Spring 2009 - Issue 5

The Silversword: Home > Chaminade Life > Witi Ihimaera Visits Chaminade

Witi Ihimaera Visits Chaminade

Russell M. Thoulag, Op-Ed Editor

Witi Ihimaera, lauded Maori author of “Whale Rider” visited Chaminade on April 15 during a presentation of the film based on his book.

Aulama Student Literary Magazine sponsored the event as part of their international film festival.

After an introduction by one of the Aulama students, Ihimaera began with a greeting spoken in Maori and spoke a little more about himself, sharing that he recently became a grandfather. Afterward, Ihimaera answered a few questions asked by Aulama Students.

When asked where he drew inspiration for “Whale Rider”, Ihimaera replied that it came from his father after his two daughters were born. Like the main character of his story, Paikea, Ihimaera’s first born daughter was born after a long line of “first born sons of first born sons.”

The story was used as a vehicle to express his views against discrimination in general—not just against his daughters or the Maori.

“I don’t like discrmination of any kind,” said Ihimaera.

The author told the group that it took him three weeks to complete the book, most of his stories are completed quickly. Ihimaera was asked where he gets his inspiration to write his stories with such speed. He simply replied, “My father.”

Ihimaera said “He isn’t really a father, he’s more like friend. I’m more like his father now that he’s older. He’s my inspiration to write. He will never be happy until any of us reach the stars. He told me to write.”

An audience member asked whether there was any advice he could share with the Hawaiians that were experiencing similar problems like the Maori in his book.

Ihimaera said “It’s not simple.”

He cited the difference in the different geopolitical issues that New Zealand and Hawaii face respectively.  He did however, mention empowering Hawaiians through the arts.

“[The islands] need more artists, more writers, more actors. . . to share culture and empower our people. It may not be that important for our generation, but its more important for the younger generation—for my grandson.”

He closed with a preview of the stage show version of the “Whale Rider” (complete with songs and dancers). His parting words were a farewell in Maori.