Quote by Witi Ihimaera: “We are the guardians of the land, and the land is our guardian.”

This quote describes a reciprocal, sacred relationship between people and their environment, particularly within Māori culture. It means that humans protect the earth, and in return, the earth sustains and cares for humanity, highlighting mutual dependence and respect.

This reflects a core Māori principle of kaitiakitanga (guardianship), crucial during a period when indigenous rights to land and environmental protection were gaining prominence globally, contrasting with more exploitative Western approaches.

New Zealand Māori novelist and the first Māori writer to publish a novel in English, with Tangi appearing in 1973. His 1987 novel The Whale Rider was later adapted into the acclaimed 2002 film. His work centres on Māori identity, community, and the relationship between tradition and modernity.