Authors

Witi Ihimaera (Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Tūhoe, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui) is a novelist, short story writer, anthologist and librettist. Witi has the distinction of being the first Māori writer to publish both a book of short stories and a novel. Since his writing career took off, Witi’s books have won multiple New Zealand Book Awards, he has been the 2009 Arts Foundation of New Zealand Laureate, and was honoured in the same year with the premiere Māori arts award Te Tohu Tiketike a Te Waka Toi.

Witi has an extensive list of published titles, including Pounamu Pounamu, The Whale Rider, The Dream Swimmer, Sky Dancer, The Amazing Adventures of Razza the Rat and The Thrill of Falling.

The Whale Rider was made into a movie in 2002 and gained international success. Witi’s publications continue to be highly sought after.