About Us
Books Pasifika and Pasifika Press (formerly Polynesian Books/ Press) was established in Auckland in 1976 by Robert & Sheena Holding. They had spent the previous five years as volunteer workers in Samoa; Sheena as a teacher and Robert as manager of the Wesley Bookshop. They soon became aware of the dearth of relevant written material, which kindled the publication of their first book. Tala o le Vavau: The Myths, Legends and Customs of Old Samoa was an immediate success, sold over 25,000 copies and is still in print. This led to the birth of Pasifika Press - with the focus on books for, by and about Pacific People.
The list gradually grew over the years, but the demands of the retail bookshops and library supply business took priority. Polynesian Bookshop became a busy General Bookshop serving the Ponsonby community, with an upstairs area specialising in Pacific resources. This provided an inviting space where Pacific people could access and celebrate their own languages and cultures. A community space for readings, music, art and book launches.
Meanwhile, the Library Supply business became a significant operation, servicing local and overseas institutions. Actively promoting New Zealand and Pacific literature at Library Conferences and Book Fairs, including Melbourne, London and Frankfurt.
In 1986 the decision was made to sell the General Bookshop and concentrate entirely on New Zealand and Pacific literature. The move to Samoa House on Karangahape Road coincided with the name change to Books Pasifika and Pasifika Press, which better reflected the sphere of activity. At this point more resources became available for Pasifika Press, Robert’s real passion. He was awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 1992. This enabled travel, research and networking across the Pacific. Several important books were published as a direct result. The most notable being an English/Samoan translation of The Samoa Islands Vols 1 &2. By coordinating the expertise of Pacific writers, academics and artists, projects were realised which were previously deemed insignificant or uneconomic by commercial publishers. Most Pasifika titles were created “in house”, providing work and exposure for local artists, illustrators, photographers, designers, typesetters etc.
The retail bookshop, Books Pasifika closed in 1998 and the Library Supply business was sold in 1999. Sheena returned to her passion of teaching until passing away in 2020. Pasifika Press continues to operate, now in its 49th year, enjoying record sales. In 2024 Robert was honoured with Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for Services to Pacific Literature and Business. The history of Pasifika Press has been recorded by the Auckland Museum Centre for Pacific Documentary Heritage.
