Māori Writers Gather at Kupu Māori Festival to Celebrate Language

Māori writers have convened in Rotorua this week for the Kupu Māori Writers Festival, marking its fourth annual celebration. The two-day festival, which begins on October 13, 2023, is entirely sold out. Esteemed writers such as Patricia Grace, J. P. Pomare, Dr. Monty Soutar, and Dr. Hinemoa Elder are among those participating, showcasing the vibrant talents within the Māori literary community.

Festival Kaihautū Ruakiri Fairhall announced an expanded lineup this year, welcoming a diverse array of “word wizards,” including poets, composers, publishers, and translators. Notably, one day of the festival is dedicated exclusively to te reo Māori, with all events conducted in the language. Fairhall emphasized the importance of this approach, stating, “It’s an opportunity for us to ensure that through Kupu, we can bring te reo rangatira to life within these ancestral whare that host these events, allowing our ancestors to hear the language they once spoke.”

Fairhall, who belongs to several iwi including Ngāti Tarawhai and Te Arawa, highlighted the increasing number of Māori writers contributing in both English and te reo Māori. He expressed satisfaction with the strong emphasis on translating books originally written in English. This helps to keep the Māori language relevant and evolving, particularly as new terminology emerges. “But we need to create more writers in te reo,” he added. “We need to write more in te reo from the get-go.”

The festival aims to support emerging Māori writers and foster collaborations between seasoned authors and newcomers. Fairhall encouraged all writers to develop their skills in te reo while celebrating contributions in English. “The population of Māori writers is definitely growing, and they will keep growing,” he said, emphasizing the need for both languages to coexist harmoniously.

Writers Retreat Sparks Connections

Earlier this year, the Kupu festival hosted a writers retreat at Lake Ōkataina, near Rotorua, providing a more intimate setting for creativity. Fairhall noted that the retreat allowed writers to engage with each other in a less overwhelming environment. A memorable moment from this retreat involved a workshop led by author Shilo Kino. A young participant, initially uninterested in reading, became captivated by Kino’s book, managing to read 84 pages on her journey home to Taupō.

“Although we may not have created a writer in that young girl, we gave her an opportunity to dive into a pukapuka that she could relate to,” Fairhall reflected. He believes that events like the retreat and festival not only celebrate Māori stories but also connect Māori and non-Māori audiences with these narratives.

“Our kaupapa for Kupu is to celebrate past, present, and future writers. It’s also to create a new generation of Māori writers,” Fairhall stated, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to nurturing literary talent and preserving the Māori language for future generations.

The Kupu Māori Writers Festival stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Māori writers, ensuring that their voices and stories continue to resonate within the literary landscape.