The Whale Rider Terms

The Maori are the Polynesian ethnic group indigenous to New Zealand (or Aotearoa). Like indigenous people in other settler colonies, the Maori face ongoing discrimination and live in far worse conditions than the white settler… read analysis of Maori

Hawaiki is the legendary island homeland to which all Polynesian people, including the Maori , trace their roots. Kahutia Te Rangi originated in Hawaiki, then came to New Zealand on the ancient whale’s back. read analysis of Hawaiki

In Maori culture, a karanga (call or summons) is an important ritual to welcome guests into the community by publicly calling out to them upon their arrival. In The Whale Rider, Paikea, Kahu… read analysis of Karanga

The Whale Rider is set in Whangara, a real Maori town on the northeastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Whangara was founded by the legendary Kahutia Te Rangi (Paikea), and it is located… read analysis of Whangara