Sixty-eight writers and eight artists gather at a hui in a magnificent cave-like dwelling or meeting house. In the middle is a table, the tepu korero, from which the rangatira speak; they converse with honoured guests, and their rangatira-korero embody the tahuhu, the over-arching horizontal ridge pole, of the shelter. In a series of rich conversations, those present discuss our world in the second decade of this century; they look at decolonisation, indigeneity, climate change . . . this is what they see. Edited by Witi Ihimaera and Michelle Elvy, this fresh, exciting anthology features poetry, short fiction and creative non-fiction, as well as korero or conversations between writers and work by local and international artists. The lineup from Aoteraoa includes, among others, Alison Wong, Paula Morris, Anne Salmond, Tina Makereti, Ben Brown, David Eggleton, Cilla McQueen, Hinemoana Baker, Erik Kennedy, Ian Wedde, Nina Mingya Powles, Gregory O' Brien, Vincent O' Sullivan, Patricia Grace, Selina Tusitala Marsh and Whiti Hereaka. Guest writers from overseas include Aparecida Vilaç a, Jose-Luis Novo and Ru Freeman.
Witi Ihimaera Book order
Witi Ihimaera is a celebrated novelist and short story writer from New Zealand, renowned for his masterful prose and profound explorations of Māori heritage. He is a pioneer in Māori literature, being the first to publish both a novel and a collection of short stories. His work is characterized by a unique voice that bridges traditional Māori narratives with contemporary life. Ihimaera has also served as a professor, dedicating himself to the advancement of Māori literature.






- 2023
- 2019
Native Son
- 448 pages
- 16 hours of reading
The memoir delves into the life of a young Maori writer in 1972, capturing his journey as he prepares for his debut publication while grappling with his identity and heritage. It reveals the struggles of a native son seeking acceptance and a voice in a predominantly Pakeha world, alongside personal challenges like love and self-discovery. This sequel to the acclaimed first volume chronicles his experiences in education, relationships, and his evolution into New Zealand's first Maori novelist, offering a rich and powerful narrative.
- 2012
The Whale Rider (16pt Large Print Edition)
- 244 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Kahu, an eight-year-old girl, yearns for her great-grandfather's love while grappling with the expectations of her Maori tribe in Whangara, New Zealand. As the first female in generations, she faces the challenge of being overlooked for the role of chief due to tradition. However, her unique ability to communicate with whales, inherited from the legendary whale rider, empowers her. With this gift, Kahu seeks to connect her tribe with their ancestry and prove her worth, ultimately striving to change the future of her people.
- 2012
Bulibasha (16pt Large Print Edition)
- 632 pages
- 23 hours of reading
Set against the backdrop of New Zealand's East Coast, the narrative revolves around two rival patriarchs vying for the title of Bulibasha, the King of the Gypsies. Their intense struggle highlights themes of power, identity, and cultural heritage, as they navigate personal and communal challenges in their quest for dominance. The story delves into the complexities of leadership and the bonds of family within the unique context of the Gypsy community.
- 2012
The Parihaka woman
- 318 pages
- 12 hours of reading
"A wonderfully surprising, inventive and deeply moving riff on fact and fiction, history and imagination from one of New Zealand's finest and most memorable storytellers. /b>here has never been a New Zealand novel quite like The Parihaka Woman. Richly imaginative and original, weaving together fact and fiction, it sets the remarkable story of Erenora against the historical background of the turbulent and compelling events that occurred in Parihaka during the 1870s and 1880s. Parihaka is the place Erenora calls home, a peaceful Taranaki settlement overcome by war and land confiscation. As her world is threatened, Erenora must find within herself the strength, courage and ingenuity to protect those whom she loves. And, like a Shakespearean heroine, she must change herself before she can take up her greatest challenge and save her exiled husband, Horitana."
- 2009
- 2008
First published in 1972, Pounamu Pounamu introduced an exciting new voice into New Zealand literature. Most of Witi Ihimaera's stories, based on the East Coast, describe a traditional rural, communal way of life facing huge pressures from the drift by many Maori to the cities. This was to be a constant theme in Ihimaera's future writing.
- 2003
Sky Dancer
- 364 pages
- 13 hours of reading
- 2002
- 1998
Beautiful New Zealand
- 160 pages
- 6 hours of reading
A living land of wonder, a shimmering, restless sea, a sky of endless promise. Beautiful North Island of New Zealand contains text by Witi Ihimaera and photographs by Holger Leue. All of New Zealand's most famous landmarks are represented in this book; the Auckland Harbour Bridge, The Sky Tower, Cathedral Square, As well as more unusual images of people and places.