Pounamu, Pounamu

short stories by Ihimaera

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July 21, 2026

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Pounamu, Pounamu is a short story collection by Witi Ihimaera, first published in 1972. The title translates to "Greenstone, Greenstone" and refers to pounamu, a type of nephrite jade highly valued by the Māori people of New Zealand.123

Ihimaera's stories in this collection explore the clash between traditional Māori cultural values and the encroaching Pākehā (white, European-derived) society. They often depict the challenges faced by Māori in navigating these cultural differences and preserving their heritage in a changing world. Pounamu itself is significant, often carved into weapons, implements, or cherished heirlooms like the hei-tiki neck pendant, connecting wearers to their ancestors.214

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Witi Ihimaera
…published his first short-story collection, Pounamu, Pounamu (“Greenstone, Greenstone”). It was written for secondary-school students and presents one of his characteristic themes—traditional communal Māori society confronted by mechanized individualistic Pākehā society. His Tangi (1973; “Mourning”) is the first novel in English by a Māori author. The novel Whanau (1974; “Family”)…
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…published his first short-story collection, Pounamu, Pounamu (“Greenstone, Greenstone”). It was written for secondary-school students and presents one of his characteristic themes—traditional communal Māori society confronted by mechanized individualistic Pākehā society. His Tangi (1973; “Mourning”) is the first novel in English by a Māori author. The novel Whanau (1974; “Family”)…
Read More