The Long Game of Reclamation

Part of VERB Readers and Writers Festival 2026

At the age of 80 novelist, memoirist and playwright Witi Ihimaera Smiler (Te Whānau A Kai, Te Aitanga A Māhaki, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Ira, Ngāti Porou) chose to immerse himself in te reo Māori during a year of full-time study at Te Wānanga Takiura o Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Aotearoa.

The journey proved no small undertaking—wading through shame, loss and disconnection, the beloved author found fulfilment, reconnection and joy in the reo of his tīpuna.

Known for his books including Pounamu Pounamu and The Whale Rider; Witi returns to memoir in his third autobiographical work, Te Kaikaukau The Swimmer: I te Ao o Te Reo. Join this legendary storyteller as he shares his story of language reclamation with Puawai Cairns (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Pūkenga).

10am Saturday 26 September 2026

See Ticketing T&Cs.