Contents
Witi Ihimaera
Bringing Māori lives and perspectives into internationally read fiction.
Pounamu Pounamu · Tangi
- Born
- 7 February 1944
- Birthplace
- Gisborne, New Zealand
More people
Witi Ihimaera
Witi Ihimaera is a New Zealand author whose books explore family, community and cultural identity.
Early life
Waituhi upbringing
Grew up within a Māori community near Gisborne.
Education
Studied at university while developing his interest in writing.
Career
- 1970s
First books
Published the story collection Pounamu Pounamu and the novel Tangi.
- 1970s–1980s
Diplomatic service
Worked for New Zealand’s foreign service alongside writing.
- 1990s onward
Teaching and fiction
Taught at Auckland and continued publishing.
Selected books
Pounamu Pounamu
Stories centred on Māori life.
Tangi
A novel about mourning, family and belonging.
The Whale Rider
Told a story of a girl challenging expectations of leadership.
Beyond work
Screen adaptations
Several works have reached film audiences.
Public voice
Has written about Māori cultural representation and his experience as a gay man.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Photo: New Zealand Government, Office of the Governor-General. CC BY 4.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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