Pens Down: The Maori Writers National Hui 2008
Charlie Holland recalls the experiences and learnings from the 2008 hui for Maori writers held in Wellington.
Patricia Grace and Hinemoana Baker at the Saturday evening function, Maori Writers National Hui 2008
Pens down and notebooks away, the biennial Maori Writers National Hui is over once again and with great success. The numbers of attendees weren’t as high as I would have hoped for; but those that did attend had a great time and hopefully went away with some creative inspiration or technical skills that will benefit them as a writer.
Friday 17 October
The hui kicked off with Apirana Taylor and Hinemoana Baker presenting poetry in front of young audiences from Heretaunga College, St Patricks (Silverstream), Wainuiomata High School and Naenae College. I’ve been attending and touring with writers visiting schools for years and it never ceases to amaze me how each audience reacts to poetry.
One incident that I particularly found amusing was after a presentation made by Apirana Taylor at St Patricks College, a lingering student approached Apirana after most of his friends had departed after the session and asked Apirana to write him a poem to impress his girlfriend. “That’s cheating,” I said and then when I thought about it, it was actually quite clever. How many girls can say that they have a poem written especially for them, from one of Aotearoa’s leading poets.
Over the years, Apirana has visited hundreds of schools, including mine when I was a student at Gisborne Girls’ High School (many, many years ago). I realised that there were a lot of adults who had not had the privilege of hearing his work and seeing him on stage, so Apirana performed on Friday night at the official opening of the hui at the National Library Auditorium. He totally captivated the audience with his powerful voice and prosaic words. His performance was followed by a showing of a short film called, ‘Journey to Ihipa’, written by Vicki-Anne Heikell.
Nancy Brunning, the film’s director, spoke on behalf of Vicki-Anne and about her own experience in making the film. The film was moving and a pleasure to watch. There were definitely compelling messages in the film that encouraged discussions later that evening. Nancy’s presentation after the showing of ‘Journey to Ihipa’ brought a sense of ‘realness’ to the film and an insight into all the hard work that goes into transforming a manuscript into a screen production.
Friday also provided an opportunity to see the Taki Rua Productions play, ‘Pukunui and his friend Moata Moa’, at Te Papa. The actors were full of energy and easily held the attention of the tamariki from regional kohanga reo. Admittedly it wasn’t just the tamariki, but the young at heart, who laughed and sang along with that big red bird.
Saturday 18 October
The next morning started bright and early at the Wellington Town Hall, a little too early for some perhaps, but those who did make it to the 7am breakfast made the most of those delicious danishes and croissants. Fiction writer James George was the first speaker of the day and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Katerina Mataira followed as the next speaker and left the audience with many inspirational and thought-provoking ideas.
Later that morning singer and songwriter, Charlotte Yates, who has been associated with Toi Maori through the composition of the ‘Tuwhare’ CD spoke about her craft. She demonstrated how the lyrics of a song can make the difference between a good song and a great song. Charlotte’s presentation even gave hope to those of us who are somewhat musically-challenged to have a go at composing lyrics.
The Publishers’ Forum panel discussion was on stage after lunch and was chaired by local writer, Briar Grace-Smith. Huia Publishers, Auckland University Press and Learning Media were available to discuss the ins-and-outs of the publishing world and how writing was evolving in Aotearoa.
The rest of the afternoon was dedicated to workshops conducted by James George, Wena Tait, Rangimoana Taylor and Charlotte Yates. I believe that there is definitely a call for more workshops in the future as no one was ready to end their sessions. The participants continued to chat with the workshop coordinators and each other long after the workshops had ended. For many, the workshops were the motivation that was needed to keep on writing and to write more efficiently.
Saturday was quite intense for most participants with a day full of discussion and participation, so an evening of light entertainment where everyone could just sit back and enjoy themselves was welcomed by all. An evening of poetry, singing and readings in honour of Hone Tuwhare and Mahinarangi Tocker were presented by Hinemoana Baker, James George, Apirana Taylor, Patricia Grace, Tarah Ahkiau, Charlotte Yates and two special appearances by Kiri Piahana-Wong and Pania. Refreshments and socialising after the event wound down the night nicely.
Sunday 19 October
Sunday saw a special guest presentation from Professor Albert Wendt who recently returned from Hawai’i. He shared with us his experience in the United States of America, indigenous peoples and his poetry. Professor Wendt took us on a journey of emotions that moved some of us to tears, but gave an awakening to all.
With indigenity and literature still fresh in our minds from Professor Wendt’s discussion, the Maori Writers National Hui launched into its final panel discussion, ‘Can Maori Literary Nationalism be sustained in Aotearoa?’ with Dr Te Ahukaramu Charles Royal, Professor Albert Wendt and Dr Alice Te Punga Somerville, and chaired by Moana Sinclair. This was a sturdy discussion with many strong points arguing each side of the question.
The hui finished with most of us feeling creatively refuelled and a little more artistically supported. Many thanks to all those who attended and presented and a special thanks to Huia Publishers who kindly donated two books as prizes for one lucky winner for those who submitted feedback forms. The feedback that was given has been taken into account and is still being discussed by the two literary committees at Toi Maori Aotearoa, Te Ha and Nga Pou Kaituhi Maori. These comments will be especially valuable for future hui and our involvement in the preservation and promotion of literature by Maori writers.
A way for writers to keep in contact
To keep up-to-date with our Maori writers, please feel free to either join our Toi Maori Aotearoa email newsletter at http://www.maoriart.org.nz/email or email me at charlie@maoriart.org.nz for literary updates only.
Follow this link to view photos from the hui
Photos from The Maori Writers National Hui 2008
On behalf of the literary committees Te Ha and Nga Pou Kaituhi Maori,
Nga mihi,
Charlie Holland
Thank you to our sponsors:
Te Waka Toi, the Maori Arts Board of Creative New Zealand, Auahi Kore, Huia Publishers, Te Pou Taki Korero: Learning Media, Wellington City Council and Wellington Convention Centre.
Thank you to our supporters:
Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori: Maori Language Commission (Sponsors of Taki Rua Productions) and Tohu Wines.