This timeless story tells how the courage of one Maori girl in standing against the tide of tradition enables her tribe to become reconnected with their ancestral life force. Since publication in 1987, 'The Whale Rider' has become one of Witi Ihimaera's best-loved stories, capturing readers with its universal themes of conflict between generations, respect for nature, family love and personal courage.

The film adaptation, 'Whale Rider', brought the story to an international audience.