancestors.

One of the things I adored most about Nine Girls is how beautifully Gregg weaves Māori mythology into the narrative. The mysterious eel Paneiraira (Pan) serves as Titch’s guide, sharing ancestral stories and wisdom in a way that feels both magical and deeply grounded in history. The book also touches on pivotal moments in New Zealand’s history, such as the Bastion Point occupation and the Springbok Tour protests. Reading it in the context of today, with the recent hikoi still fresh in my mind, gives these historical events even more weight.

As a history lover (and someone who feels incredibly lucky to have tuna in our backyard), I also appreciated how naturally te reo Māori was incorporated throughout the story. It felt authentic and integral, adding another layer of richness to the narrative. For those less familiar, a helpful glossary ensures that everyone can fully engage with the language.

I loved Nine Girls so much that I immediately bought a copy for my niece’s birthday. It’s one of those rare books that transcends age—it’s perfect for young New Zealanders who want to learn more about our history, but it’s equally meaningful for adults who’ll find reflections of their own experiences and connections to the past.

For me, Nine Girls is a five-star read. It’s beautifully written, heartfelt, and a stunning snapshot of New Zealand’s history and culture. (I even cried while reading this which I feel like I haven’t done in awhile!). If you’re hunting for a last-minute gift for the young (or young-at-heart) reader in your life, this is the one to get. Treat yourself or someone else to this treasure because life is too short to read bad books.