Witi Ihimaera is one of New Zealands most distinguished writers. Among his novels are the award-winning Tangi, The Matricarch, Nights In The Gardens of Spain, Bulibasha King of the Gypsies, and The Dream Swimmer. He is also a short story writer, playwright, librettist and editor of many important volumes including Te Ao Marama (a 5-volume anthology of contemporary Maori writing), Mataora: Contemporary Maori Art, and Growing Up Maori. He teaches at the University of Auckland where he holds a special chair as Distinguished Creative Fellow in Maori Literature.