SHAWN ATLEO’S WORDS CALL FOR GREED TO BE REIGNED IN, IN CANADA
“First Nations across this country have been voicing concern and frustration with a broken system that does not address long-standing disparities between First Nations and the rest of Canada, and address priorities in ways that will provide for long-term solutions and sustainability,” said Shawn Atleo.
“Through the ‘Idle No More’ movement, we have seen a tremendous outpouring of energy, pride and determination by our peoples in recent weeks,” wrote Atleo. “This level of citizen and community engagement is absolutely essential to achieve the change we all want to see in every First Nation — the hard work of re-building our Nations, our governments and protecting our lands, waters and territories.” (more…)
HOLLYWOOD FILM STUDENTS STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS STAR PROSE
On Hobson street as students we sung melodies to the stars, trekking as twinkling lucky comets suspended bright as jewels of the night.
High above geogentric racial wars, we acknowledge the witness of those great bearers of light. Galaxies of pearl systems, strung in sky over the cliffs as gentle reminders we are immortal mortals of Te Whetu Marama.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 4.1.13~
WHATUMANAWA EQ
intuitive intelligence is a Maori concept of New Zealand. It is about EQ in dialogue with the senses that make up IQ. Or the concept too of whatumanawa of the noho puku knowledge banks of Maori reality. (more…)
MYN BALA
Once upoon a time in the wild, wild East, a group of actors got together and made a beautiful film. Their names are: Asylkhan Tolepov, Kuralay Anarbekova, Aliya Anuarbek, Aliya Telebarisova. Their director is Akan Satayev.
Their film is titled Myn Bala: Warriors of the Steppe.
Already a record-breaking hit at home, Kazakhstan’s official Academy Awards entry is a period action blockbuster about the teenage freedom fighter who liberated his entire nation. (more…)
MANUKA TEE TREE OIL FOR BAD BLEEDS
Manuka tee tree oil or eucalyptus oil?
I’d go with the manuka tee tree oil myself. Although Germany tries to claim manuka as its own now kinda, it’s rare.
[Photo: A bee flies across nga putitputi a manuka o Aotearoa. A centuries old NZ tradition year after year - Dad's garden. Photo: my own].
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 22.11.12~
SWEET KIMBERLEY NEWS: KAI CHINESE COMPANY TO DEVELOP WA’s ORD IRRIGATION EXPANSION
Mr Pui Ngai Wu, President of KAI; Merle Carter; Edna O’Malley, Chair of MG Corporation; Mr Jian Zhong Yin, CEO of KAI; and Helen Gerard. Photographer: Olivia Garnett.
Indigenous Australians & Chinese Business Partners News: Western Australia says it’s ready and willing to hand over more land to China and other foreign investors, after clinching a $700 million deal to lease over 13,000 hectares of prized land in its Kimberley region. Before the project can go ahead, the proponent has to reach an agreement with traditional owners, who will get 675 hectares of land.
The vast tracts of land in the Kimberley, made viable by the $500m federal and state Ord River irrigation scheme, will be leased for up to 50 years by Chinese conglomerate Shanghai Zhongfu.
The conglomerate will operate in Australia as Kimberley Agricultural Investment (KAI).
JinZhong Yin, CEO Kimberley Agricultural Investment
The Chinese real estate company plans to build a $450 million sugar mill near Kununurra, which is intended to produce four million tonnes of sugar cane and 500,000 tonnes of export sugar. (more…)
GO TO COLLEGE AT WAIKATO UNIVERSITY
Waikato University has a vibrant study program.
For Americans who love Maori and Indigenous Cultures and are thinking of going to College, this one’s for you:
New Waikato research centre to focus on Māori and Indigenous governance The University of Waikato launched a Centre for Māori and Indigenous Governance in three cities this week. Based in Te Piringa – Faculty of Law, the Centre has been established to provide research-led solutions that focus on improving Māori governance across a variety of sectors.
The University also has a green focus: Waikato professor to write carbon capture and storage law
Happy surfing the website.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 18.11.12~
I AM DETERMINED – FOMA’S 25th ANNIVERSARY, TAUPO – TAKING $10b MAORI ASSETS TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF GROWTH
Lake Taupo.
FOMA has been working to expand the Māori economy for 25 years. It’s members have a $10b asset base. Here’s a quote from the Chair: “It is essential the Maori business network actively participates in the fundamental development of New Zealand’s economy. Maori economic development and its contribution to the growth of this country must continue to be realised and I am determined to facilitate this growth through the provision of a robust networking capability within our membership.” –Tangata Whenua news.
Their anniversary was celebrated at Rauhoto Marae in Taupo today.
Young Hinerangi Goodman was there to showcase the hope Maori entrepreneurs have as corporate entities in the collective of community thinkers.
Some facts: Forestry and fishing are two industries that Maori could develop quite well into more innovative ways. Maori could also diversify capital from these too – into new arenas of business expansion.
Watch Traci Houpapa in the clip who makes it all sound so exciting. So beautiful with a refreshing spirit too. Inspiring stuff.
Press Release of The Hui follows: (more…)
THE MAORI KING MARCHES TO PRESERVE THE MAORI LANGUAGE & TE KOHANGA REO LANGUAGE EDUCATION PODS
It is hearting to witness King Tuheitia, The Maori King, and his family join in marching on Wellington, New Zealand’s capital in a protest hikoi. The protest is designed to show that more should be done to support Maori language education pods in the world.
Of course, that starts at home, in New Zealand. (more…)
THE HORIWOOD TOP TEN 9th OCTOBER 2012
The Horiwood Top Ten today are:
1. International Indigenous Peoples Day 2012
2. Hongi Avatar
8. Ari Emanuel
10. Presidents in a Rose Garden – vintage USA
To everyone who contributes to content, thank you.
Teamwork quote:
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
–Owen Dougan. :)
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 9.10.12~
HONGI AVATAR
Surreal Hollywood Maori Art: Avatar hongi photo.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 6.10.12~
FILM FRANCHISE PRODUCTION GROWTH NEW ZEALAND – INVESTING IN KIWI WRITERS & SCREENWRITERS IS THE KEY
There is nothing more powerful than ideas whose time has come.–Victor Hugo.
There is nothing more powerful than ideas whose time has come, filmed on landscapes that are resources rich. ImagiNATIVE writers are the world's first architects of a future new world and new frontier.
–The way of global film sales marketing patterns observed over a few years now.
The pen is mightier than the sword.
–Winston Churchill as a writer, storyteller, peace maker and boozy warrior leader.
Developing a sustainable film industry in New Zealand really comes down to investing in New Zealand writers more and fostering relationships with the world’s best screenwriters too. It is vital that New Zealand encourages writers, as writers become the billionaires after all the effort has gone into producing successful film franchises. We need some Maori billionaires in New Zealand. Maybe some could write their way into the history books invisaging a cinematic light to project the new way.
We must write films from New Zealand, as if we don’t other people’s written ideas of the South Pacific, will be written about our territory. So, it makes sense to always be writing our own version of the world and attaching our definitions and meanings of landscape of the South Pacific to our own words and ideas in our films. We can write futuristic films, yet the messages in them attached to our landscapes have a resonance all over the world for the good.
We have the locations and enough filmmaking capability now in New Zealand. We just need better scripts, film franchise ideas created in New Zealand and a belief in fast tracking screen-writers to a global level of writing ability. Film crews travel (actors included) to where whoever has the best ideas - to collaborate on – film projects of significance.
New Zealand is soon to become that place even more so, then we have been already on some major film projects.
So what kinds of writers could happen in New Zealand? As a precursor to Mitt Romney‘s rise in politics as a star figure for the US, novelist Stephenie Meyer was a Mormon housewife of Arizona, who mimicked the UK’s JK Rowlings star template as a novelist.
Meyer’s story as a humble writer is one of a stand out success for relativiely new billionaires. Meyer’s novel ideas, even created a brand new studio to make her novels into films. It was then aquired by Lionsgate to import a strong youth audience following into Lionsgate’s entertainment brand.
The young actors cast in Meyer’s films now lead California’s box office (Kristen Stewart being one). JK of course, mimicked Brit authors like C.S Lewis and JRR Tolkien to find her own voice as a single parent writer. Magic was JK’s theme of children learning at school. Meyer’s was a voice of fantasy, romance, angst – youth under threat. Meyer’s creative literary bent, was a huge hit.
What this tells us: Perhaps we need to invest in single parents and-or Kiwi housewives more. (more…)
SAL SERBIN’S INDIGENOUS HUMOR
Funny today is Sal Serbin‘s indigenous peoples humor.
A very good reality check, for all us white folks rolling out. :)
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 22.9.12~
CHAORI 3D CINEMA – TINI MOLYNEUX’S VISION OF MAORI CINEMA’S EVOLVING INDUSTRY
To grow New Zealand’s filmmaking in groundbreaking news ways: “Ancient Maori legends combined with a big 3D budget vision have the potential to be relevant in the world.”
“Think, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon being a Maori legend told well,” is what Tini Molyneux told me about 12 years ago.” Today, I have to say, all of those years ago, Molyneux’s vision was right.
Food for thought for Iwi, China, Asia-Pacific to mull over concerning cool new films adding to NZ’s already cool movie genre of new films being made and produced.
In the films, I’d probably cast actors who didn’t know how to read or write well, yet their action skills were a forte. They’d shine in these groundbreaking films as whole people earning good incomes. eg: Some of Hollywood’s brightest stars story.
Seeing people who’d struggled with literacy “not intimidated” and acting in movies for tiger markets, with more golf time on their hands outside of their careers to play golf at St Andrews in Scotland in movie down time, would kinda rock too.
Summation: Chaori film production companies are a fantastic idea to grow NZ’s economy. Win-win-win. A billion dollar industry each year, just waiting to be developed in New Zealand. I like the idea as it the idea is about sustainable creation in new industry-building ideas from NZ.
What do you see in your Kiwi dream?
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 22.9.12~
BEHAVE FILMS: “LITTLE HOUSE NIGG*RS ON THE REMAINING PRAIRIE” – HONE HARAWIRA IS A COMEDIC SCREENWRITER WAITING TO HAPPEN
Semi-True Hollywood script ideas penned by New Zealand politicians combatting racist censoring and design:
If New Zealand politicians in The Beehive were to form a film production company and write comedy films, we would send the few Maori-Kiwi MP’s into bat first, to really loosen the economic gridlock up. The production house could be called “Behave Films.”
We’d probably choose Hone Harawira to write the first script, because he’s always controversial, has no fear, doesn’t lie and doesn’t care what people think of what he says. Always a good basis for social justice as well as comedic appeal too. Laughing at ourselves is good.
Hone’s film would probably tackle the unacceptable poverty divide that exists. The divide is incredibly racist. Banking flows, via political wingmen have been the cause of this gross scouge of NZ society in it’s current form. So, we probably do need Hone Harawira’s magic to bring attention to this greedy disease that has crippled NZ society’s economic growth being more common place as well as wealth being more evenly distributed in the form of adequate job creation too.
What would Hone’s film be though? Well, the newspaper suggests the idea could involve Facebook marketing. Hone’s movie idea could be titled: Little House Nigg*rs on the Remaining Prairie.
Good Lord, and it’s only Thursday in NZ, not even the weekend. The political scene in Wellywood is like, totally on fire today. Too funny.
Other H2 news can be read: Here & Hia. Never dull. Always entertaining.
[If you look at farming flows or where banking system flows of the economy have gone to in the last 7-10 years, metaphorically Hone is absolutely right in raising concerns about censoring Maori in the political system in the way current politics has been designed and rigged at this moment of writing. He makes me laugh in pointing out the illegaity of what is going on! Too honest! What Hone indicates is illegal and unconstitutional political practice that needs a good flushing out to be frank. It's certainly a refreshing change to dishing out the tin in rehashed movie roles like All Quiet on The Western Front. Geez! It's 2012!].
[Photo: Hone Harwira portrait by Don Scott].
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 6.9.12~
PACIFIC FORUM NEWS – MAORI LEADERS SEEK SEAT ON PACIFIC FORUM COUNCIL’S SOUTH PACIFIC GOVERNANCE PANEL
Te Karere News reports: Maori Leaders are a part of the South Pacific leaders delegation meeting in the Cook Islands at the assembling of the Pacific Forum.
Four iwi leaders including Ngai Tahu’s Mark Solomon, Tainui’s Tukuroirangi Morgan and Ngati Porou’s Selwyn Parata descended onto the Cook Islands ahead of the Pacific Forum’s meet and greet. Te Arawa also sent a delegat. Polynesian heads of state see Maori as having a place on the Polynesian forum made up of countries like Cook Islands, Tahiti, Samoa and Niue. Excellent idea.
Of interest to most people in Asia-Pacific is Maori New Zealand citizens rising role of furthering both entrepreneurial economic development, fisheries and resources kaitikitanga (guardianship), sufficient marine surveillance measures and very importantly, providing valuable insights into culturally appropriate policy and trade agreements concerning Pasifika and Polynesian people of the South Pacific and Asia-Pacific.
If this happens all citizens of the South Pacific will win more fairly in trade deals, why I think this story is wise in protecting all New Zealand citizens and our Island dwelling friends and allied sovereign nations, our children and children’s children’s best interests with long term planning thinking beyond two generations.
Ngahuia Wade conducted the interview in a mix of English and Te Reo Rangatira (NZ’s timeless Language of Chiefs of the South Pacific). Scotty Morrison presents the story. Good stuff.
[Image: Historical image, Snail Mail Post: the Robert Louis Stevenson 7D postage stamp, Western Samoa's literary traditions].
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 27.8.12~
SPORTS NEWS: WAKA AMA IVF VA’A WORLD SPRINTS CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS, CANADA
International Sports News: The results for the Waka Ama team rowing World Championships (more specifically: Calgary 2012 IVF Va’a World Sprint Champs) in Canada, are very exciting.
Results are as follows:
Open Men – V6 1500: 1st: New Caledonia (7:29:19). 2nd: Canada. 3rd: California, USA.
The sports event celebrated in vibrant cultural style: A Cultural Night Performance for competing nations saw live performances from Canada, New Zealand, Hawaii, Italy and Rapa Nui.
Full race results can also be viewed at Waka Ama’s NZ website. Woot! Congratulations to all the medal winners. Way kool! What an exciting culture of sport on display on Canadian waters. Tu much!
[Photos Waka Ama NZ]
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 19.8.12~
INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY 2012 & WORLD NEWS VIEWS 10.8.12
Yesterday was World Indigenous Peoples Day: It is an honor to be numbered in that group and also reflect on what we can all do for the Indigenous Peoples of the earth. We have a lot to change concerning our own greed and how we’ve stripped the rights of these beautiful people. Their worldviews are the balance the world needs at this time. Some links: Link between research and indigenous peoples‘ day – HRC.
Some World News links:
USA: U.S. drought worsens. Drives up food prices worldwide. Abe Lincoln lives. Humor: Obama complains First Lady doesn’t get paid. Eurozone watch. Romey vs. Obama: what the oddsmakers say… Healthcare: Justice Ginsburg shrugs off rib injury…
Australia: London ink: Cathy Freeman‘s joy as Sally completes journey. The best tattoos at the Olympics. Day 13: Live coverage -London. Ecstacy in London: Kayakers turn grief into sixth Aussie gold. AFL: Eagles looking to win midfield battle. Market turns on Telstra despite earnings growth.Economy watch: Economy ‘generating just enough jobs’. Aussie K4s: bring home sixth gold.
Belgium: Games end for drunk Belgian cyclist.
Russia: Russian politicians slam Madonna over gay rights.
Generations collide: Cathy Freeman and Sally Pearson embrace. Photo: Viki Lascaris.
UK: Sport: ‘Asian banks prepare for British exit from the EU’. And: Olympics live. Commentary: Iran’s brutal hypocrisy over Syria. Boris Johnson: state school pupils should get two hours sport a day. Cameron: Cameron: ‘army of volunteers’ can rejuvenate school sport. Sports coaches for kids: Athletes swing behind drive to build on Olympics legacy in schools. Great Britain win 23rd gold medal.
New Zealand: No signs of victims30 hours on – New Plymouth. Sports: Olympics, August 9. Rescue flight returns from Antarctica. Police defend Dotcom raid tactics. Blue Chip victims win court battle. Water rights debate will cost millions. Black Sticks men seal ninth placing at Games. Expat Kiwis savour Olympic success. Toyota recalls 20,000 Camry, Aurion sedans. A walk through Kiwi Olympic history. Oldest flashmob hits Queen St. A new era for erupting White Island.
South Africa: Pistorius gets Olympic reprieve
India: India output shows slowing growth.
Phillipines: Rain pours woes on flood-hit Manila. Philippines ramps up flood relief.
Iran: Iran offers support to Syria
Syria: Inside Syria’s battlefields
Libya: Libyan council hands over power
Brazil: Soccer
Mexico: Ernesto closes on Gulf of Mexico oil installations. US Grain Exports-Corn sales hit 14-week high as Mexico buys.
Germany: Germany’s high court expands gay rights. Sport: Germany wins 2 more canoe sprint golds.
Netherlands: Netherlands to meet Argentina in women’s hockey final. Black Sticks lose semifinal thriller. Epke Zonderland.
Canada: Canada wins Olympic women’s soccer bronze. Economy watch: Canada’s trade deficit almost doubles.
Turkey: Turkey: accuses Assad of supplying arms to Turkish Kurd militants
Argentina: Argentina shatter Britain’s dreams of a first women’s hockey final. Business World Online: US, Spain, Russia, Argentina.
NASA: Curiosity rover – Mars – uses small computer for big job
Indigenous Peoples News Bonus: Govt must ‘honour Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples‘
And: are 60 per cent of athletes doping? – BALCO founder.
Audience Map:
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 10.8.12~
CHRIS FINLAYSON SPEAKS ON PORT NICHOLSON’S FUTURE – WAITANGI TRIBUNAL FINDINGS
Christropher Finlayson, Attorney-General for New Zealand was on New Zealand news today. The man who makes politics and law ethics sound like Shakespeare being performed live in New Zealand, appeared on TV to speak of Taranaki’s Port Nicholson.
Mr Finlayson says that the mismanagement of Port Nicholson could lead to new grievances further down the pipe line.
The Waitangi Tribunal (the group of judges who advise on Maori assets management under current law) have criticised the lack of communication between Crown negotiators over the Port Nicholson settlement in Wellington. (more…)
KAPA HAKA HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION – FIERCELY TALENTED WHANGAREI CITY MAORI YOUTH
Sexier than a Maori pixie-tinkerbell character, is Peata Melbourne reading the news in Te Reo Rangatira (the language of Chiefs). Surreal, yet real and reading the news in New Zealand.
Peata is from one of the longstanding entertaining families of Maoridom in New Zealand. Her family is cloaked in poetic humility of spirit.
On her news radar? The kapa haka Maori performing arts cultural theater competition for high school students in Whangarei City, Te Taitokerau Northland. Young people versant in the oldest artform of performing theater of NZ have congregated in Northland for this special event. Plenty of lively culture on display.
Ngai Tuhoe’s young journalist, Rapaera Tawhai, has the story in Ngapuhi Iwi kainga-land.
Love it! Haka up. :)
[Incidentally, Peata has the same wide eyed-spacing as super-models like Kate Moss. A freak of nature at birth, did she miss her calling? She has a Maori-made-for-fashion face. Sexy Tuhoe mama from the diverse Urewera peoples cultural hearth land. From a Hollywood silver screen casting perspective, Peata is all bright eyes, similar to Winona Ryder back in the day. Good genes].
Enough about Peata Melbourne’s fierce cuteness though and definitive art of Maori cool: Also on the Maori News radar today is the concept of Maori people being smoke-free shareholders in the NZX shark pool, buying into their own existing assets in New Zealand. Read that here. All good. :)
~Posted by Horiwodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 24.7.12~
THE RAUPO PHRASEBOOK OF MODERN MAORI – SCOTTY MORRISON’S GUIDE TO INTEGRATING MAORI INTO EVERY DAY FAMILY LIFE
Watching Breakfast television in New Zealand this weekend a few books were promo-ed on the show. One was Owen Glenn‘s rags-to-riches biographical life story, titled Making a Difference. Blogger and book critic Graeme Beattie‘s review of the book can be read here. Glenn is also the owner of The Warriors rugby league club in New Zealand. His work in India is vital in West Bengali.
Also on Breakfast was Stacey Morrison talking about a new book that is pivotal to New Zealand’s future. Her husband wrote the book. For people who would like to learn the Maori language and teach their children the language, Scotty Morrison‘s brand new book titled The Raupo Phrasebook of Modern Maori: The User-friendly Guide for All New Zealanders is an essential Kiwi book we all must own a copy of.
Together, Stacey and Scotty’s combined contributions to enrich New Zealand culture as broadcasters is a massive legacy they have consistently given to instill a strength of spirit and Maori culture into the fabric of New Zealand’s ever-changing society. I love what they do. I get it. There are no words to explain what they have given over the years. They always give in fun ways, so you never know you’re really conscious you’re learning from them when they are on the air as entertainers and broadcasters. Thank you.
About the book. Fishpond book website writes:
“The Raupo Phrasebook of Modern Maori is an up-to-date, versatile and highly relevant resource and guide for utilizing Maori language in everyday life. Whether you’re a novice or emergent speaker of te reo Maori, or a complete beginner, you’ll learn useful phrases for: The home, the marae, the workplace, and social settings etiquette. The book also gives advice about appropriate observations of time in correct address for the days, months, seasons and weather. Key phrases are taught for mathematical discourse in Maori too.
For the person who is on the go, The Raupo Phrasebook of Modern Maori offers instructional knowledge for travel and directions, playing sports, having fun, and so much more!
The phrasebook also covers dialects, grammar and pronunciation; answers to key questions you’ll use the most in life; outlines favorite idioms and slang used every day in New Zealand society’s Maori conscious world; shares the wisdom of the ancients through proverbs and speeches; and provides information on the ever-changing history of te reo Maori – an active, evolving, living, satisfying and vibrant culture that’s on the rise.
The useful vocabulary lists are a big hit and are offered for each book section to make reading easy. The tone of the book is written in a user-friendly manner with everyday New Zealanders in mind. With a focus on modern-day language, The Raupo Phrasebook of Modern Maori is the guide that no home should be without.
About the Author: Scotty Morrison (Ngati Whakaue) is the well-known presenter of the Maori current affairs programme Te Karere. He holds a Diploma of Teaching, Bachelor of Education and a Masters degree (Education) from Waikato University.
Scotty is also the Director of Maori Student and Community Engagement at Auckland’s Unitec Institute of Technology Te Whare Wananga o Wairaka, where he promotes te reo Maori through awareness, administration and specialised courses.
Tumeke!
[Note: Must get both books].
Rawdon Christie of TVNZ interviews Stacey on integrating Maori into daily life. I think of how important Sir Apirana Ngata‘s books were to New Zealand society back in the day. This book has the ability to be just as profound to NZ culture and to the world that loves Indigenous Peoples knowledge too. How practical, valuable and useful. Rock on.
[Photo: Chris Skelton - Fairfax Media NZ]
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 22.7.12~
MEET THE WHAKAKI’S: WITI IHIMAERA’S NEW BOOK – THE THRILL OF FALLING
He is the master of the twists and turns in a nation’s most loved narratives.
He has memories of life in Whakaki in New Zealand, he’s the author and co-movie producer of Whalerider (book and film). He is defined as being the most powerful voice in Maori literature. Although I am not his favorite Cliff, I am his favorite Sam. He is a great teacher – although when you read this website you’d wonder if my ears had been painted on when he trained me in creative writing many years ago.
Today Witi Ihimaera was in studio on New Zealand TV talking up his new book The Thrill of Falling. Younger creative writers in New Zealand cannot describe him as a tuakana. Turning down a knighthood specifically as he believed the system had done more harm to Maori then good so he couldn’t possibly accept, he’s more like an Uber-Tuakana-Max. Anyway, here’s a few things that Ta Witi had to say.
Paraphrased: “As a kid in Whakaki and visiting Hamilton, I liken the thrill of falling to the thrill of jumping off a bridge when you’re a kid. It’s scary, then you hit the water and you’re okay. The book also covers going to London and how we engage with the wider world. Helicopters work out of fiords, lassooing icebergs as the water is 99% pure antarctic water. That occurrence is also in the book.
We have rich pasts of Maori people who are global citizens of travel. In the book the character Aunt Lulu marries Gardener Harrington. His family are horrified he married someone dark. They try and define her “suspect Maori blood” as being Castellian. She would never be intimidated by the put downs, appearing at the opera in a stunning Maori cloak. Lol! That was Aunt Lulu.
From the book’s sleeve: In The Thrill of Falling, Witi Ihimaera continues his exploration of the novella and the long story begun in his last collection, Ask The Posts of the House (2007) with a new set of intriguing narratives: urban fiction in Maggie Dawn; contemporary comedy in We’ll Always Have Paris; the science fiction novella in Purity of Ice; the new genre of conservation fiction in Orbis Terrarium; the different ways of telling history in the title story; and an adaptation into novella, One More Night, of Albert Belz‘s play, Whero’s New Net, which itself was adapted from stories in Ihimaera’s second short story collection, The New Net Goes Fishing (1976). The ideas continue to affirm Ihimaera’s place in New Zealand literature as one of our finest storytellers.–Wheelers.
It’s a treat to see a live read of Ta Witi’s latest piece of work.
Having long been a man who survived the many jealousies that surrounded his rise to be a voice for his people that was universally accepted –there is only one way to define the elusive, clever, compassionate and wise Ta Witi: he is a living national treasure.
Thank you for the humor, the twists and the stories – the words always gifted from the heart. Incidentally my “Smile Club” section within this blog, is named after your dad Tom, who when I met him once in hongi, smiled at me in Whakatane. The depth of his grace is a lifetime’s work to restore to the current generation of Kiwis and our friends. Stay smiling. Thank you. I am looking forward to Bullibasha: King of The Gypsies when it makes it to the silver screen.
[Footage: Jeanette Thomas and Matai Rangi Smith zoom us in on Good Morning show in New Zealand. Hollywood Google Images Witi Ihimaera Pop Art].
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 12.7.12~
TERIYAKI KOBE BEEF JERKY MARINADES
… Kiwi invention of the day. [Fijian brown sugar, manuka honey molasses, beef marinades with heat]
[who's on that project?!].
Biltong have started. Ngati Whatua and Tainui could also give it a go, with our exclusive bretheren Amish-Kiwis perhaps. :)
[Image: FSC]
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 8.7.12~
OUR OUTRIGGER CANOES OF SCIENCE, EDUCATION, INNOVATION FOR POLYNESIAN & PASIFIKA YOUTH POPULATIONS OF THE WORLD – NEW ZEALAND SPIRIT RISING & INVESTING IN PI YOUTH
Because science, innovation, education are New Zealand peoples spirit - of our strong outrigger canoe culture of navigatable adventurous and creative discoveries into new horizons of destiny and change too:
In investing R&D capital into our future innovative inventors of sustainability and peace news:
In my mind I see, children all throughout the South Pacific, even up to the Marshall Islands into even the island of Guam, maybe Vietnam too. They each have a laptop and tablet each. On the internet they are taught curriculum subjects from New Zealand.
Their learning is accelerated and a generation of Polynesian (and Asian?) children arise, supported by their New Zealand friends nearby and afar, to allow the potential of Polynesia’s youth to be all they will be, for the gifts in their lives the world will need to be stronger, smarter, more creative – in the years to come. If we all do this for them that’s so going to happen.
This is the burden that sits very strongly on me today. I really want to see our groovy and unique white, Pakeha New Zealanders do it, just to teach the world what cool New Zealand citizens look like as architects of the world – and to push back the powers of greed, on our Island dwelling Polynesian friends.
Although we admire the braun of Polynesian peoples natural dna (Jonah Lomu storms to mind) - it is their Peaceful spirit (most days), their respect for their elderly, their creativity so rich yet largely untapped, their spiritual gifts, the notable and noble warmth of heart, a trusting innocence in the good of the wider world and their unique thoughts that dwell within their minds; that we will need to see more of in the world, twenty years out from this point. We need to invest more in it.
Photo: Namua Island, Aleipata Upolu, Samoa–Real Adventures. (more…)
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