Witi Ihimaera: Life and Influences | A Gallery from Sunday Morning | RNZ National

Witi Ihimaera is one of the best known names in New Zealand literature. Most Kiwis will have read at least one book penned by the Gisborne-born novelist, short story writer, playwright and lyricist. He was the first Māori writer to publish both a book of short stories and a novel, and was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2004 for services to literature. In 2009 he received the Te Tohu Tiketiki a Te Waka Toi award, the highest honour given by Maoridom in the arts. He received an Arts Foundation Laureate Award the same year. His 2016 memoir Māori Boy won the Ockham New Zealand Book Award for Non-Fiction and in 2017 he was honoured with the 2017 Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement.
This is his Life and Influences. (Photos other than RNZ, supplied by Witi Ihimaera.)

Witi Ihimaera aged 16.

The Smiler shearing gang, circa 1967. Witi's father Tom is second from left; his mother Julia fourth from the left.

Witi Ihimaera with ancestor Wi Pere at Rongopai Meeting House.

Witi Ihimaera and his father Tom.

The Witi Ihimaera 1977 short story collection 'The New Net Goes Fishing'.

Witi Ihimaera in France as the Katherine Mansfield Fellow, being filmed for a documentary directed by Aileen O'Sullivan.

Witi Ihimaera in Venice, his favourite city.

Witi Ihimaera with writers Albert Wendt and Patricia Grace.

The extended Ihimaera-Smiler Gisborne whanau gathered for Witi Ihimaera's parents' 50th anniversary.

Witi Ihimaera at home in Herne Bay.

Launch in Auckland of 'Nights in the Gardens of Spain' with Mika.

Witi Ihimaera with his father Tom and mother Julia on Waikanae Beach.

Witi Ihimaera at the 'Flowing Water' premiere in Hamilton.

Witi Ihimaera with Sunday Morning presenter Wallace Chapman. Photo: Claire Eastham-Farrelly

Witi Ihimaera at RNZ Auckland. Photo: Claire Eastham-Farrelly

Author Witi Ihimaera. Photo: Claire Eastham-Farrelly

The images in this gallery are used with permission and are subject to copyright conditions.