Witi Ihimaera

Witi Ihimaera was born in Gisborne, and is of Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki descent. Witi has the distinction of being the first Mâori writer to publish both a book of short stories and a novel. He began his working life as a labourer and postman, as well as writing he has since had a distinguished career as a diplomat and university lecturer. As well as authoring short stories and novels, Witi is also an opera librettist and a playwright and in 2005 he wrote his first ballet. He is also a Director at Learning Media. His book Whale Rider was made into an internationally acclaimed film.

Selected Bibliography:

• The Little Kowhai Tree illustrated by Henry Campbell (Huia 2002).
• Whale Rider adapted by Witi Ihimaera, illustrated by Bruce Potter (Reed 2005).
• The Amazing Adventures of Razza the Rat illustrated by Astrid Matijasevich (Reed 2006).

Awards:

• Burns Fellowship, University of Otago 1975.
• Writing Fellowship Victoria University 1982.
• Arts Council Scholarship in Letters 1991.
• Katherine Mansfield Memorial Fellow 1993.
• Honourary Doctorate of literature Victoria University. 
• New Zealand Book Council International Writers' Programme 2002.
• New Zealand Book Council International Writers' Programme 2002.
• Distinguished Companion Order of Merit NZ 2004.
• Storylines Notable Books List 2006 Picture Book list for Whale Rider.
• Arts Foundation Laureate 2009.