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Activist, artist, writer and performer Tāme Iti is taking his lifelong advocacy for Māori rights and identity to the Auckland Writers Festival, bringing a powerful mix of storytelling, politics, art and kaupapa Māori to audiences from across the country.
Known as one of Aotearoa’s most recognisable and influential Māori activists, Iti’s appearance at the festival marks another chapter in a career dedicated to challenging injustice, uplifting indigenous identity and pushing difficult conversations into the public spotlight.
Iti says appearing at the Auckland Writers Festival provides an important opportunity to engage directly with people through kōrero, creativity and shared reflection. His sessions are expected to explore themes of mana, resistance, identity and the ongoing struggle for Māori self-determination.
Through decades of activism and artistic expression, Iti has consistently used storytelling as a way to challenge dominant narratives and create space for te ao Māori perspectives within mainstream institutions.
His work spans visual art, performance, public speaking and writing, often blending political commentary with deeply personal reflections grounded in whakapapa, whenua and indigenous experience.
Iti says forums like the Writers Festival play a significant role in advancing te ao Māori by creating opportunities for dialogue and understanding, particularly at a time when debates around Te Tiriti o Waitangi, indigenous rights and Māori identity remain highly visible across Aotearoa.
One of the key themes in his session “Mana” is expected to centre on the enduring strength of Māori identity and the importance of remembering the histories, struggles and sacrifices that continue to shape Māori communities today.
Iti has long been associated with movements advocating for tino rangatiratanga and Māori sovereignty, becoming both a celebrated and controversial figure throughout his decades of activism.
His festival appearances are likely to draw strong interest from audiences seeking insight into the intersections between art, protest, culture and political resistance.
Looking ahead, Iti says a major focus remains inspiring the next generation of Māori voices, artists and leaders to speak confidently from a place of identity and purpose.
He believes younger generations must continue to tell their own stories, protect their culture and challenge systems that marginalise indigenous knowledge and perspectives.
The Auckland Writers Festival continues this week, featuring leading writers, thinkers, artists and public figures from Aotearoa and around the world.
