The Long Game of Reclamation
The Long Game of Reclamation takes place on Sat, 26 Sept 2026 at 10:00 am (GMT+12) at The Hannah in Wellington, New Zealand, and runs until 11:00 am. Tickets are $21 + on Events.
About this event
At the age of 80 novelist, memoirist and playwright Witi Ihimaera Smiler (Te Whānau A Kai, Te Aitanga A Māhaki, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Ira, Ngāti Porou) chose to immerse himself in te reo Māori during a year of full-time study at Te Wānanga Takiura o Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Aotearoa.
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The journey proved no small undertaking—wading through shame, loss and disconnection, the beloved author found fulfilment, reconnection and joy in the reo of his tīpuna. Known for his books including Pounamu Pounamu and The Whale Rider; Witi returns to memoir in his third autobiographical work, Te Kaikaukau The Swimmer: I te Ao o Te Reo. Join this legendary storyteller as he shares his story of language reclamation with Puawai Cairns (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Pūkenga). Verb's official Festival Bookseller, Unity Books will be on-site bookselling, and Witi Ihimaera Smiler will be book signing after the event. This event is part of the 2026 Verb Readers & Writers Festival. Please see verbwellington.nz for more information. Festival Passes are a great way to save money and enjoy the full festival experience: just $80 for a 4-event pass. They are available until midday Thursday 24 September. Many thanks to our generous funders, sponsors and members of Verb Community in supporting Verb Readers & Writers Festival 2026.
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Details
- When
- Sat, 26 Sept 2026 · 10:00 am (GMT+12) · until 11:00 am
- Where
- The Hannah
- Address
- 12 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
- Price
- $21 +
Questions
- When is The Long Game of Reclamation?
- Sat, 26 Sept 2026 at 10:00 am GMT+12.
- How much are tickets for The Long Game of Reclamation?
- Tickets are $21 +.
- Where is The Long Game of Reclamation?
- The Hannah, 12 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand.
- Where can I buy tickets for The Long Game of Reclamation?
- Tickets are sold on Events. This page links straight to that listing; no tickets are sold here.
- What time does The Long Game of Reclamation end?
- It runs until 11:00 am.