Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Maori Writing
There are many novels and collections of short stories by Maori writers, and personal
taste will govern your choices. How about approaching Maori writing regionally? Read
Patricia Grace
(Potiki, Cousins, Dogside Story, Tu)
around Wellington, and maybe Witi
Ihimaera
(Pounamu, Pounamu, The Matriarch, Bulibasha, The Whale Rider)
on the
North Island's East Coast. Keri Hulme
(The Bone People, Stonefish)
and the South Island
go together like a mass of whitebait bound in a frying pan by a single egg (ie very well).
Read Alan Duff
(Once Were Warriors)
anywhere, but only if you want to be saddened,
even shocked. Definitely take James George
(Hummingbird, Ocean Roads)
with you to
Auckland's West Coast beaches and Northland's Ninety Mile Beach. Paula Morris
(Queen of Beauty, Hibiscus Coast, Trendy but Casual)
and Kelly Ana Morey
(Bloom,
Grace Is Gone)
- hmm, Auckland and beyond? If poetry appeals you can't go past the
giant of Maori poetry in English, the late, lamented Hone Tuwhare
(Deep River Talk:
Collected Poems)
. Famously sounding like he's at church and in the pub at the same
time, you
can
take him anywhere.
Read Hirini Moko Mead's
Tikanga Maori,
Pat and Hiwi Tauroa's
Visiting a Marae,
and
Anne Salmond's
Hui
for detailed information on Maori customs.
