Witi Tame Ihimaera-Smiler is a New Zealand author. Raised in the small town of Waituhi, he decided to become a writer as a teenager after being convinced that Māori people were ignored or mischaracterised in literature. He was the first Māori writer to publish a collection of short stories, with Pounamu, Pounamu (1972), and the first to publish a novel, with Tangi (1973). After his early works, he took a ten-year break from writing, during which he focused on editing an anthology of Māori writing in English.
Ihimaera in November 2015
Ihimaera in Frankfurt in October 2012.
Plaque dedicated to Witi Ihimaera in Dunedin, on the Writers' Walk on the Octagon
New Zealand Order of Merit
The New Zealand Order of Merit is an order of merit in the New Zealand royal honours system. It was established by royal warrant on 30 May 1996 by Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand, "for those persons who in any field of endeavour, have rendered meritorious service to the Crown and nation or who have become distinguished by their eminence, talents, contributions or other merits", to recognise outstanding service to the Crown and people of New Zealand in a civil or military capacity.
Rear Admiral David Ledson, ONZM, RNZN, wearing the medal for Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Elizabeth II wearing the sash and star of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Insignia of the New Zealand Order of Merit