The Imaginary Lives of James Pōneke by Tina Makereti

James (Hemi) is in his sick bed in a well to do household in London. He begins to tell the story of his short life, recounting his time as a boy in the mission school in Aotearoa Audio

Now well-versed in Te Reo Maori and English, the boy runs away from the school. He spends some time in a pakeha settlement then joins up with a wandering group of his own people. Audio

The boy arrives in Port Nicholson (Wellington). It's here he decides to call himself James Pōneke. He is impressed by the Artist from London and arranges to travel back to London with him. Audio

Hemi arrives at the house of the Artist in London. He makes a strong connection to Miss Angus, the Artist's sister. London is strange, monstrous and wonderful. Audio

Hemi is astonished by the animals in the London zoo. He makes a great impression as a surprisingly well-educated and polite 'living savage' in the Artist's exhibition. Audio

Accused of being a cannibal chief, Hemi responds with a spontaneous warrior dance, a waiata and then a hongi with his accuser. Hemi meets Billy Neptune. Audio

Billy Neptune takes Hemi to the pubs down by the river and introduces him to another side of London life. He meets Billy's girl Henry (Henrietta). Audio

The exhibition is a success, but Hemi yearns to spend more time with his new friends, and especially with Billy to whom he is attracted - not just as a friend. Audio

At the farewell party for Esme and Ernie, Hemi openly shows his affection for Billy. Henry witnesses the moment, fleeing the scene and into the jaws of tragedy. Audio

James blames himself for what has happened to Henry - as does Billy. James decides to take work aboard a ship but, as it happens, Billy has joined the same crew. Audio

On ship Hemi works for the Chinese cook, Song, but soon attracts the violent attention of the chief mate. His solace is in the physical relationship with crew member, Ethan Audio

The ship founders off Barbados. Hemi and a few others survive, including Song. With Song's help Hemi eventually arrives back in London and is taken in again by the Angus family Audio