Winterfest 2026 - Speakeasy

A revealing memoir from New Zealand’s leading Māori writer reflecting on his decision at eighty to immerse himself full time in te reo Māori. 

Through a year of learning, unlearning, sinking and floating, he writes of loss and shame, connection and wairua, teachers and whānau. 

Intimate, honest, and generous, this is the story of a Māori New Zealander reclaiming voice, history, and whakapapa in contemporary Aotearoa. 

Witi is joined by sound designer, multiinstrumentalist and composer Kingsley Spargo for a musical component.

Duration: 60 minutes