A truly powerful story the first time I read it was this year for U.E English. As a child of Maori lineage it fits right into being part of my culture. But mostly I found this novel both enjoyable and interesting, with a backdrop set in the early 1950's in the small rural community of Waituhi just a half hour outside of Gisbourne. Of a family who lived toegether with a christian basis and yet ruled over by a satirical rouge of a dictator type character. Tamihana Mahana better known through the novel as 'Bulibasha' just as his title suggests, Tamihana is a controversial character you found God or was rather found by God while in a field. The Lord's messenger in the form of a 'european angel' uses the typical contrast of the early Maori attitude of 'mistrust' as a basis for Tamihana's first encounter with the almighty. Suggesting that he was never truly a religious man until well, he 'wrestled' with an angel who was sent forth to bring him a message. Quite similar to Joseph and Mary being given a heavinly message from above. Tamihana use the biblical in a negative terminology, using the teachings of the bible to subjugate his 'own' seeds of the sown. His family, except Tamihana is no saint. Raping his wife 'Ramona' and kidnapping her from her engagement and impending marriage to her truelove Rupeni Poata at the tender age of seventeen. Tamihana is a literal 'monster' with little feelings and a typical selfishness and arrogance of his own strengths. Fantastic in the sporting arena, he had trophys from various sporting exploits, from rugby to track and field events. He is the borne athlete.

But even physical strength only takes one so far as Tamihana like many young Maori prior to the 1950's did not complete his schooling in 'school' raised on a farm, he may have exceeded in the sports lifestyle but he falls second intellectually as he grows older with a ripening Ramona giving birth to three sons in less than four years. Tamihana develops a nasty adversity to education, refusing to approve of any such form. In a changing world when european ideals transformed much if early Maori lifestyles and values through a changing period of early New Zealand History, Witi Ihimaera had superbly captured and set his story of Bulibasha.

With a Maori man of Tamihana's stature expressing many of the common views and attitudes of the traditional Maori values, yet Tamihana as a character though physically strong and content in a world he can mould and shape with his hands as a shearer, he is doomed for the future. Where Maori would have to change and adapt to survive.

Tamihana meets his match in the youngest grandson Simoen Mahana, a rebellious youth. Who is the exact opposite of Bulibasha, the 'new-age' against the 'old-age'. He is a representation of the 'next-generation' striving for an identity in one topsy-turvy world of mixed traditions and culture.

He is proud, honourable and educated. Simeon goes to school educates himself and is a threat and seen as little more than a kennel-dog by his grandfather the oppressor in the novel.

He works his tail off at the family homestead, cleaning, baby-sitting, butchering meat and the usual farm duties. From a rural family with a sheraing history, Simeon wants something more for himself and his own family's futures. Seeking education above the domestic-labour of his grandfather's lifestyles.

Bulibasha, is a complex novel that touches many heartstrings from being comical to serious and tear-streaking it is a masterpiece of Maori literature that I am proud to have read and digested.

My compliments to Witi Ihimaera on yet anither award winning best seller that touches the mind, the heart and the soul with each and every word.

I loved this book. As an American living in Auckland, New Zealand, I wanted to read some fiction by New Zealand authors. Now that I have read Bulibasha, I am working my way through Ihimaera's other books.

"Bulibasha" is a fascinating novel about two feuding Maori clans, told by the grandson of the patriarch of the Mahana clan. It is a brilliant portrayl of Maori family life in the 1950's. I won't give away any more. A must read for anyone interested in New Zealand, and a great read for anyone! It is required reading in our household.

Great Maori story on courage, standing up against authority and leadership.

Directed by Niki Caro
Based on the novel by Witi Ihimaera

Rated (PG)
Drama ... Running time: 105 minutes
Setting: Whangara New Zealand
Staring: Keisha Castle- Hughes... Pia
Rawiri Paratene... Koro
Vicky Haughton... Nanny flowers
Cliff Curtis... Porourangi

Whale Rider is a touching drama about a young Maori girl who finds and fulfils her destiny. The young girl, Paikea is rased by her grandparents in the traditional village of Whangara. Whangara is where a carving on Whitireia Meeting House commemorates the legendary Paikea, who travelled on the back of a whale. The near by island is said to be the final resting place of the whale.
Paikea is extremely inquisitive and wants to find out all she can about her ancestors and her heritage. She is extremely brave and has a spiritual connection with the sea.
Her grandfather, Koro, is the Chief of the Ngati Kanohi tribe. Koro's belief is that his first-born child, Porourangi, should become the next chief, but it becomes clear that is not to be. When Porourangi makes it clear that he does not want to become chief Koro looks towards his grandchildren. Tragically Porourangi's wife dies while giving birth to the twins and takes her son with her, leaving him with a daughter and a whole heap of heartache. Koro is disappointed that Pai, being a girl, is unable to take on the roll of chief; little does he know that this it is to be her destiny.
This movie is a heart-wrenching journey that follows Pia's determination to prove to her grandfather that she is worthy of his love and respect.
This is a magical movie and would appeal to many types of people.
The time and effort that would have gone into the making of it has made it a brilliant movie. It has been wonderfully directed and the characters were perfect for the parts they played.

Witi Ihimaera is one of those authors that at one time I was "made" to read as part of NZ High School English curriculum. I have recently discovered the joy of re-reading his work as an ex-pat Kiwi living in the US.
"Whale Rider" the movie has certainly made waves with it's wonderful adaptation of this beautiful work.
The book is filled with images plucked from any rural Kiwi up bringing - Maori or pakeha.
Witi's ability to combine Maori and English in a seamless narrative is what made this book the wonderful read it is.
I highly recommend it - and look forward to more of his work being readily available in this country.

Starring: Keisha Castle- Hughes who is the young girl and main character named Pai.
Rawiri Paratene who is the grandfather of Pai named Koro
Vicky Haughton who is Pa'is grandmother named Nanny Flowers
Cliff Curtis who is Pai's dad named Porourangi.
Genre: Drama
Director: Niki Caro
Critics Warning: No sex, little offensive language,
Themes: An emotional story line based on spiritual beliefs and traditions.

Go to the loo before this film as once it starts you wont want to leave.

Whale rider is a contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfil her destiny.
This film is all drama with one young Maori girl dared to confront the past, change the present and determine the future.
Set in New Zealand this film is rated PG for a brief language and a momentary drug reference, This film runs for exactly 105 mins.
On the east coast of New Zealand the Whangara people believed that Paikea rode on the back of a whale and led his people to New Zealand as each new
generation a chief is born to lead his people. But then Pai, is born and struggles growing up in a beautiful small village which retains the tribes and spiritual
relationship with the sea and their warrior values. Pai is gifted with the
spiritual and leadership qualities of her ancestors but rejected by her
grandfather because she's a girl he was expecting a boy. One day
The community is forced to come together and Pais spiritual affinity with the whales and her courage finally proved that she is the true leader of her people

This fascinating book, part historical, part current, will give you an insight into Maori culture and it's importance to New Zealand, while sweeping you along with it's captivating story.
However, if you're badly arachnophobic you may want to skip some bits!
Witi Ihimaera is one of New Zealand's greatest living writers. His ability to show the ideas and feelings underpinning Maori culture are priceless.

Little to do with Spain has this charming narrative of a bi middle class kiwi man experiencing the problems of coming out. Mr Ihimaera takes us through different settings to explain the perceptions, relations and crafty names the hero gives to the people who make up his sentiments. In fact the nick names and images are the most imaginative part of the tale. 'The gardens' are a gay sauna that the hero returns time and again as if to gain perpective from his inner ad outer conflicts. Gripping as the story is the author could have left more to the imagination of the readers with out being so explicit about what is what in the tale.If he would have done so it could have been forgiving the over sugary romantic, politically correct, family orienteted, post aids poor ending he gves to the story. Nevertheless it's a good one for someone who wants to 'come out' clean saleswise.