Dahlia Malaeulu - Creator of Mila’s Books

Dahlia Malaeulu is the Aotearoa-born daughter of Samoan parents, Semuā Malo Shingfield Gray and Lagimauga Saletele Gray. Her father is from the villages of Sinamoga and Aleisa, and her mother is from the villages of Vaivase-Tai, Faleatiu and Fagaloa. Dahlia’s husband is Mani Malaeulu, and their two children are Mason and Isaia. In addition to caring for her beautiful 'āiga as a devoted daughter, wife and mother, Dahlia is the creator of Mila’s Books, the world's only all Pasifika publishing team. As an educator, author and publisher - Dahlia advocates for Tagata Moana by ensuring that tamaiti see themselves in the books they read.

Dahlia created Mila’s Books in response to the need for Pasifika identities, languages and cultures to be supported in schools and at home. With a background in teaching and a deep-rooted passion for enhancing culturally responsive literacy practices, Dahlia was compelled to take action. So, in 2019 she released the Mila's My Gagana Series, a set of early Gagana Sāmoa picture book readers. Since then, Dahlia has published over ninety Pasifika students, teachers and families, and produced award winning books! Recently, Dahlia became the first Pasifika recipient of the New Zealand's Emerging Publisher Award.

Writing and publishing became an extension of Dahlia’s enthusiasm for learning, and her determination to make a difference for Pasifika tamaiti and Pasifika communities. She aimed to create culturally rich literacy resources that accurately represented them; Dahlia wanted to make books that capture their ways of knowing and being. Drawing inspiration from home, Dahlia penned stories that Pasifika communities knew intimately. Dahlia etched Samoan language, culture and identities into spaces where they were often invisible.

Now, Mila’s Books continues to imprint Dahlia’s vision of confident, culturally-located tamaiti in the minds of Pasifika communities and beyond. Dahlia believes that Pasifika have always had a rich storytelling history, and when we harness that power - we show our people and the world what is possible. Moreover, Dahlia believes that Pasifika perspectives are truly unique. Giving Tagata Moana opportunities to tell their own stories empowers them to be successful and grounded in who they are. Feeling seen, heard and valued as Pasifika is a dream that is becoming a reality - one Mila's storybook at a time.