The Long Game of Reclamation

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).

Verb's official Festival Bookseller, Unity Books will be on-site bookselling, and Witi Ihimaera Smiler will be book signing after the event.

This event is part of the 2026 Verb Readers & Writers Festival. Please see verbwellington.nz for more information.
Festival Passes are a great way to save money and enjoy the full festival experience: just $80 for a 4-event pass. They are available until midday Thursday 24 September.

Many thanks to our generous funders, sponsors and members of Verb Community in supporting Verb Readers & Writers Festival 2026.