Talented Maori Authors at Library
Five Maori authors will present readings and korero (discussion) of their work at Central City Library on Monday 10
February, 6pm- 8pm.
“Christchurch City Libraries is delighted that Te Ha has chosen the new Nga Pounamu Maori Centre in the Central City
Library as a venue to host this event,” says Haneta Pierce, Maori Services Librarian. Te Ha was established in 1991 as a
forum for contemporary Maori writers to promote excellence in writing and encourage new writers. The following authors
will speak at the event:- Briar Grace-Smith, an award winning writer of plays. She has also worked as an actor and
writer with Maori Theatre companies Te Ohu Whakaari and He Ara Hou. Her first major play, Nga pou Wahine earned her the
1995 Bruce Mason Playwriting Award and her second, Purapurawhetu won best New Zealand play at the Chapman Tripp Theatre
Awards. Powhiri Rika-Heke, chairperson of Te Ha and a lecturer in the Department of English at the University of
Canterbury. Her current research includes a comparative study of Maori and First Nations Canadian writings in English.
Powhiri has recently returned from Germany, where she developed and presented a university course in indigenous writing.
Robert Sullivan, manager of Maori library services at the University of Auckland has recently returned from Canada where
he participated in Honouring Words – International Indigenous Authors Celebration Tour 2002. Robert will have two books
published this year, a retelling of Maori mythology for children, Creation Voyages, and a book on poetry, Captain Cook
in the Underworld. Apirana Taylor, a writer, poet, storyteller, painter and actor. His first novel He Tangi Aroha was
published in 1993. Apirana’s other works include the play, Whaea Kairau; a book of poetry, Soft Leaf falls of the Moon;
and a collection of short stories, Iti te Kopara. During 2002, Apirana was Ursula Bethell Writer in Residence at the
University of Canterbury.
Mere Whaanga, Auckland Museum’s manager of iwi values. She has written and illustrated three bilingual children’s books
and is pursuing a master’s degree in Maori Development at Massey University. Mere was awarded the Fellowship in Maori
History for 2001/02 and has recently received the Creative NZ Te Waka Toi Writer’s Grant 2003 to work on an adult novel,
Only the Shadow of Desire “We hope people will take the opportunity to come and listen to these authors on Monday
evening. It is a privilege to have such talent together at our library and we look forward to sharing this experience
with as many people as possible,” says Haneta Pierce.