Whale traditions explored

Waitakere writer Bradford Haami has been selected for the first ever Maori writer’s residency at the Michael King Writers’ Centre in Devonport.

 Bradford Haami has written extensively about Maori history and culture, as well as being a documentary and drama writer, a director and producer, and a researcher at Te Papa in Wellington. He has been a university lecturer in Maori studies and drama and is currently working on a major book about Maori traditions of whales.
 His latest project, with the working title IKA-MOANA: Whale Traditions of the Maori, will explore the special place whales have in Maori culture from pre- and post-colonial eras, right up to the present day.  He has been working on the book for a number of years.

 The residency, which will start on May 14, is for eight weeks. He will receive a stipend of $8,000, together with free accommodation and working space at the Michael King Writers’ Centre in Devonport.

Footnote:
Bradford Haami is originally from Whakatane and is affiliated to the Ngäti Awa tribe. He is a journalist,  researcher,  published writer, and TV producer/director.