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Writer launches children's book as part of NZ Samoan language week

Helen Tau'au Filisi is holding an art exhibition and releasing a new children's book as part of Samoan language week. [photo:  EMILY FORD/FAIRFAX NZ]

Becoming a published author was always Helen Tau'au Filisi's dream.

While the south Auckland woman is a passionate artist and writer, she spent years studying and teaching before she finally achieved that dream.

It was 2015 when she first became a self-published author, releasing five books including plays, poetry collections and illustrated Samoan children's stories.

Her next book Fale Samoa is being launched in June, with funding from Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board, and will be available in both New Zealand and Samoa.

"For me, having Samoa order my books was confirmation that what I'm doing is right," Tau'au Filisi says.

"I felt quite shy telling these stories coming from New Zealand but that shows there's a need for these stories to be told."

Tau'au Filisi writes and illustrates her own books, with input from her Samoan husband to make them bilingual as well.

She's also hosting her first art exhibition, Pacific Hibiscus, at Mangere Arts Centre until June 4.

Read more at Stuff NZ