Whale Rider (2002)

Niki Caro, director & screenplay

Based on a novel by Māori writer Witi Ihimaera

Production Company: South Pacific Pictures

Set in New Zealand, the film combines realistic representations of a Māori community
with fantastic elements when the protagonist dives for the grandfather’s necklace, and
when she rides on a whale to save a stranded pod. The story relates to the myth of Paikea,
the celebrated Māori ancestor.

Which elements of Māori culture does the film introduce?

Māori: indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand (arrival around 13th century)

Tradition vs. modernization

Aftermath of colonization (16-18th century)

1840: NZ becomes a British colony

“dominion” in 1907

Independent government in 1947

1987: Māori as second official language