Second Edition of Mai Veikau on Sale at NFMV

Limited first stock of the second edition of Mai Veikau: Tales of Fijian Wildlife have been published by NFMV with Arcadia funding.

NatureFiji-MareqetiViti has the pleasure of publishing Director, Dr. Dick Watling’s, revamped edition of the “Mai Veikau: Tales of Fijian Wildlife”, a book that was originally published in 1986.

This little gem contains 32 short stories recounting local folklore and providing substantiating scientific background to these traditional myths.

The book is beautifully illustrated in water colours and pencil art of the Fijian wildlife described within. Many of these stories were relayed to the author around the tanoa or dari.

Mai Veikau: Tales of Fijian Wildlife second edition.
Mai Veikau: Tales of Fijian Wildlife second edition.

In his introduction, Dr. Watling speaks warmly of Ian Rolls, the illustrator, with whom he developed the concept of the first edition and was revamping the newest version, when Ian passed away suddenly in 2007.

Mai Veikau was in danger of passing on with Ian…” notes Dr. Watling, and he goes on to say that the project was revived in 2011 to prevent that very thing from happening.

It is fitting that the sales of the second edition be donated to conservation causes, as Mr. Rolls first came to Fiji to work with the National Trust of Fiji.

Pencil art of The Fiji Warbler by Ian Rolls (see 'A Call from the Left')
Pencil art of The Fiji Warbler by Ian Rolls (see ‘A Call from the Left’)

Publication of this edition has been financially supported by the ARCADIA FUND, an international charity that seeks to protect treasures of culture and nature.

The revised edition of “Mai Veikau” is intended to raise conservation efforts as the proceeds of this book help fund priority conservation projects implemented by NatureFiji-MareqetiViti. “Mai Veikau” would make an excellent Christmas present for anyone interested in Fiji’s nature.

Pencil art of the Giant Forest Gecko by Ian Rolls (see 'Geckophobia')
Pencil art of the Giant Forest Gecko by Ian Rolls (see ‘Geckophobia’)

Mai Veikau can be purchased from NatureFiji-MareqetiViti at 14 Hamilton-Beattie Street in Suva, (Ph: 3100598).

Contact us for an Order Form.