- Born
- Birth nameWiti Tame Ihimaera-Smiler
- Witi Ihimaera was born on February 7, 1944 in Gisborne, New Zealand. He is a writer and producer, known for Whale Rider (2002), Winners and Losers (1975) and The Patriarch (2016).
- Attended Gisborne Boys' High School.
- Father is Thomas (Tom); daughter is Olivia Ihimaera-Smiler.
- Ihimaera is Maori for Ishmael, which was given to his ancestor upon the arrival of the Missionaries over a century ago. However, Smiler is derived from the mispronounciation of Ihimaera.
- Best friend was Taunoa Kohere, the late New Zealand poet, to whom Witi dedicates many of his books.
- June 7 2004 - he was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This is the New Zealand equivalent of a knighthood, but does not include the title Sir.
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